The custom "Shallow Ford" relief sculpture now stands proudly at Shallowford Square (6555 Shallowford Rd.)
Lewisville-local artists, Paul and Pat Spainhour, collaborated to bring a piece of history to the Square to showcase where Lewisville began and, as we move forward, why we are here.
The Sculpture
The "Shallow Ford" represents the progress of Lewisville and the continuity of our community. This landscape features the historic Shallowford at the nearby Yadkin River. One side of the piece is lined with trees, facing the other showing plowed farmland. The ripples of the water surround the natural ford passageway through the great Yadkin that made for the easy passing of settlers.
About the Artist
Paul Spainhour, owner of Spainhour Iron in Lewisville, began his career as a mechanical draftsman. Spainhour's 44 years of experience in design, fabrication, and installation have earned him his current status as a master blacksmith. Through diligent study under master blacksmiths and countless hours of practice, he has developed his distinctive style that blends traditional techniques with artistic innovation. Paul's artwork graces homes, institutions, and galleries throughout North Carolina, and his contributions to the John C. Campbell Folk School and numerous festivals have inspired his peers.
Pat Spainhour, Paul's wife, has also played a crucial role in helping to design and prepare this piece. Her experience as an accomplished painter and art educator brought forth the inspiration of colors, textures, and rhythms of rural North Carolina to this sculpture. Pat's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and celebrated by collectors, and her lifelong commitment to creativity and education continues to enrich both her students and the artistic community of Lewisville.
Thank You
This piece is funded by the Shallow Ford Foundation and the Town of Lewisville.
A splash of color. A nod to history. A reflection of today.
This beautiful mural, titled Beginnings, is on display at the Mary Alice Warren Community Center (7632 Warren Park Dr.)
Local artist, Missy Pardue, and her partner, Jason, brought this incredible piece to life, fusing wood and resin to capture the charm of Lewisville's small-town culture and natural beauty.
Heartfelt gratitude extends to the Shallow Ford Foundation for their generous grant for this project, and the Town for matching it.
Beginnings was unveiled at a reception on May 16, 2025.
About the Artist
Missy has lived in Yadkin County since 2000. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Wingate University. With twenty-two years of educational experience, she currently teaches art at Starmount High School. Missy does commission art, including pet and people portraits, wall murals, and set design for the Yadkin Arts Theater.
Step into the fantastical world of metal giants with local artist Frank Holder.
The Frank Holder Collection at Mary Alice Warren Community Center
Opal the ostrich (pictured right) can be seen welcoming visitors at the entrance drive to the Mary Alice Warren Community Center. Be sure you stop by to see her!
Holder also created the two dinosaurs (pictured below) that can be found towering behind the community center. In 2021, the students at Lewisville Elementary School voted to name the dinosaurs Lewissaurus and Elliesaurus when they were brought to their new home.
Cliff Lewis, a Lewisville resident, donated these three pieces of Frank Holder’s artwork to the Town in memory of his mother, Elizabeth Baer Lewis. We are grateful to Mr. Lewis for his generous donations of these wonderful works of art.
About the Artist
Frank Holder (1931-2009) was a metal sculptor and Lewisville resident. Holder was a professional welder who retired from R.J. Reynolds Co. He created countless fanciful figures from scrap metal, many of which express Holder’s subtle sense of humor: giant insects that hold mailboxes, a whale that spouts water, a provocative mermaid, and a madcap roadrunner. He celebrated the natural world with towering daffodils, a soaring eagle, a leaping ram, and many others. Holder was an active member of the Lewisville area and arts council. His work was displayed at area galleries and craft events in various states.
