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LAURINBURG — Acclaimed artist Max Dowdle is embarking on an ambitious endeavor to paint 100 murals in North Carolina’s 100 counties within the next five years.
That endeavor, “Legacy NC 100 Murals in 100 Counties,” has started in Scotland County, with the City of Laurinburg acting as Dowdle’s inaugural canvas.
“This is a very special project because this is number one of 100,” Dowdle told The Laurinburg Exchange.
The artist learned of the city’s interest in murals from the daughter of Laurinburg Mayor Jim Willis. Through the connection, Dowdle was able to pitch his plan before city officials, which was to create a mural that not only showcased his work but also highlighted the legacy of each community by calling attention to notable, undertold and untold stories.
“They loved it and they had a subject matter readily available which was the Laurinburg Institute which for me was great because it really hits all the boxes of what I want to accomplish with legacy,” Dowdle said.
Read More: Laurinburg Exchange
About the Mural:
"The mural represents Emmanuel and Tiny McDuffie, who walked from Alabama to NC and opened "The Laurinburg Institute" in September 1904. The school opened with only a one-room building. They hoped to offer black children guidance and a quality education.
The other 3 gentlemen in the mural attended The Institute. Charlie Scott and Sam Jones went on to play professional basketball. Dizzie Gillespie became a professional jazz musician.
The mural is in Laurinburg's McDuffie Square, recently built and now serves as the location for Laurinburg's downtown events."
Susan Coble Morrison
Downtown Development Program Coordinator
City of Laurinburg
Learn More About the Institute's Rich History: The Laurinburg Institute