Adam Schrimmer of Blank Canvas Mural Company to design three murals in Travelers Rest
August 7, 2023
Adam Schrimmer, Lead Artist and Owner at Blank Canvas Mural Company, was selected by businesses in the city of Travelers Rest to design and paint three murals as part of the city’s on-going Façade Improvement Program (FIP). The mural locations are 106 South Main Street, (Urban Hare) 331 South Main Street (TR’s Oriental) and 301 South Main Street, (Loftis Printing) Travelers Rest, SC 29690. Work on the first mural at Urban Hare has just begun.
Schrimmer will hand-paint custom illustrations on three horizontal, unwindowed walls on three buildings that will bookend the town of Travelers Rest. “Murals are a way that communities express themselves through accessible art, which tells
stories of their city. We are super excited to see these murals come to life in such a visible way that is very uniquely TR,” said Travelers Rest Mayor Brandy Amidon.
Schrimmer met with dozens of residents and businesses in Travelers Rest to discuss the concepts and content of each mural to find out what was important tothe community. “I was interested in the individual stories and the history of the town because I wanted to create lasting artwork that generations can enjoy. This collaborative effort between the community and Blank Canvas, and the relationships that were forged, were invaluable in creating these illustrative murals,” said Schrimmer.
Each mural is funded by public and private sources, and the city of Travelers Rest contributes fifty percent of the total project cost from FIP funds. Other funding sources include businesses, property owners, and funds raised from a Go Fund
Me campaign. Donations can be made by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/two-new-tr-murals.
First Mural: 106 South Main Street — Urban Hare
The first mural will be located on the building that houses the retail store, Urban Hare. Artwork will feature a vintage European poster-like scene of a female cyclist with flowers in her bike basket, a hare, and Paris Mountain the background.
Second Mural: 331 South Main Street – TR’s Oriental Restaurant
The second mural will be located on the side of the building that houses TR Oriental Restaurant. Artwork will feature the slogan, “Where Travelers Come to Rest,” scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, a lake and puffy white clouds in the signature colors of Travelers Rest, blue, orange and yellow.
Third Mural: 301 South Main Street — Loftis Printing Company
The third mural will be located on the side of the building that houses Loftis Printing Company. Artwork will look like a vintage postcard with giant letters spelling out Travelers Rest, and inside the letters will be illustrations such as Chico Bolin (a former TR resident and Marine), the Skyland Drive-In and the Spring Park Inn.
About Blank Canvas Mural Company
Blank Canvas Mural Company is a national mural design company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Blank Canvas specializes in community engagement and commercial based projects and has painted murals across the country. Their murals can be found at the One Miami Condominium and Vivo Living Apartments in Florida, Facebook offices in North Carolina as well as throughout the City of Greenville, South Carolina at Michelin, Fluor Field, Aloft Hotels, Hampton Station, Poe West, Ally Coffee, Birds Fly South, Wofford College, Christ Church Episcopal School, Goodwill Industries, and Shriners Children’s Greenville. In addition to large scale mural projects, Blank Canvas works closely with schools across South Carolina to bring art-making experiences to students through artist-in-residence programs.
About Travelers Rest
Named in Southern Living magazine as one of “The South’s Best Small Towns,” and featured in nationally recognized travel journals, Travelers Rest is a welcoming small town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile hiking and biking rail-to-trail greenway, Travelers Rest appeals to outdoor enthusiasts for its proximity to miles of beautiful trails, waterfalls, lakes, and the area’s renowned scenic drives and mountain vistas. Downtown is filled with fun boutiques for browsing and over 20 popular, farm to table restaurants, pubs and eateries. To learn more about the city visit: www.TravelersRestSC.com.Visit.
