Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/arts/services/public-art/wayfinding-artist-residence
05/26/2026 9:58 pm

A collage of pictures taken at a sign shop. Images have different street signs and art materials.

Wayfinding Artist-in-Residence

A Raleigh Arts and Transportation Creative Collaboration

Updated: May 26, 2026

Jump To:

 
Wayfinding Artist-in-Residence Residency Goals and Opportunities Public Input
Artist Katie Stewart smiles while illuminated by pink light

Wayfinding Artist-in-Residence

Katie is an artist celebrated for her immersive, installations that transform public spaces into vibrant, interactive environments. Her handcrafted pieces—from towering illuminated inflatables created for Nike & Dreamville festival, to enchanting giant sculptures made from reclaimed materials—fill spaces with imagination and delight. 

Traffic Sign Flowers Public Art by Artist Katie Stewart

Flowers made from recycled Traffic Signs. Located at Exchange and Market Plaza.

As the wayfinding artist-in-residence Katie is collaborating with the Raleigh Department of Traffic Services division of Signs and Markings. This division is responsible for creating and maintaining street signs throughout the City of Raleigh. They have a full on-site shop to create and repair traffic signs, including vinyl cutters and sign materials, at 2530 Westinghouse Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604. 

Katie is spending a year creating artistic wayfinding that defines routes and districts around downtown. She will also host events/classes for the community. Stay tuned! 

Learn more about Katie and her work.

Map with bright colors highlighting different areas of downtown raleigh.

Residency Goals and Opportunities

 The artwork created as part of this residency will provide placemaking and creative wayfinding for pedestrians in Raleigh in alignment with the Downtown Raleigh Economic Development Strategy plan. Artwork goals include helping visitors navigate from site to site around downtown, adding family-friendly itineraries and routes, and improving the legibility and coherence of downtown districts.

Artists rendering of bright colored flowers on a city street.

Concept Design Artist Rendering

Public Input

Public artist Katie Stewart gathered inspiration for new wayfinding in downtown Raleigh through a survey in Spring 2025. Visit the PublicInput project page to view community comments.

About the City of Raleigh Department of Transportation

The City of Raleigh's Transportation Department consolidates transportation and related infrastructure. From planning transportation projects, system operation, and infrastructure maintenance, the department works to optimize service delivery and position the City for ongoing growth. Services provided by the department include mobility strategy and infrastructure, traffic engineering, transportation maintenance, parking operations, GoRaleigh transit services, highway maintenance, and development services.

Additional Information

The application deadline has passed. For details about the call for artists, view City of Raleigh Sign Shop Artist in Residence RFQ (pdf). 

For questions, contact Jenn Hales, Public Art Coordinator for Raleigh Arts, Jenn.Hales@raleighnc.gov. 

Related Links

 

Artist Calls

Public Art

Go See Art

Raleigh Arts

Contact

 

Jenn Hales
Public Art Coordinator, Raleigh Arts
jenn.hales@raleighnc.gov

Supported Services

 
Public Art
Artist Residencies & Creative Fellowships
Back to Arts
Back to Community
Back to Transportation
Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Service Categories:
Raleigh Arts
Related Services:
Public ArtArtist Residencies & Creative Fellowships

Subscribe

 

Related Projects

  All projects