NC High Country Fresco Trail
NC High Country Fresco Trail Ben Long Frescoes at St Marys Church West Jefferson, Holy Trinity Church Glendale Springs, Crossnore School, Crossnore NC, Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Blowing Rock NC
In the 1970's, Ben Long painted frescoes in small mountain churches throughout the NC High Country. Ben Long, a native of North Carolina, apprenticed in Florence, Italy, under Maestro Pietro Annigoni for nearly eight years. He has completed more than a dozen frescoes paintings in North Carolina, as well as his commissions in France and Italy.
Here is a list of his works that can be found throughout the High Country Region. They can conveniently be seen at a "trail" if visited in the order below!
Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church Fresco
Blowing Rock, NC
The two newest frescoes to join the trail were unveiled in the spring of 2025! One is a depiction of the 23rd Psalm while the other depicts The Good Shepherd. The frescoes were completed in 2009 and obtained by the Blowing Rock church in 2022.
The viewing schedule can be found HERE
1849 St. Paul's Episcopal Church Fresco
Downtown Wilkesboro, NC
Two frescoes depicting St. Paul the Apostle’s time of conversion and while writing the Epistles in prison can be found here.
You can pop in at any time the church is open and view the frescoes while listening to the audio tour found on the church website HERE. Please call for guided tours one week in advance.
Holy Trinity Church Fresco
Glendale Springs, NC
The Last Supper is depicted in this small mountain church. There is a 23/7 audio description and history of the fresco that you can push a button to play when you enter the church. There are a few smaller practice frescoes located in the basement level of the church as well. Find more details HERE
INSIDER TIP: Visit the Trading Post on the Blue Ridge Parkway, located less than a mile away, and grab a few sandwhiches for a picnic lunch before you visit the church. There is a great place for a picnic on the church grounds.
St Mary's Church Fresco
West Jefferson, NC
In St. Mary's Church your will find: "Mary Great with Child," "John the Baptist" and "Mystery of Faith." There is a button on the wall you can push as you enter the church to hear a short description of the frescoes and their meanings. Find more details HERE
The church is always open to the public and is free of charge with donations accepted.
Sloop Chapel
Crossnore, NC
"Suffer the Children" can be found in Sloop Chapel. Located on the grounds of the Crossnore School for Children, this fresco is appropriately named. Children from the school and the painter's family served as models for this inspirational piece.
The church is open for frescoe viewing daily from 8:30-5:00pm. Find more details HERE
