Harrisonburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The International Mural Project
An artistic expression of Unity in Diversity, this mural was designed by a group of passionate young artists living thousands of miles away
Harrisonburg artist David Draime (owner of Draime Fine Art Studio School) has been, along with friend and co-teacher San Diego-based artist Neda Towfiq, teaching online art classes for several years to a group of young artists living in Iran. These particular students are denied access to higher education by their government because they are Bahα'νs, members of the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, who have faced decades of persecution.
In August 2024, David and Neda were asked to teach these young artists how to design a mural, though it was clear that any artwork by this group could never be painted in Iran - they would be arrested if they tried. From that invitation and in light of the harsh reality that these student artists face an idea was born: what if these marginalized young artists in Iran designed a mural that could then be brought to life here in Harrisonburg? Although their artistic vision may be censored in Iran, it has now found a welcoming home here in the Friendly City.
If this artistic expression of human solidarity and love speaks to your heart, we encourage you to make a donation, large or small, so that we
this page online
Erected by Arts Council of the Valley.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is August 2024.
Location. 38° 26.932′ N, 78° 52.117′ W. Marker is in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It is at the intersection of South Main Street (Route 11) and Court Square (U.S. 11/33), on the right when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 40 S Main St, Harrisonburg VA 22801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Charlotte Harris Lynched (within shouting distance of this marker); Court Square & Springhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockingham County Vietnam Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor of Charles Watson Wentworth (within shouting distance of this marker); To the Memory of Thomas Harrison (within shouting distance of this marker); Harrisonburg (within shouting distance of this marker); The Big Spring (about 300
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 26, 2026
2. The International Mural Project Marker with the mural in the background
Another marker is no longer nearby. Rockingham County Vietnam Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Additional keywords. Baha'i
Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 2, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
