South Slope

The Mural:

Chemist Spirits, 151 Coxe Avenue, features “South Slope," a mural designed by James Donaldson, Creative Director of Chemist, and Scott Allred of Brushcan Custom Murals.  The goal of this work was to celebrate the present day South Slope brewing district while honoring the businesses that existed in the area a century ago. Many of the phone numbers and business names listed are authentic to the time, Mountain City Laundry and Sawyer Motor Company among them. Painted in a style that resembles “ghost signs” that remain from businesses long ago, the mural was created by adding and removing paint in a way that would mimic the wear and fading that happens over time.

Referenced in the “South Slope” mural is Asheville’s historic Battery Park Hotel and its prominent developer Edwin Wiley Grove. In 1924, to build his Battery Park Hotel, Grove had to relocate a mountain of dirt from the hotel site to fill a gully, creating what is now the current Coxe Avenue.  Grove, along with his notable Asheville projects, also created Grove’s Tasteless Tonic Chill, a malaria remedy claimed to have sold more bottles than Coca-Cola in 1890. Chemist Spirits sits on what used to be Edwin W. Grove's property. 

Additional Work:

On the far left of the Chemist building is another work, “The Chemist” also by James Donaldson and Scott Allred. This work is hand painted, created to resemble a vintage advertising poster. Chemist’s custom 24K gold-leaf signage was also created by artist Scott Allred of Brushcan Custom Murals.

Artist: Brushcan Custom Murals

Brushcan Custom Murals offers a combination of art and design services including high quality murals, signs and specialty/faux finishes for a diverse clientele. Created in 2014 by artists Scott Allred and Jeremy Russell, Brushcan has contributed many murals to the South Slope neighborhood and the greater Asheville area. Currently, Scott continues to operate Brushcan while Jeremy now focuses on his fine art career. 

Scott Allred has worked as a custom sign painter, graphic designer, and muralist for over 30 years.  Beginning his career as a scenic painter for an international  theme park company, Scott developed a wide range of skills and techniques that still inform his work today.   Preferring traditional methods of working, his murals are mostly hand-painted with an often historic and classic feel.  

To learn more about Scott Allred: www.brushcan.com

Instagram: @brushcan