About half a block off one of the main downtown streets in Oxford is something quite unique – in fact, it’s the first of its kind for the city. It’s a mural with a military theme and it tells a story that artist Aletha Williams wants to share with the community.
An unveiling was held at 4 p.m. Thursday to officially introduce to the public the 1200-square foot creation, during which Williams planned to talk about the significance of the mural and why it’s important to her and to other military veterans who may struggle to re-enter civilian life.
As a disabled military veteran, she said she has struggled with mental health issues associated with her service and with several traumatic events in her life. She said she understands only too well the difficulties veterans face as they leave family, friends and community and enter military service, and then when they come back home. The challenges are many and they can take their toll, she said. This mural captures some of the feelings and emotions of a veteran’s journey.
The mural is located at 117 Wall St., on one of the exterior brick walls of Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. Williams said it took her and a small team of volunteers and another artist 35 workdays to complete.
The team helped until the project was close to halfway finished, and then Williams took over from there to complete.
When you visit the mural – and Williams invites ex-military and civilians alike to stop by, take a look and reflect on its message – you’ll see painted near the middle an open book. That’s where the title of the artwork will be written: The Sacred Witness.
No matter how the art speaks to those who come to view it, Williams said “it will mean something to everyone,” soldier or not. She wants the mural to stand for the community coming together to support veterans and their service.
All branches of the military are represented in the mural, she said, as the “story” unfolds across the brick wall in a collage effect.
Williams moved to the area a couple of years ago from the state of Washington, and since then, she’s been working on a way to show support for military veterans.
Once the mural was down on paper, it went before city leaders for approval. With a grant from the N.C. Arts Council and “a collaboration of partners,” the labor of love was transformed into a work of art.
“For me, art allows me to be in that sweet spot…I can just be my natural, authentic self,” Williams said.
Whatever emotions the mural may evoke, Williams encourages viewers to just pause for a moment and reflect on how to support veterans in a positive manner as they find their way as a member of the community and transition from military service.
When she’s not creating murals, Williams concentrates on being an integrative wellness life coach and completing a doctorate in body wellness. Her business is called Inner Starr Compass Healing. Learn more at https://www.innerstarrcompasshealing.com/.
Post a photo and leave a comment about your experience with the mural on her Facebook and Instagram accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerstarrcompasshealing
https://www.instagram.com/innerstarrcompasshealing/
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