Northside HS Senior creates new mural for downtown Roanoke as part of Art Gallery

ROANOKE, Va. ( WFXR )– The Western Virginia Water Authority and Roanoke Public Libraries announced it is hosting a public art gallery until July 26 at the Roanoke Main Library in Downtown Roanoke.

The art gallery features work from more than 30 local high school artists who submitted original works, including paintings, pencil drawings, and digital art based on this year’s theme, ‘Our Valley’s Clean Water Future.’ The contest was created to showcase young artists and celebrate the water authority’s twenty years of service and all pieces of art will be displayed in the public gallery at the Roanoke Main Library.

“The mission of the Roanoke Public Libraries is to engage, educate, and empower the Roanoke community,” said Sheila S. Umberger , Director of the Roanoke Public Libraries. “This partnership with the Western Virginia Water Authority is a delightful way to engage with young artists and to give the community a chance to celebrate and be inspired by their amazing work. We are thrilled to be hosting this display of outstanding art.”

As a part of the art gallery, the Western Virginia Water Authority is honoring the 20th winner of the company’s mural contest, rising Northside High School senior Elena Morales. Her work was selected to be reproduced for a 24-foot x 35-foot mural on the west side of the Authority’s Administrative building on S. Jefferson Street.

The Authority says the new mural was painted on the building last week.

“This art contest is an extension of that outreach and another example of the Authority’s commitment to educating and inspiring the Roanoke Valley’s youth,” said Director of Public Relations for the Water Authority Sarah Baumgardner .”We’re very happy to have received so many wonderful art submissions from talented young people and are excited to showcase the art on our building and at this gallery in partnership with the Roanoke Public Libraries. said Director of Public Relations for the Water Authority Sarah Baumgardner. “

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