A Friday Morning with Muralist Heidi Nisbett in Damascus, Virginia
This past Friday morning, I spent time in the heart of Damascus, Virginia, photographing local muralist Heidi Nisbett as she painted a new mural in the town park. This vibrant work of art is her fifth mural in Damascus, adding even more beauty to the community and expanding the growing collection of public art in Damascus, VA.
Visitors and locals alike may already be familiar with Heidi’s work. Her colorful, nature-inspired murals brighten walls across town and have become part of Damascus’s visual identity. Each piece reflects her love for the outdoors, often featuring landscapes, native plants, and winding trails that reflect the area’s strong ties to the Appalachian Trail.
Heidi’s journey as an artist is rooted in both skill and adventure. She grew up in South Carolina and earned her BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Winthrop University in 2015. In 2018, she completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, carrying a sketchbook to paint the scenery and moments she experienced. Since then, she has hiked more than 3,000 miles on trails across the country, including the Superior Hiking Trail, the Pinhoti Trail, the Foothills Trail, and parts of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Her artwork reflects these experiences and celebrates the beauty of the natural world.
Photographing Heidi at work in Damascus was a rewarding experience. Early morning light filled the park as she moved with steady focus, layering colors and shapes onto the wall. People passing through often paused to watch, showing how public art can connect neighbors and visitors alike.
In addition to documenting her newest mural, I also photographed her other murals in Damascus. Together, they create a walking tour of small-town art in Virginia, each piece telling its own story while sharing a connection to place.
By the time I finished photographing, the sun had shifted, and Heidi’s mural was on full display, with the shade from the building providing her some much-needed relief. This new addition to Damascus’ public art already feels at home and will be enjoyed by the community for years to come.
If you visit Damascus, make sure to stop by the town park to see Heidi’s latest mural and explore her other works around town. Her art tells the story of this mountain community and the landscapes that inspire it.
