Planned Horner Street mural inspired by memories of Eva Walker Park

The Warrenton Arts Commission is sponsoring a new mural facing Eva Walker Park on Horner Street. The mural called “Making Dreams Reality,” will be painted on the concrete retaining wall below the public parking lot and will honor the local memory of the park property, which has long been a centerpiece of the historically Black neighborhood around it. 

The mural’s design was informed by more than 700 community submissions and inspired particularly by the memories of Robyn Thompson, of First Baptist Church, who grew up in the neighborhood and is involved with the Common Threads initiative founded by First Baptist and Saint James’. (Robyn is the daughter of the park’s eponym.) Many of the scenes in the mural will depict recollections of Charlie’s Carnival, a joy-filled community event that once took place on what is now the park.

There will also be a plaque inscribed with a poem, "Charlie's Field," honoring the park’s history. 

The commission received a $12,500 grant from the PATH Foundation for the project, and another $6,000 in in-kind donations. But they need to raise another $10,000 to pay the artists and purchase additional supplies. If you’re able to contribute, you can donate here. (Write "Horner Street Mural" in the notes.)

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Charlie’s Field 

June Bug, May Fly,
Mother may I?

Hay rides, butterflies,
Let’s make a mud pie!

Christine and Eva singing songs,
picking flowers then running home.

Crickets by the laundry line,
penny pitch past the dandelion.

Eva spies a hummingbird,
it floats like a bubble above the world.

“Batter up!” Now count to three
back to the field they race to see.

The winning run then fireflies,
flash like stars in summer skies.

It’s carnival, it’s Sunday best,
it’s coming home, it’s leaving the nest.

It’s days behind and days to come.
It’s Robyn’s song, and the rising sun.

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