The American Underground mural by Sean Kernick serves as a perfect backdrop for group photos in the Bullpen.In 2022, American Underground added two murals to enrich the public areas of their offices. North Carolina artists Sean Kernick and Candy Carver each painted very different and dynamic pieces for the campus.
“The murals were part of a larger space refresh project earlier this year, which also included new amenities like phone booths, a podcast studio, and updated conference room tech,” explained AU Executive Director Tim Scales. “The murals were a key part of making our space creative and inviting for our members.”
Raleigh artis Sean Kernick painted the mural in the Bullpen, drawing inspiration from Durham history and today. It features a collage of images including the founders of NC Mutual and jazz artist Betty Davis alongside a Durham Bull and tech-inspired figures, all created with a freehand spray paint technique.
Durham artist Candy Carver painted the mural on the rooftop, featuring a central Black female figure overlaid on a colorful map of downtown Durham. Scales describes the piece as “a vibrant, eye-catching addition to our rooftop patio.”
The American Underground rooftop mural by Candy Carver is a bright backdrop for events.He is happy to have the work of both artists enhancing the American Underground property.
“We started with a plan to install one mural, but after chatting with both Sean and Candy and seeing their different but amazing styles, we figured out a way to incorporate them both into the space,” said Scales.
American Underground staffers gave both artists a general idea of what they were generally thinking of for the space and then let them approach the specifics with creative freedom.
“We were thrilled with the directions that each of them went,” said Scales.
Thanks to AU’s Tim Scales for these Capcom photos.
The American Underground rooftop mural by Candy Carver.
