Experience Old Town Warrenton’s (EOTW) “You Are Home” mural is almost complete! The new mural, which showcases the Blue Ridge mountains in a bold and bright style, sits at the corner of Main and Culpeper Streets—a prominent intersection and entryway into downtown.

It took EOTW a while to find a suitable location for the welcome mural, but when Matt Carson, EOTW board member and owner of Britches Great Outdoors, purchased the building his business occupied, the stars aligned.

The mural features the work of a local artist and business owner, Taylor Boyd Studios. Boyd’s work is well-known in the community, and she opened a studio on Fifth Street earlier this year. She began working on the mural in September and put in full days in a variety of weather conditions and even during downtown events such as Old Town After Hours. Downtown residents and visitors began taking their lunch and/or coffee breaks by the mural to watch her in action. And, once work on the mural began, Carson decided to paint the entire building and add some lighting to really showcase it.

Boyd’s unique, fun, and colorful style created a beautiful welcome sign for the district, and EOTW is thrilled to see that it has already gained a ton of (Insta)attention. Newly engaged and married couples have been spotted using the mural as a background for their engagement and wedding photos.

This project has been in the works for over a year, and we’re so happy to see it come to fruition. I believe we accomplished our goal to create a piece of public art that serves as a welcome to those entering Old Town Warrenton and to bring joy to all who see it.

Joelle Fryman, EOTW Executive Director

The final element, a 3D fox, has been ordered and is in fabrication. The sculptural fox will be installed in the far-left corner of the mural, coming out of its den. The fox is a nod to Fauquier County’s fox hunting tradition, which dates back to the 1800s. Also forthcoming is a plaque that will include information about the mural and muralist, along with a QR code and #lovewarrenton.

The mural was made possible thanks to financial support from The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, The PATH Foundation, and a number of private investors. Additionally, the Town of Warrenton, Sunbelt Rentals, and The Paint Shop provided in-kind support.

Photo credit: Experience Old Town Warrenton