Nokesville Mural off Route 28 South

Welcome to Nokesville

This "Welcome to Nokesville" landmark, is a familiar sight to all who drive the scenic countryside of Nokesville, VA. This wonderful, imaginative work is the creation of muralist Sylvia Lindemann. She approached Tom Hawkins (now deceased) about creating it in 1992 for a radio contest. It took 4 months to complete and it has since resided on the side of the Hawkins' Family's 75 year old, John Deere colored barn. In 1998 Esther Duncan restored the painting after the barn was repaired. The painting has been published numerous times in various publications over the years. Joanne Hawkins shared her treasure trove of newspaper clippings, local magazine stories, a calendar, as well as a book about country barns that illustrate this whimsical landmark. In one article Mr. Hawkins described the mural by saying "See how happy them things are as how he wanted the world around him to be...I want happiness." This mural has certainly brought much joy to the motorists passing through Nokesville.

Currently the picture of the barn has been recreated in a painting by local artist Charlotte Pavone; on cards created by the Nokesville Business Association; and on the lids of collector's baskets that are sold by the "Friends Uniting Nokesville." The barn is again in need of repair and now somebody is exploring the possibility of saving the mural as a billboard to keep the happiness the mural brings alive.

 

Date Published: 2007-07-11 06:00:00

Section: Local News,