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Raleigh Stories is a community engagement public art project by Deborah Aschheim about Raleigh neighborhoods and communities. Aschheim creates unique drawings of the people and places that make up the Raleigh community. Participants receive a free signed print of their drawing and are featured on the Raleigh Stories Instagram.
In addition to Aschheim's drawings and stories, she has partnered with other artists to tell the stories of communities and neighborhoods across Raleigh. Learn about all the Raleigh Stories projects below.
Backpacking Method at Method Community Park
On display at Method Community Park, "Backpacking Method" by Kulsum Tasnif, is a multi-sensory, hands-on art exhibit where participants can unpack customized backpacks containing artifacts that tell the history of Method Road. There is also a podcast with stories told by the pioneers who built the neighborhood and the next generation of community builders.
Photograph by Tzu Chen
Raleigh Stories at Peach Road Park
Artist Deborah Aschheim has installed 24 Raleigh Stories portraits at Peach Road Park. The portraits include park patrons and residents of the nearby neighborhoods.
Raleigh Stories at Walnut Creek Wetland Park
Artist Deborah Aschheim has created a series of 30 portraits of community members who have a connection to the Walnut Creek Wetland Center. You can visit the wetland center to view the portraits.
Raleigh Stories at Tarboro Road Park
Artist Cianna Jackson created an artwork in collaboration with local teens at the Saint Monica's Teen Center Program. The work features elements that glow during black-light dodgeball and pickleball games.
Raleigh Stories at Barwell Road Park
Artist Deborah Aschheim has installed a temporary exhibit of artwork at Barwell Road Park, featuring portraits of community members from the Barwell Road area. As part of her Raleigh Stories project, Aschheim creates drawings based on interviews with local residents, capturing their personal histories and connections to the city. Known for her work exploring memory, history, and place, Aschheim’s art brings these narratives to life through detailed, expressive portraits. You can view the exhibit at the park during its open hours.
About the Artist
Deborah Aschheim makes installations, sculptures, and drawings about memory and place for buildings, parks, hospitals, transportation, and social media platforms. She has explored themes of collective memory, oral history, and social justice themes in vernacular history projects that blend participant interviews with drawing to bring the stories of diverse communities to life.
