Last Updated on August 13, 2024 10:20 am
Boone, NC – (August 12, 2024) – The vibrant community of Boone is thrilled to announce the
unveiling of the highly anticipated Hellbender Mural by renowned artist Josh Johnston. This
stunning piece of public art, the last in the Center For Biological Diversity’s “Endangered
Species Mural Project” series, is located in the heart of downtown Boone on Howard Street. The
mural celebrates the Hellbender, a long-lived giant salamander exclusively found in the eastern
United States. These “living fossils” represent healthy and abundant streams across Southern
Appalachia, and highlight the importance of preserving our local waterways. Like many aquatic
species featured in the mural, Hellbender populations are on the decline throughout most of
their range due to a combination of stressors such as habitat loss, sedimentation, pollution, and
predation.
The Hellbender Mural is a collaborative effort between several dedicated organizations,
including The Center for Biological Diversity, Boone Town Council, Downtown Boone
Development Association, MountainTrue, Watauga Arts Council, and the Turchin Center for the
Visual Arts. These partners have come together with a shared vision to raise awareness about
local fauna and flora, while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship within the
community.
Andy Hill, the Watauga Riverkeeper, expressed his excitement about the mural, saying, “This
artwork not only beautifies our downtown but also serves as a powerful reminder of the
importance of protecting our rivers and streams. Hellbenders are a vital indicator of water
quality, and this mural will inspire both residents and visitors to appreciate and safeguard our
natural resources.”
The mural's unveiling will be marked by a public ceremony on August 23, 2024 from 4-6pm,
featuring remarks from the artist, representatives from the collaborating organizations and local
officials. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist, learn more about the Hellbender,
and engage in activities that promote environmental awareness.
Josh Johnston's artistic vision has brought to life the mysterious and captivating Hellbender,
capturing its essence and the rich biodiversity of the region. The mural serves as a beacon of
conservation and a testament to the power of art in promoting ecological consciousness.
Join us in celebrating this magnificent addition to Boone's public art landscape and in supporting
the ongoing efforts to protect our waterways and wildlife. For more information about the
unveiling ceremony and the Hellbender Mural project, please contact Lane Moody:
lane.moody@townofboone.net.
About the Collaborators:
The Center for Biological Diversity: A national nonprofit organization dedicated to the
protection of endangered species and their habitats.
Downtown Boone Development Association: Focuses on the economic and cultural
development of downtown Boone.
Watauga Arts Council: Promotes the arts in Watauga County through various programs and
initiatives.
MountainTrue: Champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in
Western North Carolina.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts: Enhances the cultural landscape of the Appalachian
region through diverse and accessible visual arts programs.
Have you seen Hellbender?
The public can help biologists in their conservation efforts by reporting hellbender observations
to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and submitting their observations (date, location,
photo) to lori.williams@ncwildlife.org. Eastern hellbenders are a state-listed species of special
concern, because they are a protected species in North Carolina, it is illegal to kill, harm, collect,
harass or sell them.
