A new mural has been installed near the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, offering pedestrians an interactive experience. The artwork turns the sidewalk into a game where people can jump across painted rocks, logs, and lilypads as they move along.
The mural aims to draw attention to the museum’s exhibits. It includes depictions of animals found at the museum, such as a snapping turtle and tropical butterflies. There is also a hidden Acrocanthosaurus skull in the design, referencing one of the dinosaur displays inside the museum.
Artist Sam Greene created the mural. Greene is from Raleigh and studied illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She often features local wildlife in her work and uses both digital and traditional techniques. “Sam believes that art is an amazing way to bring life to the mundane, and her goal with each of her works is to spark curiosity and wonder in the people who see them.”
The project is part of Raleigh ArtBeats, which is led by the City of Raleigh’s Department of Transportation (RDOT) in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Through this initiative, artists produce small semi-permanent sidewalk paintings throughout downtown Raleigh.
