NORTH AUGUSTA — Murals are not new for Jason Craig.
But painting one on all surfaces of a tunnel including the ceiling was.
“Believe it not, painting a tunnel is not as easy as I made it look. I think it would take most people more than a week. Next time, if there is a next time, I will probably budget way more than a week to paint it,” said Craig at the June 25 ribbon cutting for the mural on the Center Street Tunnel on the Greeneway just below the municipal building.
Craig came up with the design for the mural on the 2,700 square foot tunnel; a team of about 10 volunteers helped with the painting process.
The mural highlights the plants and animals living in North Augusta’s Brick Ponds.
It’s the second large scale project he’s finished this month. He also painted a 2,300 square-foot mural on Kendrick Paint and Body on Broad Street.
The mural is the result of a collaboration between North Augusta Forward and the city of North Augusta.
North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams said it was the fourth collaboration between the two entities since March 2023. He was impressed with the project that took “something ugly and drab and now look at it.”
Craig, who lives in North Augusta, said he draws out his ideas all the time. He passes the area daily. The creatures living near the brick ponds and Greeneway have inspired some of the artwork in his own home, but this is a project others will be able to see and enjoy.
“It’s not every day that I get to make something that affects so many people every day. To do something like this means a lot to me,” he said.
North Augusta Forward is a non-profit with a goal of improving the quality of life for North Augustans. It has six initiatives it focuses on.
“We are super excited about this project,” said Avery Spears-Mahoney, North Augusta Forward executive director.
Craig’s mural is the first public art piece championed by North Augusta Forward, and it probably won’t be the last.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
