The Art Wooten Mural is located in downtown Sparta. I had a little trouble finding this one, though. All I knew was that it was on the side of the Sparta Candle Building, but from the street, there was no side. It is on the "side" of the building, but in the back, and I could not see it from the corner.
This is the 16th mural painted on the North Carolina Musicians Trail. Scott Nurkin knocked it out of the park again with another spitting image of the musician. If you don't know, the North Carolina Musicians Trail started as a way to recognize the musicians born in North Carolina. Scott Nurkin has been painting these artists in their hometowns, and I've traveled all over the state to see his work and learn about the musicians.
Art Wooten never really got the name recognition he deserved, but he was a talented instrumentalist. He was the first fiddler hired by Bill Monroe for the Blue Grass Boys. The group played the Grand Ole Opry. Wooten played the fiddle for the group's well-known song, "Orange Blossom Special." He then went on to play the fiddle for the Stanley Brothers. He was known in Sparta as a one-man band and could play the guitar, organ, and percussion instruments at the same time by creating a special contraption. He was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame posthumously to mark his status as a musical pioneer.
Much like the Del Reeves artwork nearby, this mural stands as a proud, beautiful reminder of the deep roots country and bluegrass music have in Alleghany County. Finding these hidden artistic gems tucked away in downtown Sparta makes the whole road trip worthwhile. If you are ever exploring the Blue Ridge, make sure to seek this one out--just remember to look all the way around the back! read more