New Street Art Appears in Clifton Forge, Courtesy of Corridor Curb Appeal and Volunteers   Clifton Forge, VA (Sept. 23, 2019) - As people walk, bike or drive on Main Street in Clifton Forge, and pass SONA Bank, they will see a brand new piece of street art, courtesy of the Corridor Curb Appeal, Vision 2025 Committee and several volunteers. A colorful vintage bicycle complete with a basket of fall flowers and a sign that says, “Welcome to Clifton Forge” greets all visitors to the Town. This project is the second for the Corridor Curb Appeal Committee, the first being the painted steps in the rear of Jack Mason’s Tavern and at the Rose Street Parking lot. The bicycle was a result of a bicycle donation that was repurposed and painted by artist, Crystal Wiseman with the help of art teacher, Kaarn Thomas who painted the “Welcome to Clifton Forge” sign. Blacksmith artist, Glen Bryant installed the bicycle in the prominent location courtesy of SONA Bank. The Architectural Review Board approved the design prior to beginning the work. A third street art project is in the works. Mott Atherholt, member of the Corridor Curb Appeal Street Art Subcommittee, said, “As a member of the Corridor Curb Appeal subcommittee slowly developing public art in the Historic Downtown District of Clifton Forge, I am so excited to see our second Public Art project come to life. The bicycle project is whimsical and full of bright colors. It gives folks a happy feeling just to look at it. This bicycle is especially appropriate to install here in our town having won the coveted award given by Blue Ridge Outdoors as Top Outdoor Adventure Town 2018-Small Town Category and, I might add, this year we are again a finalist for the same award. I especially want to thank SONA Bank and Kevin Persinger, for offering us such a prominent spot near their building for the installation." In addition to Mott Atherholt, members of the Corridor Curb Appeal Street Art subcommittee include, Kaarn Thomas, Nancy Newhard, Darlene Burcham, Martha Atherholt, Gayle Hillert and Madison Armontrout. The Corridor Curb Appeal Committee, facilitated by Town Manager, Darlene Burcham, is one of the committees for the Vision 2025 effort. For the past few years, committee members and volunteers have spent time working on enhancing the entrance corridors of the Town. The next Fall Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, October 12 from 8:00 am to noon. All volunteers are welcome to join the committee to gather litter and trim bushes and brush.

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