Marshall Art Markers Project

Marshall is a unique and historic mountain town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River. Just 20 miles north of Asheville, Marshall is home to one of the oldest ballad singing traditions in the southern Appalachians and a growing community of artists and creative entrepreneurs. Perhaps the only mountain town that hosts a Mermaid Parade and has its own radio station, Marshall’s mix of tradition, creativity and community attracts visitors from across the region. A local team of arts, government and community leaders, worked with the N.C. Arts Council, through the SmART Communities program, to develop a national RFQ for the Marshall Art Markers project. Stone Cloud Studio was selected to design a system of visual art markers to connect the arts and cultural assets from downtown Marshall across the French Broad River to Blannahassett Island, home of Marshall High Studios.
In 2020, the project was shut down due to the pandemic. In 2021, the Rural Arts Engagement grant program provided the opportunity for artists to complete four murals and eight bronze medallions that are inspired by the cultural assets and natural beauty of Marshall.
A community unveiling and celebration was held in Marshall on July 21, 2022.