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A little bit of the Florida Keys has come to Inner Banks Outfitters with the unveiling of a mural created by local artist Yvonne Curtis. “We wanted people to come here, feel like they are on vacation in the tropics, while standing right here in North Carolina,” said Liane Harsh, owner of Inner Banks Outfitters. “Yvonne simply ran with my idea of Key West and did an amazing job. I love it when someone has an idea that fits perfectly and is something I would never have thought of. It is better than I could have ever imagined.”

“It was so much fun coming out every day and painting on a big blank canvas,” said Curtis. “On the days that it got pretty hot, I just turned around, stood with my face to the wind, and looked at the river. The best art studio ever!”

Harsh said when she had the two buildings painted coral and purple a while back they looked really cool. But now, “It looks so cool when you are driving over the bridge and there is Key West. I hope folks will stop by to take a look or simply enjoy being on an island as they are driving by. The sand, relaxation, and some good drinks,” she said with a big smile of admiration.

For Curtis, it is always a little bittersweet when she finally cleans the brushes one last time and moves on to the next project. “It is always a little sad to leave a space,” said Curtis. “However I feel it has been an honor to be in that space, paint what I paint, and hope that people will enjoy it. I was honored to be able to do the mural for Liane because she is such a stellar person.”