Textile History Mural, North Newton
Located: 1100 N. Main Ave, Newton NC 28658
The recently completed mural in North Newton serves as a vibrant homage to the often-overlooked history of the diverse individuals who contributed to the success of the textile mills. It is a dynamic depiction that seamlessly weaves together various eras and narratives.
At its heart, the mural pays tribute to the laborers who toiled in the mills across different eras. One section features children, emblematic of the use of child labor in the early 1900’s, while another portrays a man operating a weaving machine, capturing the essence of 1925 industrial life. Additionally, photographs depict a black man and woman engaged in mill work during the 1960s and '70s, underscoring the importance of racial diversity in the industry's workforce.
The mural's palette bursts with vibrant hues, drawing attention to the intricate details of its design. Among these details are representations of local flora, such as the dogwoods, the state flower of North Carolina, and the Catawba rhododendron named after the Catawba river. Notably, the inclusion of cotton and periwinkle flowers carries profound symbolism; cotton evokes the agricultural roots of the textile industry, while the periwinkle embodies the endurance and legacy of African Americans.
Embedded within the mural are elements that speak to the craftsmanship and artistry intrinsic to textile production. A hand manipulating yarns and a cotton quilt fabric adorned with a cotton motif serve as potent reminders of the skill and creativity required in the trade.
Beyond its historical narrative, the mural aspires to catalyze economic development in North Newton while fostering a sense of community pride. Through its rich colors and collage of imagery, it serves as a visual testament to the resilience and contributions of diverse individuals, ensuring their stories are not forgotten. This masterpiece stands not only as a work of art but also as a beacon of unity and empowerment for the local community.
Click the image to view the video
Click the image to view the video.
Co-Founding members, Anaϊs Labrèque and Dominic Laporte, are continually striving to implement public art projects, as a tool to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Dominic's prolific career boasts over 90 mural projects; his portfolio includes large-scale commissions for prestigious institutions such as Canada's Museum of Science & Technology, Live Nation Canada, Street Art Toronto, and Adidas, among others. He has also been a featured artist at various mural festivals worldwide, such as Noisy Waters Mural Festival and PLNTNG Seeds in the United States, Sibiu International Street Art Festival in Romania, and numerous Canadian mural festivals. His artistic evolution is a testament to his dedication to engaging with audiences beyond traditional gallery spaces, using murals as a medium to bridge diverse perspectives. Dom’s blending of traditional painting techniques with innovative mixed-media approaches reflects a profound connection to the natural world, exploring themes of interdependence and mutual respect among species. Through his art, he invites viewers to contemplate their role within the intricate web of life.
Anaϊs Labrèque, co-founder of DRIFT Mural Co. is the bilingual (FR/ENG) project manager for large scale mural projects. She has been consulting and collaborating on mural projects behind the scenes with Dominic for close to 8 years. Anaïs brings a breath of fresh perspective into their collaborative efforts, drawing from her passion for research, documentation, and her experiences from travels to infuse the work with narratives that resonate deeply with the communities they serve. She serves as the backbone of the team, seamlessly managing the often-forgotten logistical intricacies of operating an international public art company while also contributing hands-on to the painting process. Her multifaceted role underscores DRIFT’s commitment to artistic engagement and community connection.
Together, with their shared passion of their passion for community-based and accessible art forms, they strive to implement a variety of mural projects in communities around the world, celebrating each one's unique identity through the power of public art.
Photo credit: Cory Conty
The mural was completed over a two week period in March 2024.
The artists used a combination of latex paint for color blocking and artist grade spray paints for detail.
Using two boom lifts the artists first created a doodle grid on the wall, covering it with nonsensical markings. This allows the artists to then photograph the doodle grid and superimpose their design image over top using a tablet. This gives the artists reference marks to work from when transferring their design to the wall.
It was exciting for the community to watch as the mural started to take shape and come to life!
Title : Woven Within Our Lives
The mural project Drift Mural Co implemented for the Newton Public Art Commission is a diverse representation of those who worked in the textile industry throughout Catawba County and North Carolina. Portrayed in a harmonious composition that offers the viewer a vibrant and dynamic narrative that leads the eye between portraits, figures, textiles and elements of the local nature, in Dom's signature style. We used a unique layering combination of acrylic and spray paint to achieve the impact that this project and the community deserves.
We could not bring this level of public art to Newton without help from our generous sponsors:
The Estate of Ken and Betty Isaac
United Arts Council of Catawba County
Corning Incorporated Foundation
Keep Catawba County Beautiful