"MakeYour Mark"
Community Mural Fundraiser
has been FULLY FUNDED!
The project was made possible in part through support from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources America 250 Grant, along with generous contributions from the Mebane Woman’s Club, a private donor, and community supporters.
The large-scale downtown mural, part of Paint NC: 100 Murals in 100 Counties, is a statewide public art initiative by artist Max Dowdle dedicated to honoring North Carolina’s people, places, and overlooked histories through large-scale murals. It will celebrate Mebane’s history by honoring the stories and lasting contributions of three lesser-known community leaders whose service, resilience, and vision helped shape Mebane and beyond. These individuals are Augustus “Gus” Bartis, Effie Murray White, and Dr. Clara Jones.
The project will also invite the community to become part of the artwork through hands-on painting opportunities and an interactive selfie space encouraging visitors to reflect on their own story, impact, and legacy within the Mebane community.
The mural will be located on the side of Lou’s Bakery, 101 E Clay St, facing the Downtown Mebane Farmers Market lot.
“Make Your Mark” highlights the lives and legacies of three remarkable Mebane residents:
Augustus “Gus” Bartis was an immigrant from Greece who arrived at Ellis Island at just 16 years old in 1910. Through hard work and entrepreneurial success, he embodied the American dream while using his success to give back and support others in the Mebane community.
Effie Murray White, the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, made a lasting national impact when author Alex Haley visited her in 1974 while researching his family history. Her story became part of Roots: The Saga of an American Family, which went on to become a Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller and the basis for the landmark television miniseries Roots.
Dr. Clara Jones became the first female physician in Mebane when she joined the Mebane Clinic in 1956. At a time when women faced significant barriers in medicine, Dr. Jones earned the respect of patients and medical professionals alike, providing compassionate care and delivering hundreds of babies throughout her career.
Beyond honoring the past, the mural is designed to inspire the future. The interactive portion of the artwork encourages visitors to consider their own role in making a positive impact in their community.
“We are excited that this mural is coming together during this year when we’re celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday,” said Sarah Williams, DMDC’s Executive Director. “This is a great opportunity for our community to reflect on our history and celebrate people who have shaped it as we also encourage people to pause and think about how they too can shape our community for the better in America’s and Mebane’s next 250 years.”
DMDC will announce upcoming community art shifts soon, providing residents with the opportunity to help bring the mural to life through hands-on painting experiences. The mural is expected to be completed before AutumnFest on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Downtown Mebane.
Pets Welcome - Help Keep Mebane Clean
Clean streets and parks are essential for creating an appealing atmosphere for residents, visitors, and businesses. Proper disposal of pet waste helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of our downtown area.
To make it easier for you to do your part, we have installed pet waste stations throughout the downtown area. These stations are equipped with bags and waste bins, making it convenient to pick up and dispose of your pet’s waste properly.