Artist Stephanie Akers has started a “pet mural” project on a wall along First and Roanoke streets in Christiansburg. The art will benefit the Montgomery County Assistance Program.
Marty Gordon
Pets sometimes mean more to people than other family members. They are best friends or in some cases even a person’s child. We love them, and it’s hard to say goodbye when that day comes.
Well, a local artist has a way to remember citizens’ favorite pets. Christiansburg’s Stephanie Akers is placing an ongoing mural on the sidewall of the former cash register building at the corner of Roanoke and First Streets.
The artwork will face the Hardees restaurant to the rear of the building adjacent to the Montgomery County Courthouse.
A local resident approached Akers with the idea after being inspired by similar murals he had seen. She jumped at the chance because of her passion for art and her love for the community and animals.
The pet mural project will help raise funds for the Montgomery County Assistance Program (MCEAP), whose mission is to assist Montgomery County residents in maintaining households and restoring their self-sufficiency. The paintings can be of a pet that has passed or is still living.
“I am blessed to take this opportunity to give back and to help others in need,” Akers said.
A $100 donation will have your pet featured on the mural wall. Akers will paint the pet from a photograph provided by each family.
After almost a year of having the concept approved by MCEAP, the building owner and town council, she was given the green light to go ahead with the project. Akers started the mural this past week, and passing motorists are already starting to see pets pop up on the wall.
Half of the donation will go directly to MCEAP and the other half goes to supplies (paint, scaffolding, etc.).
Akers is asking interested parties to provide a detailed, full body photograph of their pet. “Sending several pics is always a good idea so that I get the likeness of your pet. If you pet is no longer with us, I can put a halo on the animal’s head by your request,” she said.
This will be an ongoing project until Akers covers the entire wall.
“I am anticipating roughly 200-300 animals will fit on there,” she said. “Any pets or other animals are welcome. If you are one of the first to make a donation, your pet will be closer to the front of the painting as I will be working from the ground to the background. I’m really looking forward to getting it going and get to use my creativity in a positive way.”
The idea of murals is not new to the artist who studied at Radford University where she studied portrait art, pastels and acrylics.
“I have dabbled in many creative jobs since I graduated. I have painted other murals, one being near the courthouse in Pearisburg, and I painted murals in a doctor’s office on the nurse’s stations at Physicians to Children, located in Roanoke,” Akers said.
She has also taught acrylic painting and other art classes to adults and children over the years, which has helped her work. She is currently a full-time artist.
Some of her work can be viewed at her online shop at etsy.com/shop/stephsellsart. Those interested can also view her work at facebook.com/StephanieAkersArt.
She also has artwork displayed and for sale at “ARTSon8,” a new art gallery located on Route 8 in Riner.
There are two ways to make donation for the pet murral project: 1) at the MCEAP Thrift Store at 300 W Main St., or by mailing a check and photograph to the MCEAP store at 110 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA, 24073.
