Winston-Salem Unveils Mural Honoring Chris Paul
The new mural at Rupert Bell Park celebrates the NBA star and Forsyth County native.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Basketball
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City leaders officially unveiled a new mural honoring NBA star and Forsyth County native Chris Paul at Rupert Bell Park. The community-led project was designed by artist Brian Peterson.
Why it matters
The mural honors the lasting legacy of Chris Paul while highlighting his personal connection to the city. It serves to celebrate the importance of local sports, dedicated mentorship, and the power of community.
The project involved four Winston-Salem State University student interns who each contributed eight-hour work sessions to the installation. The community played a direct role in the artist selection process.
The players
Chris Paul
An NBA star and Forsyth County native who graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 2022.
Brian Peterson
The artist who designed and painted the mural at Rupert Bell Park.
Winston-Salem State University
A public university in North Carolina whose students served as paid interns for the mural project.
The details
Artist Brian Peterson collaborated with The Urbane Artist to create the design, which features the NBA star who grew up in the area. Four art majors from Winston-Salem State University provided support as paid interns to complete the mural installation.
Timeline
2022: Chris Paul earned a bachelor's degree from Winston-Salem State University.
October 23, 2026: The mural was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Season Trajectory
This installation reflects the growing trend of cities using public art to anchor the cultural legacy of professional athletes within their hometowns. It marks a shift toward localized tributes that bridge the gap between regional identity and major sports stardom.
Local residents and park visitors can now view the completed artwork on the basketball court at Rupert Bell Park. The project provided professional experience for four university art students who were hired as interns for the installation.
The takeaway
The installation at Rupert Bell Park highlights how local institutions can leverage community engagement to honor hometown icons. Residents looking to support local art can visit the site to see the collaborative effort between professionals and students.
Further reading
For more on local sports culture, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXII.
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