The next bench has been chosen for installation on the Downtown Greenway Phase 1a!

May 17, 2011

The Downtown Greenway has commissioned the ALLOY Artisan Group for the fabrication and installation of the next bench on the Downtown Greenway. The bench will be installed on the Phase 1a section of the Downtown Greenway near the intersection of Spring Garden Street in the fall of 2011.

The ALLOY Artisan Group is a collection of award‐winning artists and designers, based in Wilmington, NC, who have committed themselves to mastering traditional blacksmithing techniques, as well as to exploring & advancing the boundaries of art. Their apprenticeship of the ancient craft of iron work has taken them throughout the country, learning from some of the world’s greatest modern blacksmiths. ALLOY Group’s efforts in public art are marked by each member’s belief that the artifacts & amenities that surround us - as we live, work, & play - have the potential to communicate diverse cultural imperatives specific to site & time; as well as possess the ability to serve functional & symbolic demands with grace & efficiency.
In proposing their concept of a bench, ALLOY used the analogy of Greensboro as a house and the Downtown Greenway project likened to a living room. In thinking of the Greenway as a place for community members to come together for interaction and leisure, the artists began to interpret the “bench” as more of a couch or love seat. They proposed a grouping of furniture‐like objects facing one another promoting interaction between community members.

The pieces will be emblematic of the historic nature of the neighborhood. This property was originally a part of Governor John Motley Morehead’s Blandwood estate.  The artists will produce a finely crafted outdoor couch and chair inspired by 19th century indoor furniture in the Blandwood Mansion. The piece will signify “indoor” materials such as fabric and delicate wood in “outdoor” materials such as steel, bronze, and concrete.

The Downtown Greenway plans to commission a total of 12 benches for installation along the Greenway. Each bench, created by North Carolina artists, will include neighborhood input to weave the history and character of the bench location into the artwork.  Artists are chosen by the Downtown Greenway Public Art Committee. The Phase 1A is the second bench scheduled for installation.

Categories: Public Art

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