A mural honoring Winston-Salem native Chris Paul now covers the renovated basketball courts and pavilion at Rupert Bell Park. Residents helped pick the artist, Brian Peterson.

The basketball courts at Rupert Bell Park now carry a large mural honoring Chris Paul, the NBA point guard who grew up in Winston-Salem.

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission invited the public to a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the park, 1501 Mt. Zion Place. The city announced the ceremony in a news release on Oct. 19 and asked residents to come and “help celebrate the completion” of the mural.

What was built

The project covered more than paint. According to the city’s July announcement, it included:

  • sanding and priming the steel pavilion that covers the courts
  • resurfacing and restriping the courts
  • a mural across the pavilion and the court surface

The design shows Paul alongside young children playing basketball. The city said it celebrates sports, mentorship and community. The courts closed Aug. 3 for the work.

Who made it

Brian Peterson, a muralist based in Miami, designed and painted the mural. He worked with The Urbane Artist, a national public art agency that ran the project from concept to completion, the city said.

Residents had a say in the choice. Earlier this year they reviewed artist proposals and voted online and at the Rupert Bell Community Center. The city said the feedback showed “overwhelming support” for Peterson’s design.

Why Chris Paul

Paul went to West Forsyth High School, Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University, according to the city. It called him “one of the most accomplished point guards in NBA history.” The city said he supports youth, education and leadership programs in his hometown through the Chris Paul Family Foundation.

Who paid for it

The mural was paid for through the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative public art program. The city said that money goes mainly to affordable housing in east Winston-Salem, with a share set aside for beautification in the surrounding neighborhoods. The city named ASPIRE as a partner. Neither release gave a cost.

What it means for you

  • Go and see it: Rupert Bell Park is at 1501 Mt. Zion Place in east Winston-Salem. The community center, picnic shelter and the rest of the park stayed open during the work.
  • More public art: the city lists its current and recent projects on its Public Art in Progress page.
  • Questions: call CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000.

More on the neighborhood: our East Winston guide and parks and trails in Winston-Salem.