Investing in Harrisonburg’s Community with Local Art

At Matchbox Realty, we take pride in our efforts to improve our local community, and we are incredibly grateful to have commissioned artist Nils Westergard to create a stunning mural that now adorns the Urban Exchange apartments in downtown Harrisonburg! Known for transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant pieces of art, Nils brings a unique ability to capture the essence of a community. This mural not only enhances the building’s appearance but also embodies the creative energy that flows through Harrisonburg.

Harrisonburg has always been known for its rich history and bustling downtown, a place where locals and visitors gather to enjoy art, food, and culture. Every corner of this city offers a unique experience. This artwork is much more than a beautification project — it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re walking by on a busy afternoon or catching a glimpse from Jack Browns patio, this piece stands as a symbol of our city’s growing status as a hub for arts and culture.

Nils Westergard, a Richmond-based muralist with international acclaim, explains his process behind this transformative piece. “Matchbox took a leap of faith on me,” Nils says, noting that this mural is likely the largest painting in Harrisonburg. “It takes courage to make a big change like that in your space, and now people seem to be quite excited about it.” The scale of the project, which began with a series of sketches and grids, represents a bold step forward for public art in Harrisonburg.

By commissioning this mural, Matchbox Realty not only beautified an urban space but also set a precedent for future public art projects in the area. As Nils points out, “In a smaller city like Harrisonburg, a mural like this becomes a huge deal for the people living here.” His hope is that this mural will inspire more large-scale public art projects in the city.

At Matchbox Realty, we believe that by investing in the arts, we are investing in the soul of the community. This mural is just one example of how we aim to make a lasting, positive impact on the city we love.