2025 Mural Project
In the spring of 2025, the Children's Museum of Wilmington installed a new mural in the Port Wing of the Museum. The mural was made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council and Arts North Carolina, and awarded through the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County with matching funds from the Museum. The Museum sought out a mural proposal that fits the atmosphere of the Museum and is designed for children ages 0-10 and their caregivers.
After proposals were received, a committee reviewed and scored each proposal carefully. Through this system, local artist Stephanie Bagwell was selected to complete her design of the mural. Bagwell painted the mural in one month and a celebration for the mural was held upon its completion in May 2025.
About the Artist
Stephanie Bagwell was born in Jupiter, Florida. Her family moved around a lot when she was young but by the time she was 6 years old, they settled down in Wilmington, North Carolina. There, she spent her days catching crawdads in the creek and fishing in the marsh across the street. Growing up on Pages Creek gave her an understanding and respect for the ocean at a young age. Throughout her childhood, she began to find an appreciation for the creative world. Thanks to her parents' unwavering support, she never stopped creating. When she was in high school she entered her first art contest and won first place, which ignited a fire in her that could never be put out.
Stephanie later graduated from The University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2010, with a BA in Communication Studies and a Minor in Studio Art. She was recognized with several awards for her ceramic sculptures during those collegiate years.
Stephanie was a painting instructor for 6 years in Raleigh, North Carolina, teaching a variety of class levels. Now that she no longer teaches, she offers commissions and artistic services locally and nationally. Her murals can be seen at several restaurants and breweries in addition to the Children's Museum of Wilmington as well as Novant Health's Cancer Treatment Center.
She was recently published as a featured artist for Wilmington Business Journal's Book on Business. Her collection of new mixed media coastal works are set to be featured in various galleries and restaurants on the East Coast.
