Glimpses of the Promised Land designed by Mike Roig
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Redbird designed by Harry McDaniel
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Public Art Projects of the City of Raleigh Arts Commission
Current Public Art Projects
The City of Raleigh Arts Commission recently completed one project and is in the final stages of finishing a second public art project for the City of Raleigh. Glimpses of the Promised Land was dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 16, 2006. Redbird is under construction with a projected installation date of April 2007. The Arts Commission is also working to find an alternate location for the Capital Chandeliers that were originally slated for downtown Raleigh. Acquisition of new public artwork follows the City’s Public Art Policy and approval process. This process includes a 30-day public review of the artwork’s design and location.
Glimpses of the Promised Land designed by Mike Roig (Carrboro, NC) was accepted for placement in Chavis Park by City Council in October 2005. Chavis Park lies within a significant historically African American community. The artist chose a kinetic sculpture design theme that was representative of the Park’s rich history which included the establishment of the first African American public housing during a period of segregation. The sculpture invites viewers to sit on a bench suspended between the straddling legs of the sculpture and to look up into a swirling flock of stainless steel birds circling in eccentric ellipses. The artist’s intention is that visitors to the park will sit, talk, reflect and look out over our land of promise. The flock of birds symbolizes uplifting freedom. Among the flock of flying birds overhead are two of the Tuskegee airmen/airplanes which will remind residents of the Tuskegee airplane that used to be in the park.
Redbird designed by Harry McDaniel (Asheville, NC) is proposed for the Glenwood Avenue Fletcher Park entrance, along one of Raleigh’s historical entryways into the city. The artist chose a design theme that was representative of the city. He selected the cardinal as a symbol because its designation as the state bird references Raleigh’s role as the state capital. The Fletcher Park site respects the artist’s goal to have the piece at one of the roads entering into the capital city and the piece is intended to be seen by vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic.
The sculpture will consist of seven parts. The top sections (red in the illustrations) are based on the form of a cardinal. The lower sections (Blue-green) are plant-like forms. Together they create an initial impression of giant tulips or poppies, but as one moves around the sculpture he or she will notice that the tops are not flower-like, but angular segments. The design presents a puzzle to be solved but reveals a cardinal when viewed as a whole.
The Arts Commission is funding these two sculptures through funds designated for public art from the Red Wolf Ramble auction earnings.
Future Public Art Projects
The Raleigh Arts Commission is always open to ideas and suggestions from citizens of Raleigh. You can contact the Arts Commission by calling (919) 890-3160 or email your comments or suggestions to publicart@ci.raleigh.nc.us
For More Information Contact:
June Guralnick
Arts Commission, Executive Director
City Manager Department
222 West Hargett Street, Room 504
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-890-3610
Carol S. Mallette
Arts Commission, Administrative Assistant
City Manager Department
222 West Hargett Street, Room 504
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-890-3610
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