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New mural brings new art, talent to library |
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Thursday, 16 August 2007 |
by JULIA HARR
Lifestyles Reporter
If there is one thing Irwin and Carol Grotnes Belk want Appalachian State University students to remember it is to “do better and make it better.”
This phrase is one part of the new mural decorating the atrium in the Belk Library & Information Commons.
The painting, titled “The Quest for Knowledge” and created by artist Brenda Mauney Councill, was sponsored by the Belks as an addition to the entrance of the library.
“Everyone
that comes in will have to pause and reflect and that’s what a library
should do,” Appalachian State University Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock
said at the unveiling ceremony Aug 9.
Peacock,
Councill, the Belks and university librarian Mary Reichel attended the
event, as well as several elected officials including JP Lawrence, John
Cooper, and Cullie Tarleton.
The unveiling boasted a large crowd and had standing room only.
However, because the unveiling took place between sessions, few students were in attendance.
“I’m really glad I came,” said Julie L. Magnussen, a senior psychology
major. “It was great to be able to put a face on Irwin Belk. I see his
name all around campus and now it’s nice to have a face to go with
that.”
Councill’s roots are in Watauga County although she grew up in Jacksonville, Fla.
Irwin Belk said Councill’s great grandfather was the first medical doctor in the area.
Councill specializes in murals and dome paintings.
She was recognized for her talents at the age of seven and had her first show at 11.
Peacock met her at a book review in Blowing Rock.
Reichel said Councill spent two months working about eight hours each
day on a 75 ft. tall scaffold in the middle of the library’s atrium to
complete the project.
The finished product was divided into two sections: one on the top floor of the building and the other on the second level.
 | Derek DeSha | Chief Photographer
Artist
Brenda Mauney Councill unveiled her mural Aug. 9 in the atrium of the
Carol G. Belk Library and Information Commons. Titled “The Quest for
Knowledge,” Councill created three series of murals along different
floors of the atrium. The series of scrolls pictured on the lower level
depict knowledge found in the library. |
Depictions of athletics and academia dominate the lower mural’s 16 panels.
Departments ranging from biology to dance illuminate the wall and share
space with a commemoration to Watauga Academy and the national football
championships.
Another attribute of the mural is a series of scrolls depicting ancient
forms of communication including hieroglyphics and cuneiform and
represent the depository of information into the library.
Councill intended for the mural to create the illusion that the panels have dimension.
Paintings of Linville Falls, Lincove Viaduct, Grandfather Mountain and
the Blowing Rock grace the walls of the upper portion of the mural.
Depictions of plant life found in the Blue Ridge Mountains separate the different attractions.
“I painted this to resemble limestone,” Councill said.
Between the upper and lower murals are quotes from historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson.
“I really love the quotes. It will be nice to come in here and read them whenever I want,” Magnussen said.
“I dedicate this mural, aptly named the Quest for Knowledge, to the
heritage of the mountain spirit, to that independence of learning that
can only be found in a library, and to current and future students,
faculty, staff and all others who enter this building and are enriched
by the mural,” Peacock said in his dedication.
“Ike Belk has enriched this campus with art,” Peacock said. “Not many campuses have anything like this.”
Belk provided funding for the sculpture of the dancers in the atrium of
the library, as well as the children reading directly outside of it.
He also sponsored the Touchdown Yosef at the base of Stadium Drive.
“Carol and I are delighted to have a small part in this,” Irwin Belk said. “[Councill] has really done an outstanding job.”
“It’s heartwarming to see someone with deep roots here make their mark,” Magnussen said. “She is doing what she loves.”
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