The mural dedication took place at the Gainsborough YMCA.

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The YMCA Express in Gainsboro hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the creation of a new mural highlighting the cultural significance of the YMCA and its connection to the Gainsboro community.

This mural was created as a way to beautify the Northwest Roanoke area as well as honor those who have made an impact on the community.

“I had never done a mural this size before, and to have it in the community that I grew up in was just extremely humbling,” said Roanoke native and mural artist Bryce Cobbs.

Cobbs said painting the mural is something he is very proud of. He said it was exciting to work with another artist to create a piece of art for the institution where he grew up and practiced.

“Beautifying our neighborhoods is honestly one of the first steps we can take, and it’s not hard. You know, it’s easy to do, and to see community artists contributing to their community is inspiring to everyone around them,” Cobbs said.

Co-creator and City of Roanoke art educator JC Stallings said painting the mural was an opportunity for him to serve the community in which he works by creating works of art that residents can remember and appreciate.

“This is an opportunity for me to contribute in different ways and support the larger mission of healing, right? And, you know, more of a consciousness of unity so that we can all work together to build stronger communities,” Stallings said.

Stallings hopes the mural will bring a sense of unity to residents. Stallings said working with Cobbs created a lifelong bond.

“I met an incredible person in person and made a new friend. So this is huge. And we just had a great time and the memories we made will last forever,” Stallings said.

Gainsborough YMCA branch manager Jonathan Pate said the mural would be a community staple for years to come.

“This is an educational program where we can take someone to the mural and literally talk to them about the history of the YMCA right here on the street,” Pate said.

The artists who dedicated their time and effort to beautify the site and painted this mural said they were honored to be chosen for this.