"To local residents and visitors alike, public art establishes that unique sense of place, an identity, a familiar landmark that attracts people and keeps them coming back" Michael Beadle, "Taking it to the Street", Smoky Mountain News, 1-23-08
With the goal of creating a successful downtown, the town government, merchants, non-profit organizations, volunteers and the private sector have invested both time and money and have worked together to make Waynesville what it is today. In 2006, the Town of Waynesville established the Public Art Commission.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Waynesville Public Art Commission is to engage the community and enrich public spaces through original public art that celebrates Waynesville’s unique historic, cultural, natural and human resources.
Our focus is to commission and purchase permanent works of art to build a collection of public art that our citizens consider to be their entitlement and legacy for future generations.
There are many opportunities for public art in Waynesville . . .
Our public art, identified as the "Origins and Destinations Collection" will connect different areas of town. Initially our projects will be centralized within the Downtown, Hazelwood and Frog Level neighborhoods to encourage pedestrian activity. Their installation will serve as inspiration for future projects linking Downtown to outlying areas.
YOU C A N CONT R I B U T E
We encourage community involvement and support at every level. Please join us in our dedication to Public Art for Waynesville.
We invite artists throughout the Western North Carolina region to apply for one of our upcoming projects. A complete application guide and criteria can be found on this website under the public art buttons.
Make a commitment to your community. Funds raised for public art (through town appropriations, public and private grants, and individual and corporate donations) are secured in the Waynesville Public Art Fund, administered by the Town of Waynesville. Donations to the Public Art Fund may be mailed to the Downtown Waynesville Association, PO Box 1409, Waynesville, NC 28786. Make checks payable to: Town of Waynesville Public Art Fund.
Interest in assisting the Commission with the acquisition of our public art is most welcome. Volunteers can assist on short term projects; contact a Commission Member to find out how you can help.
Interested in becoming a member of the commission? Fill out an application and submit to Town Clerk Phyllis McClure at , 16 South Main Street, Waynesville. Or call 828-452-2491.
Public Art
