Artist

Gary Gresko

Oriental, North Carolina

Date Installed

2009

Medium

Welded steel, African teak, and rocks

Location

Southern Trace: Five Points, Freeman Mill Road ramp

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Made Possible By

The Ellison Foundation

Description

This bench represents the Warnersville neighborhood. Warnersville, Greensboro’s first African American community, was once known as Five Points, and so the number five is a repeated symbol in this work. The five words etched into the back of each chair were chosen by residents to describe the essence of their neighborhood and its history. African teak was used as the material for the five seats that make up the bench, while the five rocks that create a backdrop for the piece were unearthed at the original site for installation. The rocks symbolize the bedrock that Warnersville has been for the people who live there, as well as the role it has played as the foundation for the African American community in Greensboro. The semi-circular design with individual seating was used to create an inviting “front porch” feel that the artist hopes will encourage conversation and communication.