by Renee Piechocki

The last time you visited the Chapel Hill Public Library or Town Hall you may have noticed the art exhibitions or heard a musical performance. Or you may have seen a model for the public artwork to be installed at the new firehouse. The last time you strolled through the Apple Chill street fair, you may have seen contemporary sculpture installed on McCorkle Place.

If you have found yourself looking at art in public places in Chapel Hill, chances are you have experienced some of the programs of the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission.

Established in 1992, the commission is dedicated to making the arts a part of everyday life in Chapel Hill. This year has marked the steady growth of the commission's activities. In addition to maintaining past programs, we have developed new initiatives that will weave together the arts and the community.

Chapel Hill made North Carolina history on March 4 when the Town Council unanimously approved Percent for Art, an ordinance and resolution that made Chapel Hill the first place in the state to have a public art ordinance.

Following the Town Of Chapel Hill's Comprehensive Plan, the commission worked closely with the Town Council and town staff to create a public art program that will expand the opportunity for the citizens to experience public art. This program will enhance the aesthetic quality of public buildings and spaces, provide benefits to the community by expanding the historical, cultural and creative knowledge of citizens, help define the community's identity and sense of place, and promote social interaction and discourse.

Chapel Hill's first Percent for Art project is by sculptor Mike Roig. The artist worked closely with firefighters, including a 24-hour visit to one firehouse in Chapel Hill, to develop an artwork that embodies the dedication, collaboration and community spirit of firefighters. The artwork will be installed at Firehouse 5 in May.

The commission is not only hard at work on permanent commissions, but sponsors a variety of programs. The Summer Select and Sculpture on the Green programs are designed to spread the excitement and inspiration of temporary artworks. This year, Sculpture on the Green, coincides with Apple Chill, to be held today from 1-6 p.m. Original works by regional sculptors will be on exhibit at McCorkle Place on the UNC-CH campus.

Realizing that a two-day sculpture exhibit is only an appetizer for temporary work, the commission plans to present the second annual Summer Select sculpture exhibit. An outgrowth of Sculpture on the Green, artists were invited to submit proposals to show work from mid-April through Aug. 31, increasing the opportunities for visitors and citizens to see contemporary sculpture by regional artists.

A panel recently selected work for this summer. Sites and artworks for this summer include: "The Heart of the Matter" by Ann Melanie on the lawn of the police station; "Nice" by Jon Rajkovich on the lawn in front of Firehouse 1 and Town Hall; "Contrapposto" by Mike Roig at the library; and "Web-site" by Gary Gresko at the police station, and "Beyond the Elements" by Hanna Jubran at the Chapel Hill Museum.

The commission is dedicated to providing opportunity for a variety of artists to share their work with the public. The art exhibits at Town Hall and the library continue to be enjoyable for the people who view them, and the artists who participate. In 2002, there will be six exhibits at Town Hall and six at the library.

Moving beyond the visual arts, the commission has received a grant from the Orange County Arts Council to develop a performing arts series. In 2001, the commission featured 15 performing artists at exhibition openings and Sculpture on the Green.

The commission has developed a committee to do an artwork collection survey for the Town of Chapel Hill. Thirty-six artworks have been located. Once the collection survey is completed and more is known about the objects, methods for informing the public about the collection will be developed.

In order to develop programs that are in tune with the broader community vision, the commission has embarked on a five-year planning process. We received a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council to develop a community presentation that showcases contemporary public art practices, and engages the community in a dialogue about commission programs. A diverse 35-member planning team has been formed that will help develop goals and strategies for the commission for the next five years. Meetings with community and citizens groups are planned throughout the fall.

Would you like to be notified about coming openings and events? Are you an artist who would like to be on our mailing list for future opportunities? Are you part of a community group that would like to talk with us about your vision for the arts in Chapel Hill? Would you like to become a commission member and/or serve on an art selection panel? We want to hear from you! E-mail us your contact information, questions and concerns. E-mail me at reneepie@aol.com or Karen Slotta, the staff person for the commission, at Kslotta@townofchapelhill.org.

I would like to close by recognizing the hard work and dedication of each volunteer Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission member: Ellen Fussel, co-chair; Jimmie A. Haynes, treasuer; past chair Joan Page; artists Colleen Black-Semelka, Susan Leeb, Lee Butler Bidgood, Jean Parish and Linda Passman; and Lucia Anderson, Barbara Barnes, Katrinka Borders, Betsy Bullen, Romeo Fontaine, Bibb Latane and Andrew Ross.

Renee Piechocki is co-chairperson of the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission.