About

This corridor will unite the two halves of Appalachian’s campus, as referenced in the Master Plan 2025 (page 41), while connecting the arts, transportation and university events.

The first portion of the arts corridor, Blue Ridge Way, was completed in time for the Aug. 31, 2019, football game. It connects the Stadium Parking Deck adjacent to Frank and Belk residence halls to the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and Wey Hall, which houses the Department of Art. The rest of the arts corridor would more visibly link the Schaefer Center, Wey Hall and the Broyhill Music Center — all located to the south of Rivers Street — with the university’s other key arts facilities north of Rivers Street: Chapell Wilson Hall, which houses the Department of Theatre and Dance; Valborg Theatre; and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.

In fall 2021, sculpture pads — used to showcase outdoor works of sculpture — will be installed in this pictured area adjacent the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Valborg Theatre and Belk Library and Information Commons on Appalachian State University’s campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The newly painted staircase in August 2020, created by Baltimore-based artists Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn. The concept for the mural takes it cues from textiles. The design is a geometric-painted stair runner that runs from the top of the 36-step staircase, flowing to the bottom of the steps and beyond, and terminating with a fringed edge often found on a rug. Photo by Marie Freeman

A bird’s-eye view of the staircase, painted during summer 2020. Photo by Marie Freeman

As a next step in developing the arts corridor, the university plans to have nationally known artists paint a mural on this campus staircase leading to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Photo by Marie Freeman

Once complete, the arts corridor — which begins south of Rivers Street as Blue Ridge Way — will unite the two halves of campus and guide people walking through campus to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts’ gateway to King Street, pictured. Photo by Marie Freeman

Blue Ridge Way, the first completed section of the arts corridor, winds from Stadium Parking Deck, pictured at top, past Wey Hall and the campus’s longest living tree, center, to the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Marie Freeman

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Status

The first portion of the arts corridor, Blue Ridge Way, was completed in August 2019. The next phase was completed in summer 2020 when the university brought nationally known artist duo Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn to paint a mural on the campus staircase leading to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (TCVA), which is located on the King Street end of the arts corridor.

In fall 2021, the segment of the corridor located adjacent the Turchin Center, Valborg Theatre and Belk Library will begin to take shape, as sculpture pads are poured and prepared to showcase works of outdoor sculpture. These sculptures will complement the annual Rosen Sculpture Exhibition installations, as well as the Turchin Center's staircase mural, as public art continues to flourish on App State's campus and enhance the cultural life of the campus community.

How is it funded?

The university used Transportation and Parking Reserves funds in 2019 to design and complete the first section of the arts corridor, called Blue Ridge Way, since this section improves emergency access and serves as an additional vehicle exit during campus events with large attendance. No official planning funds have been invested in the remainder of the arts corridor. The mural at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (TCVA) was funded by the TCVA with funds raised through contributions.

Who will benefit?

All members of the campus and local communities benefit. Eventually, those walking through campus will have a more clearly marked route, which also would guide them to various arts facilities, including the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the gateway to King Street in downtown Boone.

How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?

The safety, health, wellness and enjoyment of all members of the Appalachian Community, including visitors, are of utmost concern to the university, as each makes possible personal, academic and institutional success.