Local news- Press Release
Durham North Carolina - Local Artist Team Installs New Public Artwork in Downtown Durham s Black Wall Street Gardens 31 May 2022 ( news )
Durham , state North Carolina ( By Press Release office)
May 31,2022
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Artwork Pays Homage to Durham’s African American Business Community; Opening Celebration Set for June 16
In June , two new public artworks will be celebrated in the downtown Durham green - space known as
Black Wall Street Gardens
that will pay homage to the Bull City’s African American business community .
Located at the corner of West Parrish Street , West Main Street , and North Mangum Street , the two new sculptures were installed by local artist team David Wilson and Stephen Hayes to honor the history of African American entrepreneurship and success on Durham’s Black Wall Street , and to contribute to the City of Durham’s efforts to create an energetic and lively environment in downtown . The community is invited to an opening celebration for the new public art installations on Thursday , June 16 from 6 p . m . to 8:30 p . m .
“
The Prism
looks to shine a light on Black Wall Street’s unsung heroes particularly the women who helped establish Black Wall Street as the hub for business and financial services , ” said Artist Stephen Hayes . Hayes is a Durham - based creator specializing in sculpture , fabrication , ceramics , metal working , and exhibition installation . He received a Master of Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has been exhibited in the National Cathedral in Washington , D . C . and the Nasher Museum at Duke University , among others .
The second piece ,
The Book Tree
, features a bronze patina finish that pays homage to the organic nature in which the Black Wall Street community grew and the people who farmed its growth according to Artist David Wilson . “This finish showcases the growth of entrepreneurial spirit that envisions the past , present , and future through the prism of Southern Blackness . ” Wilson is a Durham - based public artist who explores the connection between architecture , nature , and the public to create site - specific work , with art installations across North Carolina .
According to the artist team , these public artworks also feature commemorative poems by Village of Wisdom Associate Director of Arts and Culture Aya Shabu , that speak to the legacy of Durham’s African American community and the impact they continue to make .
In addition to these new art installations , the City’s General Services Department has installed lighting , landscaping , and walkway improvements to further enhance Black Wall Street Gardens as a pedestrian - friendly gathering space .
For more information about the Black Wall Street Gardens public art installation , visit the
project webpage
or contact Cultural and Public Art Program Manager Rebecca Brown with the Arts , Culture , and Sustainable Communities Division of the General Services Department by
email
or by calling ( 919 ) 560 - 4197 , ext . ext . 21245 .
For more information about the Cultural & Public Art Program , contact Division Manager Summer Alston with the Arts , Culture , and Sustainable Communities Division of the General Services Department by
email
or by calling ( 919 ) 560 - 4197 , ext . 21254 .
About the City of Durham General Services Department
The
General Services Department
builds and maintains City properties to make Durham a great place for people to live , work , and play . Guided by the City’s
Strategic Plan
, the department’s core functions include the acquisition and sale of properties , design and management of new construction and renovation projects , building maintenance , landscaping and urban forestry services , cemeteries management , sustainability and energy management , cultural and public art program management , and supporting the nonprofit
Keep Durham Beautiful
.
About the City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program
The City of Durham’s
Cultural and Public Art Program
affirms Durham’s rich cultural and arts community is a part of what makes Durham neighborhoods thrive , attracts tourism , spurs business development , and brings residents together . The Program seeks to bring cultural and public art opportunities into the everyday experience of Durham residents through delivery of culturally relevant programming . Under the Arts , Culture , and Sustainable Communities Division within the General Services Department , the Program manages the City’s public art collection , festivals and special events funding , and two public advisory bodies: the
Durham Cultural Advisory Board
and the
Public Art Committee
. Residents and artists interested in art - related opportunities can sign up for alerts through the
Calls for Art
mailing list .
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