Murals On Main
Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia is something special. Being able to park and take a stroll to many boutique shops, locally owned dining establishments, historical sites, and fine art galleries/murals is what makes this part of the county so noteworthy!
Main Street now has 5 murals, all showcasing something wonderful about Gloucester. The community has been blessed with these pieces thanks to The Cook Foundation. This foundation has a mission to nurture and sponsor the arts in Gloucester, Virginia which allows residents & of course visitors the opportunity to experience art festivals, symphonies, galleries, murals, or art museums with out having to travel to other areas.
“Having these beautiful pieces along our Main Street is a gift to this community and those that visit. Being able to take a moment to stop and just take in the beauty is an experience within itself. I encourage everyone, if planning a trip to Main Street, to set aside some time to really study and enjoy these wonderful paintings.”
– Susan Ammons, Tourism Coordinator
The first mural that was completed in Gloucester can be found along the Main Library wall. This mural is called Life & Legend of Pocahontas by Michael Kirby and was commissioned by the Cook Foundation in 2006. Pocahontas has strong ties to this area and in addition to other sites representing her life here, this mural showcases her life and legend in an extraordinary manner.
The second mural to make its debut in Gloucester bloomed in June 2018. Narcissi, painted by Louise Jones, was completed during the Gloucester Arts Festival, and represents the “Daffodil Capital of America”. The artist for this mural was inspired by a bouquet that was given to her from our friends at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs in the Ware Neck area. This piece is always a visitor favorite and makes for the perfect backdrop for a selfie or group shot.
Gloucester has the best of both worlds. We have the beautiful farmland and open spaces, but we also have creeks, rivers, and waterways that are breathtaking. This mural called Waterman, Waterfowl but Amy Bartlett Wright, was commissioned in 2019 by the Cook Foundation. This mural represents and honors the men & women who make a living by fishing, crabbing, & oystering on our surrounding waterways. This mural is relaxing with tones of blues & greens that just pull you in and brings the River Life to Main Street.
In 2020 the T.C. Walker mural was completed and it’s a focal point to those that are entering on to Gloucester Main Street. This mural, painted by Michael Rosato, honors Thomas Calhoun who is known for being the first African American to practice law in this area. He was a teacher, lawyer, & government official. For more information on this mural and the accomplishments of T.C Walker please also visit the Gloucester Museum of History which has an entire exhibit that tells the story of his life.
Fun fact about this mural! Make sure to visit the informational kiosk located by the mural to see what objects the artist has hidden within the painting.
The final mural that was completed on Gloucester Main Street sits above one’s head and really has been all the buzz within the art community. Gloucester County is an official Bee City and this mural, painted by Matt Lively, came at the perfect time. Showcasing bright flowers and bees riding bicycles!
For more information on all of these wonderful additions to our Main Street Area please visit
https://www.thecookfoundation.org/mural or The Gloucester Arts Festival on Facebook!