Jonathan Murrill, 34 / Portrait and Mural Artist, Visual Art Instructor, Patrick Henry High School (Roanoke City Public Schools)
After earning his BA in Art from Roanoke College in 2009 and his MFA in Painting and Drawing from Radford University in 2012, Jonathan Murrill began his career as a Visual Art Instructor for Craig County High School, where he spearheaded a grant that brought new technology to the school. Through the Roanoke Art Mural Project (RAMP), Murrill commissioned a 57-foot mural creation at Valley View Mall. He began teaching art for all levels at Patrick Henry High School in 2014, as well as Studio and Art History courses as an adjunct instructor at VWCC. His completed murals include an interior at Sidecar and Twisted Track Brewpub and an exterior at The French Farmhouse. He has been awarded multiple times for his artwork at national juried shows over the last five years and has displayed his work at the Taubman Museum of Art, Virginia Tech’s Perspective Gallery, Roanoke College’s Olin Gallery and many more. A former NCAA varsity soccer player, he also volunteers as assistant coach for the PHHS boy’s varsity soccer team. “I believe that the role of the artist is to be an advocate for those individuals or stories in society that need to be given a voice,” he says. “I strive in my own work to spread not only a positive message, but also shed light and attention in my portraits on those I find truly deserve to be recognized.”
- Completed mural for Corporate Image, 2021
- Received first place and the Cover Art Award, Artists’ Portfolio Magazine, Portraits Issue 2017
- Has earned the following awards at national juried shows in the past five years: First of Show – “Faces and Figures: National Juried Exhibition,” Palm Coast, FL (2021); Best in Show – “The Madeley National Juried Exhibition,” Houston, TX (2020); First Place Two-Dimensional Category – “SouthWorks National Juried Exhibition,” Athens, GA (2020); Best in Show – “Heartland Artist’s National Juried Exhibition,” Kansas City, KS (2018); Best in Show and Solo Show Award, “Expressions 2018,” Piedmont Arts Gallery, Martinsville, VA (2018)
- Has displayed work at The Taubman Museum, the New River Valley Fine Arts Center, Roanoke College’s Olin Gallery, Floyd Center for the Arts, Piedmont Arts Museum, Radford University, Lynchburg’s Academy Center for the Arts, Virginia Western Community College, Bower Arts Center in Bedford, and Virginia Tech’s Perspective Gallery
- Exhibited his artwork at Virginia juried shows and galleries in Bedford, Blacksburg, Floyd, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Moneta, Pulaski, Radford, Roanoke, Richmond, Salem
- Former students have been awarded National Scholastic Awards and have exhibited their pieces in regional galleries
From the Nomination: “Jonathan Murrill received his BA in Art from Roanoke College in 2009 and his MFA in Painting and Drawing from Radford University in 2012. Since that time he has contributed a diverse body of art in southwest Virginia and beyond through portraiture and mural pieces. His artwork focuses on the strength of the human spirit. Many of his portraits features persons of color, individuals whose lives inspire us to stand for what we believe, and persons from the working class. … Murrill’s work provides both beauty and culture to area businesses and their patrons. He truly uses his gifts in the arts to better the lives of others as an educator, artist, husband, son and father of two preschool sons. He represents the best of the Roanoke Valley. … Murrill seeks to bring out the best in his students. He models for them what it means to dedicate time and practice to honing your skills, and he mentors them throughout their process of growth. Over the past decade, the work of many of his students is now displayed regionally, and/or they are growing and developing in colleges and universities themselves, in part as a result of his influence. As an educator, Murrill is devoted to his students. He contributes not only to their learning within the walls of the classroom, but also to their promise and potential beyond high school. Outside of his teaching responsibilities, he seeks out competitions for his art students and submits their work. His students have been awarded as National Scholastic Gold Medalists and have exhibited their pieces in regional galleries through his encouragement. He mentors developing artists during his free time in honing their craft and preparing portfolios of work to submit for college consideration. And, as shared in the introductory statement, the names of several of his students are engraved on a plaque at Valley View Mall, commemorating their contributions to a mural which they assisted him in creating. …”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Murrill: “As an artist, I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by our beautiful area and such
a creative community. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors here in Roanoke, but there are also great opportunities for people to surround themselves with local art, music and theatre.”
How does your passion impact our community?
Murrill: “I am passionate about bringing joy to people’s lives through both my public art and my teaching. I believe that the role of the artist is to be an advocate for those individuals or stories in society that need to be given a voice. I strive in my own work to spread not only a positive message, but also shed light and attention in my portraits on those I find truly deserve to be recognized.”
