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SALUDA–Residents enjoyed the unveiling of the mural, “Saluda Past and Present,” in Pace Park in downtown Saluda on Monday. 

The mural by Susan Olivari depicts many Saluda faces and places, including iconic residents who shaped Saluda from the past to the present. Olivari also shows special qualities of Saluda such as rivers and streams and its beautiful landscape, music and sense of community.

The unveiling of the mural brought smiles as residents remembered the faces of those who still reside in Saludian hearts even if no longer on Main Street. 

“She has got so much in this painting,” said Nancy Pew of the Historic Saluda Committee. “The research and amount of detail show Susan’s love for this town.”

The mural was the winner of a contest held by the City of Saluda and the Polk County Appearance Commission to promote local artists and encourage them to focus on the history of the area and the cultural importance of their subjects.

City Manager Steve Orr presided over the unveiling and thanked Olivari for her talent and success at capturing Saluda’s history and people.

Olivari started painting as a small child and is self-taught. Much of her work requires a depth of knowledge of her subjects. She spent hours researching the history of the mural’s iconic figures. Olivari has lived in Saluda since 2006 and is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

 

Submitted by Lynn Casey