Escapees May-June 2023

pay the electric bill. “Oh no, he will do it for free,” replied the host. “Okay, but what is a fresco?” No one knew what Long was talking about. Today there are 30 of his frescoes in the United States as well in other countries. Sixteen are in eight different cities in North Carolina. Those two “dying” churches and the surrounding towns are now thriving with thousands of visitors every year to see the frescoes. They are so popular there is a “Fresco Trail.” I am delighted that our fi rst stops were at those two churches where it all began, one in West Jefferson and the other in Glendale Springs. We had an intimate experience sitting in the pews, admiring the artwork while listening to recordings which narrated how Long created the frescoes

and about the characters in them. At the Glendale Springs church, the project became a community event when Long brought 20 intern students with him. Local people jumped in to house and feed them and when all the churches in town took turns fi xing meals, it became a bit of a competition so the food got better and better. Local people modeled for all of his frescoes. At the

Glendale Springs Church, Benjamin Long himself is

portrayed as Thomas in “The Last Supper.” Long was known for inserting himself and family members and friends

into many of the frescoes. Long’s wife was the model for the “Mary Great with Child” fresco at the West Jefferson Church. His sons are in several of the frescoes as well. A rumor started that Long was painting nudes so a clergy from another church told the children to stay away. Even when the rumor was proven to be false, it had already created great interest in the frescos. We were amazed that these two little churches are open 24–7 with no supervision

Top: Su ff er the Little Children Fresco at rear of E.H. Sloop Chapel in Crossnore Middle: The Return of the Prodigal Son at Chapel of the Prodigal at Montreat College Bottom: Unititled Fresco at Charlotte Mecklenburgh Law Enforcement Center

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2023