A Lasting Legacy: Cherryville Mural Honors Bob and Pat Barker

Cherryville, NC (WNN)—Local artist Judy Dempsey is creating more artwork in town. She has been working on a mural of the philanthropist figures Bob and Pat Barker on the side of the building by the downtown gazebo mini-park. This mural pays tribute to the Barkers and all they've done for the community.

Judy Dempsy working on the shadows of the mural - August 4th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Who are Bob and Pat Barker?

Bob Barker, a Cherryville High School graduate, has played a massive role in the town's charitable efforts and revitalization projects. Although he's held positions as mayor in other towns and served as a state senator, Cherryville remains close to his heart. He grew up in Cherryville through high school, moved away, and currently he and his wife, Pat, live in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

Bob Barker being interviewed by WNN in 2023.

Photo Credit: WNN

One of his contributions to Cherryville was starting a project to replant cherry trees after the old ones died from a blight. He brought the idea to the Rotary Club, and after receiving little to no response, he offered to pay for the trees. Because of his efforts, almost 1,000 cherry trees have bloomed all over town. According to City Manager Brian Dalton, the Barkers donated over $1,000,000 to the City of Cherryville to help kickstart Main Street improvements.

His wife, Pat Barker, holds a master's in organic chemistry and another in business. Together, they built Bob Barker Companies into the country's largest supplier of correctional supplies. Founded in 1972, the company started out providing jails and prisons with everything from uniforms and bedding to toiletries and security gear. They also set up the Bob Barker Company Foundation, which aims to reduce recidivism and support people as they reenter society.

How the Project Began

The project started when Cherryville City Manager Brian Dalton approached Dempsey at Roma Italian Restaurant and asked if she did portraits. After mentioning that she could do portraits, he mentioned the idea of a mural of Bob and Pat Barker. Dempsey had forgotten about the interaction until Dalton approached her again; she then decided she might as well try. Dempsey noted that Dalton was "very, very excited about it".

A visual timeline of Bob and Pat Barker's mural located at the Gazebo Mini Park in Cherryville NC

Mason Beam & Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

The mural was funded out of the city's Main Street budget, similar to the mural of Brooke and Darin Aldridge. The total cost, which covered repair work, renting a lift, and paying Dempsey for her work, was approximately $11,000.

When asked what people may not realize about doing this mural, Dempsey noted, "The perspective to get it right. Even if you have a projector to do it, you still have to know how to draw. You have to trust what you're drawing. And if you don't trust yourself, it will still come out wrong. And you really have to know how to paint."

Community Impact and Future Vision

Since starting the mural, Dempsey has received many positive responses from residents who have stopped to share stories about Bob and Pat Barker and express their love for the artwork.

"Everybody has been so wonderful. I've gotten so many positive responses, and they told me about Bob and Patricia Barker, what they've done for the community, and how much they're really excited that I'm painting this mural and how much they love it."

Judy is adding some finishing touches to Pat Barker's hair - August 7th, 2025

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Dempsey hopes that the mural will spark more artistic projects in Cherryville. She'd love to see more portraits, other murals, and more artists getting involved in the community. She believes this type of public art can encourage the community to continue to do more.

Dempsey's Other Ventures

Beyond Cherryville projects, Dempsey has a small booth in downtown Lincolnton to showcase different artwork from Lake Lure Artists and see if it will sell. If she can move things, Dempsey plans to bring more art from other artists into that store, including glass art, silk scarves, jewelry, etc.

Dempsey also mentioned being approached by Joanne Underwood, the director of the Arts Council in Lincoln County, to host an art show in October, which she is very interested in doing.

Learn More

If you'd like to learn more about Bob and Pat Barker, you can watch our 2023 Interview with them here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RszpEBNZlV8