Waynesville: Art on the streets
Waynesville’s vibrant arts community supports a unique public art program that is bringing permanent works to town.
The Waynesville Public Art Commission, created by the Town of Waynesville in 2006 to facilitate a permanent public art program, aims to engage the community and enrich the public realm through original public art that celebrates Waynesville’s unique historic, cultural, natural and human resources.
“The Public Art Commission is a really fine example of having the desire to help the community you live in,” said Waynesville alderwoman Libba Feichter.
Artist Wayne Trapp’s colorful, kinetic sculpture will become the third piece installed downtown this November. The work celebrates Folkmoot, the state’s official international festival, which is based in Waynesville. Local physician Clinton Border conceived the festival 26 years ago.
Trapp’s work was selected due to its ability to convey the color, movement, energy and drama of the international dance festival that brings performers from around the world to Western North Carolina. Trapp is a celebrated sculptor who has worked in stone and steel for years, creating lavish, even colossal outdoor pieces for corporate clients and public places. His work will serve as a lasting reminder of the friendships created through Folkmoot.
The piece will be placed outside the new Waynesville Police Station located at the corner of Main and East Street.
Just down the street at the corner of Main and Miller Street sits the first Public Art Commission work, Stefan Bonitz’ “Old Time Music.” The popular work features two giant musicians, a washtub bass player and guitar player, made out of reclaimed materials including drill bits, nuts and bolts and cylindrical storage tanks.
“His method of using found pieces and giving them a second life appeals to everyone’s desire to recycle and re-use materials,” said PAC Chairman Mike Gillespie. “His works are reminiscent of toys or cartoons, and also relate to the mountain tradition of making do with what you’ve got.”
Waynesville’s second public art piece is also part of the Waynesville Police Station project and is planned for the plaza in front of the new building. The WPAC sponsored a contest for Tuscola High School art students who were asked to create a paver design for the plaza taking into consideration the history of the building site. Courtney Boessel’s “A Patchwork Community” design was selected and is now in place.
The WPAC is funded predominately by individual donations. For more information or to make a donation, contact the Downtown Waynesville Association at 828.456.3517.