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Project Details
Artist David Wilson has designed a large painted glass artwork to be integrated into the Chavis Community Center. Additionally, a colorful perforated sunshade will line the side of the community center and reference the colors of the Carousel and window artwork. The piece draws from historic photos to tell the story of the park and the surrounding community. During the day the art will bring light and color into the building and at night will act as a welcoming beacon.
This project is part of the Percent for Art program and is part of the John Chavis Memorial Park Improvements project.
Estimated Timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Feb. 3, 7 p.m | Central Citizen Advisory Council presentation at John P "Top" Greene Community Center. |
| Feb. 12, 3:30 p.m. | Community presentation at John Chavis Memorial Community Center. |
| Feb. 25 | Final Design and Construction Documents submitted to the Public Art & Design Board. |
| March to April | Mockups completed and approved. |
| May to Aug. | Fabrication of sunshade elements and art glass. |
| Sept. | Installation Complete. |
Site Details
The Chavis Park Community Conversation, a park planning effort from August 2012 through May 2014, resulted in an amended park master plan for the long-term development of the park.
An appointed Public Leadership Group, representing area stakeholders, worked towards a community understanding for both the history and the future of the park, establishing consensus on shared interests, desired amenities, and needed improvements for the park. The Raleigh City Council unanimously approved the Revised Master Plan for John Chavis Memorial Park at its May 20, 2014 meeting. All meeting materials can be found at Chavis Conversations Public Leadership Group.
There have been several other milestones during this time of community planning and engagement, including John Chavis Memorial Park being added to the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places in April 2016.
Artist Biography
Durham artist David Wilson's current body of work charts iconic treatments of the natural world through representations of the universal as symbols of collective dignity and identity and are based in a collage approach. A primary driver in his public works is the creation of interpretation by all with an overall goal to foster introspection, communication, and provide a platform for education. Wilson brings a scientific approach to the creation of both fine and public works of art. He has researched and developed firing and glazing techniques for glass paintings studied the effects of light in spaces and discovered techniques for bending and welding metal, free-standing public structures.
Construction Fence Crochet Art
Artist Linette Knight is working with community members to create crochet art for the construction fences at John Chavis Memorial Park. Follow the Chavis Fence Art Instagram and Facebook accounts for tutorials and patterns to help create this artwork.
Community Partners
Community members break ground on the new community center.
Special thanks to our community partners: The Chavis Public Leadership Group, South Park East Raleigh Neighborhood Association (SPERNA), and all the community members who have come forward to share their memories, stories, and images of the park and surrounding neighborhoods.
