A $20,000 municipal grant provided through a partnership between Invest Greenville and Pitt County Government has helped the Town of Bethel transform a prominent community gathering place into a vibrant public art destination that celebrates the town's history while supporting long-term downtown revitalization.
The grant funded a public art mural at the Bethel Pitt Stop, a multi-service healthcare hub that serves residents from across the community. More than a work of art, the mural reflects Bethel's agricultural roots, faith-based community, and commitment to education, creating a meaningful visual representation of the people, traditions, and institutions that have shaped the town's identity.
"This mural is more than paint on a wall. It is a reflection of Bethel's heart, history, and hope," said Mayor Pro Tem Camille Griggs. "Every color, figure, and branch tells a story of the people who built this community, the generations growing within it, and the future we are creating together. We may be a small town, but we have a BIG heart, BIG dreams, and a BIG vision. This mural reminds us that our history is worth celebrating, our community is worth investing in, and our future is worth believing in."
Located at one of Bethel's most visible community assets, the mural transforms the Pitt Stop into a welcoming landmark that creates a memorable first impression for residents and visitors alike. As people visit the facility for healthcare services, community resources, and local events, they are greeted by artwork that tells the story of Bethel and reinforces the community's unique identity. The Town partnered with the Pitt County Arts Council and North Carolina artist Max Dowdle to bring the mural to fruition, combining local vision with artistic expertise to create a lasting community asset that celebrates Bethel's heritage.
Public art plays an increasingly important role in economic development by creating destinations that encourage visitors to explore a community while strengthening local pride. The mural enhances the visual character of downtown Bethel, contributes to heritage tourism, and draws attention to nearby businesses and community amenities. Planning is already underway for a second mural that will continue building on these community and economic benefits.
"Projects like Bethel's demonstrate that economic development is also about creating places that people connect with emotionally," said David Horn, vice president of operations and strategic partnerships at Invest Greenville. "By investing in public art that reflects the community's history and values, Bethel has created a space that welcomes visitors, inspires residents, and reinforces the identity that makes the town unique."
Kelly Andrews, director of Pitt County Economic Development and Town of Bethel native, said investments in placemaking can have a lasting impact on residents and visitors.
"Communities thrive when they create spaces that people remember and take pride in," Andrews said. "The Pitt Stop mural celebrates the town's heritage while enhancing an important community gathering place. Projects like this strengthen quality of life, encourage visitation, and support the continued revitalization of downtown Bethel."
Community members have already embraced the mural as an important addition to the town.
"I enjoyed coming to the mural dedication," said community member Eddie Manning. "There were lots of local and county officials there. The artist did an outstanding job of mixing colors and showing various historic drawings from Bethel's past."
The Bethel Pitt Stop mural demonstrates how municipal grants can support projects that preserve local history while creating lasting economic and community value. Through their continued partnership, Invest Greenville and Pitt County Government are helping municipalities across Pitt County complete projects that strengthen community identity, enhance public spaces, and position towns for future growth.
To learn more about the Municipal Grant Program and its impact throughout Pitt County, click here.
