Renewal in Color: A Mural for Tanger Outlets

Public art has the power to tell stories, foster healing, and transform spaces into reflections of shared experiences. My work as an artist has always been driven by the ties that bind us to one another and connects us to something deeper within us. When Tanger Outlets in Asheville approached me for a mural project, I saw an opportunity to explore the journey of healing—how it unfolds in stages, how it demands patience, and how it ultimately leads to renewal.

The result is a public art installation that speaks to the four stages of healing in the wake of Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene—each step is illustrated through bold design, color, and form, blending contemporary mural design with storytelling.

The Overthinker: Chaos Before Clarity

Starting over after devastation is never straightforward. The Overthinker captures the swirling uncertainty that follows disaster. Sharp angles and bold color contrasts mirror the disarray of emotions, disrupted landscapes, and fractured routines.

Holding Space: Stillness and Reflection

Healing does not begin with immediate action—it starts with acknowledgment. Holding Space represents that essential pause, the time we take to sit with grief, process loss, and recognize our own resilience. With fluid forms and a grounded composition, this section of the mural serves as a reminder that stillness is not stagnation but an integral part of renewal.

Nurture: The Power of Patience

Rebuilding requires patience. Nurture illustrates the care needed to restore what was lost, emphasizing growth and connection. Just as nature slowly reclaims what was taken, we, too, must tend to our spirits, our homes, and our relationships with mindful dedication. Healing is a slow and intentional process, one that requires consistent effort and compassion.

Flourish: The Transformation

True healing is not about returning to what was but about moving forward into something new. Flourish is the culmination of the journey—the moment when we realize that renewal has been happening all along. It embodies the resilience of those who have endured, representing rebirth, transformation, and the beauty of a future shaped by strength and wisdom.

This mural at Tanger Outlets is more than just an art installation—it’s a reflection of collective resilience, a tribute to the power of community, and a reminder that healing, though nonlinear, is always leading us toward renewal.

If you're interested in large-scale mural commissions, contemporary mural design, or public art that fosters community connection, visit my website or follow my journey on social media. To see this mural in person, visit Tanger Outlets in Asheville, NC.

I hope it brings a sense of reflection and inspiration to all who encounter it.