Hilliard 197

The Mural:

The mural at Hi-Wire Brewing, 197 Hilliard Avenue, was created by artist Ian Wilkinson to make the once very ordinary building more noticeable.  Now impossible to miss, this colorful explosion pops out of the landscape as an invitation for fun. Fun and interesting is what Hi-Wire strives for as they honor the tradition of craft beer while not taking themselves too seriously. In keeping with their carnival vibe, the mural is created to look like a circus tent, embracing the spirit of the brewery, and in their words, “this little circus town we call Asheville.”  

The tight-rope walker and the silhouette figures found on the side and front building façade were created at an earlier date by artists Josh Spiceland and Gabriel Shaffer.  The walker concept was inspired by the brewery’s flagship lager label designed by a North Carolina artist. 

Artist: Ian Wilkinson

Ian Wilkinson is a painter and nationally recognized muralist with works in the national mural registry. Through his work, Ian recognizes the power and obligation of the artist’s platform to do good, empower people and create change. For Ian, working in the public realm is a tool, a way of telling a story, of communicating, of giving a voice to the voiceless. With this he welcomes the potential to provoke, to challenge, but ultimately to enrich the viewer. Finding value in creating work that maintains its relevance, Ian’s work embodies the universal principles of truth, connection and our basic humanity.

For more about Ian Wilkinson: www.ianthepainter.com 

Instagram: @ianthepainter