Special to IFN

The Downtown Statesville Development Corporation’s Design Committee will unveil new artwork at the Cooper Street Art Gallery at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, to wrap up the 2024 Fall Fine Art Crawl.

First introduced in October 2018, the outdoor gallery was created to add vibrant public art to downtown, making the area a more culturally engaging and welcoming space for visitors and residents. The featured artwork was chosen through public submissions, allowing the community to play an active role in shaping the visual landscape of Downtown Statesville.

Liz Petree, community engagement manager for DSDC, is excited about the unveiling.

“We are thrilled to continue this tradition of showcasing local talent and creativity. This public gallery represents more than just art on a wall — it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and the cultural heartbeat of downtown.”

The Design Committee received an impressive variety of submissions, ultimately selecting eight pieces to be featured. The artwork, printed on mesh banner material, is displayed on the support structure along the side of Nu-Way Shoes at 114 E. Broad Street.

The banners that will be installed include:

♦ “Winter’s Rest Over the Sharpe House” by Christian Viera;
♦ “Intersection” by M.E. Leaver;
♦ “Sunset Over the Silos” by Lisa Faust Mikeal;
♦ “Hometown Colors” by Joey Dill;
♦ “Onto the Sun” by Alan Mota;
♦ “Gateway to Canola Field” by Wendy Bailey;
♦ “First Light at Fort Dobbs” by J. Cody Owen; and
♦ “N.B Mills Building circa 1890” by W.J. Stimpson