Mural Brings Laurel Street in Laurens to Life

Another area of downtown Laurens comes to life with the large mural commissioned by Main Street Laurens and painted on the back of the Verdin’s Too building.

“Main Street Laurens is thrilled about our newest project in downtown,” said Jonathan Irick, Main Street Laurens Manager.  “This is an example of how Main Street Laurens’ Transformation Strategies for downtown are being implemented and can transform the community through more placemaking projects.”

The artist Lacey Hennessey has been painting professionally since 2018. Prior to that she worked in corporate event planning while creating a following and customer base for her art.  She did her first mural 1.5 year ago and now has made her mark (or brush stroke) in more than thirty states, from South Carolina to Rhode Island and has completed over seventy murals.

When asked what she likes about doing community murals Hennessey said, “It’s a collaborative effort with the client and very rewarding to take a wall that was otherwise unnoticed and transform it from a blank canvas to a conversation piece and gathering place.”

The mural on Laurel Street is thirty-three feet wide and seventeen feet high.  The design surrounds the new iron gate and new entrance to Verdin’s Too from Laurel Street.

“We love the unique beauty of the Laurens Public Square and are thrilled to help promote greater awareness of all that it has to offer,” said Kim Verdin, owner of Verdin’s Too. “This is a space that can be enjoyed by all ages!”

Inspiration for the mural comes from the history of the building.  Once the location of Dixie Home Supermarket the mural includes the sign the supermarket and several colorful and interactive elements.  Taking a close look at the mural you will find three areas to “interact” or immerse yourself in the art.  Step up to the hose and water the flowers, center yourself with the butterfly and grow wings, and find the grasshopper at child height that you can cup in your hands.

“Public art, and the arts generally, aren’t “extra.” Projects like this are essential to growing, vibrant, and thriving communities,” said Mayor Nathan Senn. “I’m extremely proud of the work being done by Main Street, the talents of the artist, and the initiative of members of our community like the Verdins who truly make our city the “pride of the Piedmont.”

Fun to interact with and just nice to look at if you are driving by, walking around downtown or hanging out at events on the square in Laurens.

Hennessey’s passion for art is visible in her work and Laurens is benefiting from her talent.  Her mediums range from digital applications to acrylic, watercolor, mixed-media collages, and textile design.  To learn more about the work of artist, Lacey Hennessey click here for her website,  here for her Facebook page and Click here for her Instagram page.

Click on the images below to view the photo gallery of the artist at work.