Faces of Suffolk Mural Celebration
A Community Mural Project with Artist Brian Sharp
The Faces of Suffolk Mural Celebration uplifts the people who help shape the character, history, and spirit of our community.
This ongoing public art initiative honors Suffolk residents through large-scale portrait murals displayed on The Suffolk Center building. Each mural highlights an individual whose character and connection to the community help tell the story of Suffolk.
The first mural in the series was unveiled in Spring 2026 and now stands as an addition to The Suffolk Center’s outdoor gathering area.
First Faces of Suffolk Mural Subject: Danny Epperson
Danny Lee Epperson is a lifelong Suffolk resident whose career in media has shaped how stories are told and shared throughout the Hampton Roads region. A multifaceted media professional, Danny has built a distinguished body of work as a producer, writer, editor, host, and actor, contributing to both television and radio across multiple platforms.
His work with WHRO Public Media includes producing a range of programs that inform, engage, and connect audiences, most notably HearSay with Cathy Lewis. He also hosted and produced Cinema 15, a weekly showcase of classic films that introduced generations of viewers to the history and artistry of cinema. His experience extends to major regional outlets including WAVY-TV and WTKR-TV, where he further developed his expertise in broadcast storytelling.
Throughout his career, Danny has earned numerous national and regional honors, including three regional Emmy Awards, multiple Emmy nominations, and a collection of Telly, Communicator, and Virginia Association of Broadcasting awards. His work reflects both technical excellence and a deep commitment to meaningful, community-centered storytelling.
In addition to his broadcast career, Danny is the owner of Dandyleap Productions, where he continues to produce creative media projects, and he serves as a Digital Media Specialist for the City of Suffolk. Across all of his work, Danny remains rooted in the community that shaped him, using his skills to elevate local voices and stories.
As the first subject of the Faces of Suffolk Mural Project, Danny represents the power of storytelling and the lasting impact of those who dedicate their work to connecting and enriching their community.
“I try to approach the community with curiosity and intention. I don’t want to just capture what’s happening, but to understand why it matters and how it connects the people of the story and connects to others. I think I’m someone who notices the details, the history, and the personality of a place, and I try to reflect that back in a meaningful way through my storytelling.” — Danny Lee Epperson
Meet the Artist: Brian Sharp
Instagram: @painted_by_brian
The first Faces of Suffolk mural was painted by artist Brian Sharp.
Working in vivid, emotionally charged color, Sharp creates portraiture that explores the depth and complexity of human feeling. His practice moves between classically inspired figurative work and abstract portrait series that focus on emotional presence rather than physical likeness.
Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma and now based in Hampton Roads, Sharp has been painting professionally for more than seventeen years. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States and has earned recognition for its emotional depth, distinctive style, and ability to connect with viewers.
“Bringing this mural to life was more than just painting a wall. It became a reflection of hope and community coming together. From the beginning I wanted the mural to carry a message that people could feel long after they walk away from it.
The dandelions became the heart of that message. Hope. Often overlooked or pushed aside, but we still grow together, spread, and take root.
What made this experience truly unforgettable was the community itself. Watching people stop to share their thoughts, offer ideas, contribute their energy, and simply show up throughout the process was deeply moving. It felt like a shared experience and not my work alone.” — Brian Sharp
Visit the Mural
The completed first Faces of Suffolk mural can be viewed in The Suffolk Center’s outdoor gathering area located alongside the building.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by during regular business hours to experience the mural and explore this growing public art initiative.
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
110 W. Finney Avenue
Suffolk, Virginia
Faces of Suffolk Continues
The Faces of Suffolk Mural Celebration is designed as an ongoing series celebrating the people who make Suffolk special.
Additional murals are planned for the future, each featuring a different Suffolk resident and artist. Information about the next installment of the project will be announced at a later date.
Stay tuned as the Faces of Suffolk Mural Celebration continues this Fall.
About WATCH Downtown Suffolk
WATCH Downtown Suffolk Arts and Cultural District champions Welcoming Arts, Talent, Culture, and History
to revitalize downtown through arts-driven development and creative entrepreneurship,
incentivized by targeted tax and fee reimbursements, creating vibrant and welcoming public spaces.
WATCH Inc. is the community activation nonprofit for the WATCH Downtown Suffolk Arts and Cultural District, advancing downtown revitalization through public art, placemaking, and cultural activities that engage the community and celebrate local heritage.
