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Public Art at the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center
In 2023, artist Dare Coulter was selected to create public art for the renovation and expansion of the John P. “Top” Greene Community Center. Named for community activist and South Park resident, “Top” Greene, the center features exhibits that interpret the history and culture of the surrounding neighborhood. On April 15, 2025, with the approval of the Raleigh City Council, the community center was officially renamed the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center.
Dare’s work will celebrate the rich past of South Park, Raleigh’s largest historic African American neighborhood and a designated National Historic District. Drawing inspiration from the extraordinary figures who lived and worked here, Dare’s designs focus on “giving South Park its flowers.” Through a large lawn installation and monumental ground art, Dare will highlight notable figures and cultural landmarks associated with this exceptional community.
Concept Design: Give South Park Her Flowers features native flowers (Sneezeweed, Bloodroot, and White Water Lilly) representing strength, resilience and healing. The flower lines are envisioned as brass lines embedded in concrete.
Concept Design: Give South Park Her Flowers would feature brass outlines of flowers and metal medallions featuring people and places significant to the community.
The center of the flowers and the circular shapes outside the flowers will feature historical content in metal.
The center of the flowers and the circular shapes outside the flowers will feature historical content in metal.
The center of the flowers and the circular shapes outside the flowers will feature historical content in metal.
Inspiration for the concept design.
About the Artist
Dare Coulter is an award-winning professional sculptor, artist, muralist, and illustrator. Born in Augusta, Ga., and raised in Lorton, Va., she has spent her adult life living in and around the Raleigh area. She graduated from NC State University with a bachelor’s degree in art and design and was strongly influenced by courses in Meredith College’s art program.
Dare’s murals and public art can be seen around the Triangle, and she has illustrated more than a dozen books. In 2024, her illustrations for An American Story, by author and poet Kwame Alexander, won the Coretta Scott King Book Award for illustration. Her work exudes energy and celebrates black joy, and is rich in imagery that reflects the fullness and vibrancy of the black cultural experience.
