Foundations-Renaissance Exhibition

To celebrate the Public Art Commission's first project and the completion of the South White Streetscape, the PAC is sponsoring a juried art show entitled "Foundations – Renaissance Exhibition" on Friday, June 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

To complement the recent renovations along South White Street in downtown Wake Forest, the artwork will reflect the spirit of the Downtown Renaissance area, as defined by the Renaissance Plan.

The Public Art Commission solicited amateur and professional artists' applications between April 8 and May 17, 2013.A jury of PAC members will review each art piece to determine the extent to which it reflects the spirit of the Downtown Renaissance Area and meets artistic standards.

Accepted works of art will be placed on display for public exhibition at town hall on Friday, June 14, 2013. The first, second and third place award winners will remain on view until July 12, 2013.


Awards
"First Place, Second Place and Third Place" awards will be announced during the Foundations-Renaissance Exhibition reception. The award winners will receive the following:

  • 1st Place award - $100 Visa gift card
  • 2nd Place award - $50 Visa gift card
  • 3rd Place award – "Connections" Town Book


Timeline

  • April 10, 2013 - Call to Artists
  • May 17, 2013 - Call for Artists Ends
  • May 24, 2013 - Artists are Notified of Acceptance
  • June 14, 2013 - Accepted Artwork Delivered to Town Hall
  • June 14, 2013 - Exhibition Reception from 6 - 8 pm


The Public Art Commission (PAC)
The purpose of the Public Art Commission (PAC) is to advise the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners about public art projects, planning, and program management. The Public Art Commission presents this exhibition in celebration of the first two pieces of town funded public art. Nationally renowned public artist, Robert Tully, was selected by the PAC to construct two sculptural seating pieces in the Historic Downtown area.


The Renaissance Plan for the Heart of Wake Forest
Developed during 2003 and adopted during 2004, the Wake Forest Renaissance Plan focuses on the central area of town bounded by Wait Avenue to the north, the NC 98 Bypass (Dr. Calvin Jones Highway) to the south, the CSX rail line on the west, and Franklin Street on the east. It was designed to fill the heart of the town with a mix of retail, residential, commercial, educational and public uses.

Since the plan's adoption, the town has rebuilt South Franklin Street with medians, roundabouts, sidewalks, bike lanes and pedestrian friendly lighting from the Dr. Calvin Jones Highway to Wait Avenue. The new street serves as a gateway into the downtown and Renaissance area.

The South White Streetscape was begun in 2008 and completed in 2012. The visible results are new and wider sidewalks with ramps and elevated sidewalks where necessary, inviting areas with benches, new trees and lighting and improved parking. The Streetscape will also be home to Wake Forest's first pieces of town funded public art.

The new Wake Forest Town Hall was completed in 2010 and earned a LEED Platinum rating in 2011. The Centennial Plaza in front has been and will be the site of many town celebrations, including the annual Lighting of Wake Forest with the ceremonial lighting of the town Christmas tree.