Fayetteville Artist Embarks on Transformative Mural Project

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Renowned Fayetteville-based artist Joëlle Storet has embarked on a monumental endeavor to enrich the city's public art collection with the creation of the Nelson Hackett Boulevard mural. Spanning an impressive 90 feet, this vibrant installment promises to captivate both pedestrians and motorists alike.

Drawing from her unique background, Storet infuses her work with inspiration gleaned from her Belgian-Congolese heritage, having immigrated to the United States from Austria in 2001. Her selection for this prestigious project came through a collaborative effort involving the Fayetteville Arts Council, members of the Historic District Commission, and the Black Historic Preservation Commission.

Anticipated to be completed by June 15th, the mural's installation may necessitate brief closures of sidewalk sections and buffer spaces along Nelson Hackett. To ensure safety, the City of Fayetteville urges vigilance from drivers and pedestrians, advising them to heed signage and be mindful of workers and equipment in the vicinity.

The project's call for proposals, issued in March, emphasized the creation of a "single, site-specific mural reflecting themes of movement, justice, and connectivity." Storet's vision for the mural is ambitious, aiming to weave together depictions of Nelson Hackett, local landmarks, and historical figures to celebrate the rich tapestry of Fayetteville's history and diversity.

According to Joanna Sheehan Bell, Arts and Culture Director, Storet's mural will not only transform the visual landscape of the area but also serve as a catalyst for community engagement.

This endeavor marks a pivotal step in the ongoing initiative to adorn the 500-foot-long concrete retaining wall along Nelson Hackett with murals, a project set to culminate by Fayetteville's bicentennial in 2028.