The luminous, life-size Ben Long Frescoes created by world-famous fresco artist Benjamin F. Long IV are the focus of a trail that leads visitors through the North Carolina mountains and foothills to churches and public buildings adorned with the paintings.
An American Fresco Master
Long is one of the few artists today recognized as a master of fresco painting on wet plaster, the process used by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. Because the mixed pigments are absorbed by the plaster, the paintings actually become part of the wall.
After completing studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the Art Students League in New York, Long apprenticed in Florence, Italy, under Maestro Pietro Annigoni for nearly eight years before returning to his native North Carolina. He has completed more than a dozen fresco paintings in the state, as well as commissions in France and Italy.
Benjamin Long Fresco Trail
The Blue Ridge Frescoes are located along the Benjamin F. Long IV Fresco Trail. Within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, there are eleven frescoes at seven locations:
- Mary Great with Child, John the Baptist, and Mystery of Faith, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, West Jefferson, NC.
- The Last Supper, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Glendale Springs, NC.
- The Good Shepherd and Psalm 23, Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC.
- Return of the Prodigal, Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College, Montreat, NC.
- Sacred Dance and the Muses, City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium, Morganton, NC.
- Suffer the Little Children, E.H. Sloop Chapel, Crossnore School, Crossnore, NC.
- St. Paul’s Conversion and St. Paul Writing His Epistles, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wilkesboro, NC.
Several other frescoes can be found in Charlotte, Statesville, and Wingate.
Hours of Operation
Each location has individual hours. See below for location websites and contact information. Please contact locations for additional information.
Please note that hours of operation and fees are subject to change.
Admission Fees
Donations are welcome at all sites.
Locations
Within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, there are eleven frescoes at seven locations:
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
400 Beaver Creek School Road
West Jefferson, NC 28694
(336) 982-3076
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
120 Glendale School Road
Glendale Springs, NC 28629
(336) 982-3076
Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church
1218 Main Street
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
(828)-295-7675
(828) 295-7675
Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College
Montreat, NC 28757
(828) 669-8012, ext. 3820
City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium
401 S. College Street
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 438-5294 or 800-939-7469
Crossnore School
E.H. Sloop Chapel
100 DAR Drive
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-4305
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
200 W. Cowles Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-4231
