Flower People: Murals on the A.T.
Murals on the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is just under 2200 miles long and extends along the Eastern Appalachian mountains of the United States from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. In 2020, I hiked nearly 1500 miles of the trail. When I returned from my four month hike, I created “Flower People” in the series Keep Walking.
In May and June of 2021, I returned to the A.T. and painted six murals at hostels on the trail in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee (see map). I connected with hostels that I had stayed at the previous year as a hiker and offered to paint a mural in my style of “Flower People” anywhere at their hostel on a work-for-stay/donation-basis.
Since this trip, “Flower People” have made their way into murals in Michigan, Illinois, and Georgia. In 2022, I returned to complete hiking the entire 2194 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Flower People
After hiking over mountains and through the rural small towns of the United States for four months, I shifted my focus from feminist issues to thoughts on how to simply get through the day. Walking became a meditative process and the trail was a way for me to withdraw from social media and the uncertainty of the world. The “Flower People” reflect the joy, excitement, and wonder of experiencing the forest, while also showcasing the mental fatigue and aching pains of constant walking.
The drawing on the right is the first “Flower Person.” Walking along in both a solemn and silly manner, the flower person and dog carry umbrellas. Below is a gallery of other “Flower People” doing a variety of activities.
Stanimal’s 328 Hostel
Waynesboro, VA
The first mural on our trip was at Stanimal’s in Waynesboro, VA. After staying here in September of 2020, I knew that it would be a great place to reconnect with and start this new journey. We painted two walls in the basement —making it a more inviting and colorful space.
Stanimal's 328 Hostel in Waynesboro, VA, Mountain Landscape I, 7x10 feet, latex paint on drywall, May 2021
Stanimal's 328 Hostel in Waynesboro, VA, Flower and dog portrait, 7x10 feet, latex paint on drywall, May 2021
Stanimal’s 328 Hostel
Glasgow, VA
Our second mural along the Appalachian Trail was in Glasgow, VA. We glued and nailed two thin sheets of plywood and primed them to create this 7x7 foot mural. This covered outdoor space welcomes hikers coming off the trail and provides a great space for hanging out and meeting people.
Angels Rest Hiker’s Haven
Pearisburg, VA
Angel’s Rest is a spacious and peaceful hostel. This shed was located in an area used for tenting and hammocking. It was an exciting challenge to paint over siding and doors and transform the front of this building.
Before picture at Angels Rest Hiker's Haven, Flower and Bee portrait, latex paint on siding and plywood, 7x10 feet, May 2021
Angels Rest Hiker's Haven, Flower and Bee portrait, latex paint on siding and plywood, 7x10 feet, May 2021
Lickskillet Hostel in Bland, VA
Our fourth stop on the Appalachian trail was at Lickskillet Hostel. The owner, Mongo, renovated an old church in Bland, VA and put in bunks, couches, and a kitchenette. Hikers are able to comfortably sleep inside, shower, do laundry, and most importantly, eat. This hostel works on a donation basis, just like how we offered our murals. It’s hard to imagine, but it can work on the Appalachian trail!
Detail at Lickskillet Hostel in Bland VA, Mountain landscape III, 6x18 feet, latex paint on drywall, May 2021
Detail at Lickskillet Hostel in Bland VA, Mountain landscape III, 6x18 feet, latex paint on drywall, May 2021
Detail at Lickskillet Hostel in Bland VA, Mountain landscape III, 6x18 feet, latex paint on drywall, May 2021
Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel Cabins and Camping
Erwin, TN
At this hostel, we were asked to paint the bathroom doors with “Flower People.” Gendering these characters was a new experience, but they became colorful, life-size portraits of Flower People.
Uncle Johnny's Hostel, Men's Room portrait, 2.5x7 feet, latex paint on wood, May 2021
Uncle Johnny's Hostel, Women's Room portrait, 2.5x7 feet, latex paint on wood, May 2021
Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel
Hot Springs, NC
Directly welcoming North-bound hikers coming off the trail, Laughing Heart was our final stop on the Appalachian Trail. We completed this blue and purple mountain landscape to compliment the brown fencing and historic building.
Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel in Hot Springs, NC, Mountain landscape IV, 6x15 feet, latex paint on wood fencing, June 2021