Saluda’s History Captured in Vibrant Mural by Susan Olivari
Pace Park in downtown Saluda now hosts a captivating mural, titled “Saluda Past and Present,” painted by local artist Susan Olivari. The mural, rich in detail and color, depicts many iconic residents who shaped Saluda’s history, as well as the city’s stunning natural beauty.
Olivari’s work includes portraits of Saluda’s influential figures, both past and present. Additionally, it highlights the city’s distinctive features, such as its rivers, streams, landscape, music, and the sense of community among residents. The painting’s unveiling elicited warm smiles and admiration from locals as they recognized familiar faces.
Nancy Pew from the Historic Saluda Committee commented on Olivari’s painting, “She has got so much in this painting. The research and amount of detail shows Susan’s love for this town.”
The mural was selected as the winner in a competition organized by the City of Saluda and the Polk County Appearance Commission. The contest aimed to promote local artists and encourage them to concentrate on the area’s history and the cultural significance of their subjects.
City Manager Steve Orr presided over the unveiling ceremony, expressing gratitude to Olivari for her talent and for successfully capturing the essence of Saluda’s history and people.
Olivari, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been a resident of Saluda since 2006. A self-taught artist, she began painting at a young age. Her work often demands an in-depth understanding of her subjects, which she achieves by spending countless hours researching. This commitment to her craft is evident in the mural’s detailed portrayal of Saluda’s iconic figures.