Throughout the downtown area, sculptures sprout up overnight, turning our community into a public art gallery. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is responsible for these sculptures.
"Public art is art created for general public consumption. Public art is often commissioned by public institutions for a specific site. Public art must always be, by definition, visually and physically accessible to the general population. Therefore it is usually installed or staged in easily accessible public spaces.
"Public art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community. It is now a well-accepted principle of urban design that public art contributes to a community's identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors," according to the Arts Council website.
The piece debuting at Up & Coming Weekly's office on Rowan St. is called "Wonder." It is an 114"x5'x5' fabricated painted steel. Here's the information on Wonder. Abigail Law is the artist.
"In much of my work I've attempted to capture both the spontaneity and order found in nature through the use of organic or 'natural' subject matter. Many of my pieces are inspired by the unexpected yet somewhat predictable patterns and forms found in living organisms. I have enjoyed exploring the complexities and sometimes otherworldly visual elements found within even the smallest of living organisms, and aim to create from that inspiration. This likely stems from many years spent working in the garden, and my lifelong love of gardening as a means of therapeutic escape.
'I am interested in making art that not only brings joy and inspires the viewer, but also causes them to ponder the beauty of life and creation. I make art for the enjoyment of the viewer, as well as to satisfy my own curiosity. Hopefully this fabricated steel sculpture called 'Wonder' is able to both instill a sense of wonder, and bring joy to those who experience it," Law said.
The Arts Council has a series of public art sculptures placed all around town. For more information, visit https://www.wearethearts.com/artscape6
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County just celebrated their 50th anniversary in Fayetteville. Their mission is to "connect our communities, embraces diversity, promotes individual creativity, advances economic development, and fosters lifelong learning through the arts. As the primary steward of public and private funding for arts, cultural and history activities in the Cape Fear Region, the Arts Council, and the agencies it supports are known for the core values of excellence, accountability, transparency, collaboration, and innovation."

("Wonder" sits outside of the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper's office on Rowan St. in Fayetteville. Photo by Linda McAlister )