The Cemala Foundation envisions a vibrant and innovative Greensboro that is nationally known as a magnet for individuals, families, and businesses. Cemala invests in public art to engage, entertain, and inspire residents and visitors alike.
2017 – SkyLINK & Infinite Welcome – Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum
The Museum’s mission is to engage all children and families in hands-on, fun learning experiences which contribute to their growth and development through play, creation, outdoor exploration and STEM experiences.
The Cemala Foundation, in partnership with others, supported the installation of the SkyLINK sculpture to draw visitors to the museum and to engage the community and children of all ages.
Donors whose gifts made this commissioned piece possible:
Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Mary & Bob Plybon, Anita Kay & Mark Hyman, and The Cemala Foundation
Special Thanks to The Public Art Selection Committee:
Brigitte Blanton, Melissa Burroughs, Diane Cabbell, David Hall, Marian King, Jane Levy, Barbara Peck, Kim Richmond, Susan Schwartz, Laura Way, and Chris Wilson.
SkyLINK
Stainless Steel
The sky is an unlimited source of inspiration, and a place where imaginations and dreams run free. The three SpaceBIRDs in this installation are working cooperatively to build a bridge to the sky, using oversized links that symbolize the connection we have with the world beyond our community. SkyLINK invites us to wonder what is just outside our vision, and encourages us to expand our horizons by working together.
Infinite Welcome
The well-known infinity shape that greeted visitors to the Greensboro Children’s Museum for years was reimagined in this installation to attract visitors from near and far. SpaceBIRD, perched on the open area of the infinity shape, watches over museum visitors and looks on as fellow SpaceBIRDs build a link to the sky. SpaceBIRD is resting after having crafted a welcoming message on the face of this sculpture. Cemala challenges viewers to decipher the message.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin
Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin approach their craft in the same manner as they do their life: in collaboration. The husband and wife duo from Dallas, Texas have developed a tight process in working with each other since 2007. This special collaboration is one of two artists who know how to challenge each other to produce better work than either could do alone.
This poem was written to guide and to set the tone for the initial conceptual process in creating site-specific sculpture for Greensboro Children’s Museum.
Discover the World in This Place
by Christy Coltrin, Brad Oldham Sculpture 2017
Stretch yourself to learn that balance is more than a tree pose.
In this place, the scales tip for the fair and open minded.
Use cooperation, curiosity, and creativity as your currency.
In this place, pizza combinations are endless.
Climb to the sky to see downtown and the world beyond.
In this place, one Neptune is not enough.
Collect fresh eggs from Dolly Parton to use in a recipe.
In this place, the kind kitchen teacher has fairy hair.
Learn about a big life by doing many jobs.
In this place, you can fly, drive, and clean teeth.
Read a story one page at a time on an outdoor nature walk.
In this place, cats are the guardians of the garden.
Give a boost to help others as you reach for adventure.
In this place, a big chair invites guests and welcomes support.
Question as you think and test new ideas.
In this place, experimenting, learning and playing are the same.
Know there are many rooms for everyone here.
In this place, new visitors and regulars are welcome alike.
Notice the many people who care about and work in the museum.
In this place, see the names of those who believe in you.
Imagine life so small that you cannot see it.
In this place, dream today of a big tomorrow.
Imagine life so large that it’s almost indescribable.
In this place, you are precious and invited to discover the world.
2016 – Five Hearths – Greensboro Melvin Municipal Plaza Bollards
Cast Glass, Concrete
Greensboro is built on a shared appreciation for innovation, diversity, education, the outdoors, and its role as the “Gate City.” “Five Hearths” is a reflection of the moments that, taken together, have created a community and a city we are proud of. Welcoming a new neighbor, an act of kindness towards a stranger, teaching a child to read, learning a new skill-these deeds build pride and make our days worthwhile. These protective bollards to the Melvin Municipal Plaza can be enjoyed in a passing manner, yet are capable of drawing us in to imagine full and complex scenes, which are rewarding to those who take the time to investigate.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Crystal Schenk and Shelby Davis
Crystal Schenk and Shelby Davis are a husband and wife team based in Portland, OR. They each have their own individual art practices and have been working together since 2009, creating large-scale sculptures, installations, and public artworks. Their collaborative work comes out of a shared interest in storytelling, history, and symbolism. They spend time looking for coincidences-areas of overlap-and they search for the most potent icon that inspires them to spend intimate time with its history, learning its stories and form.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE KEY COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS
- The City of Greensboro
- Crystal Schenk and Shelby Davis, Artists
- Public Art Committee for the Melvin Municipal Plaza Bollards:
- Melissa Burroughs, The Cemala Foundation
- Ivan Canada, National Conference for Community and Justice of the Piedmont Triad
- Jennie Carlisle, Community Volunteer
- Frankie Jones Jr., Smith Moore Leatherwood
- Leslie Dunne Ketner, Pace
- Elizabeth Link, City of Greensboro
- Leslie Newby, Brand Communications
- Ted Partrick, City of Greensboro, Retired
- Barbara Peck, Public Art Consultant
- Mike Powers, Frank L. Blum Construction
- Kim Richmond, The Cemala Foundation
- Susan Schwartz, The Cemala Foundation
- Butch Shumate, City of Greensboro
2015 – A Traveler’s Garden
Public Art for the Central Lobby of the Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport’s Main Terminal
The Cemala Foundation joined the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority (PTAA) in commissioning A Traveler’s Garden by Gary Caldwell and Holly Felice. We are grateful for the partnership with PTAA and Kevin Baker, Executive Director.
In September 2015, The Cemala Foundation and the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority (PTAA) opened “A Traveler’s Garden.” The Cemala Foundation and the PTAA commissioned Chapel Hill artists Holly Felice and Gary Caldwell to create their proposal for the central area on the main level of the airport. The project was budgeted at $40,000; $20K from Piedmont Triad Airport Authority as a part of the ceiling renovations and $20K from The Cemala Foundation. This initiative was the premier project and first site specific artwork of the PTAA Art Master Plan set in place in 2014.
The sculpture, A Traveler’s Garden hangs in the center section, upper level area of the Main Terminal of the airport. “To wish you well on your journeys and welcome you home,” says sculptor and designer Holly Felice. It enhances the local cultural landscape and the facility by capturing the spirit of the Piedmont Triad through public art as a means to welcome patrons and passengers to the airport.
The Work:
This piece is a wonder to view from all angles and if passengers waiting to board are lucky enough to snag a seat beneath it they will be able to pass their time gazing into its branches and finding new details around every bend. The Artists sculpted 3 tree-like root systems that extend down, in a chandelier-like fashion, from the center of the recessed space in the ceiling and hang at different heights. Each root system represents one of the 3 wonderful and distinct regions that make up North Carolina. Growing from the branches are sculptural adaptations of local flowers and leaves common to each region, showcasing some of North Carolina’s beautiful and diverse natural wonders; the Coast is represented by Azaleas, the Mountains by our state wild flower the Carolina Lily, and the Piedmont showcases our state flower the Dogwood. Floating around and perched upon the chandelier-like structure are sculptural versions of local North Carolina butterflies, all clearly attracted to and entranced by the lovely flowers. “The butterflies are symbolic of both North Carolinians and of the travelers coming here via PTI who will now get the opportunity to visit our amazing home,” says Holly Felice. There are five types of NC Butterflies – Io Moth, Mourning Cloak, Orange Sulphur, Cabbage White, and Luna Moth.
There is an informative plaque on the coffee table below the sculpture that features images of the actual butterflies and flowers native to North Carolina. Children and their families will be able to interact with the artwork as they search for the different flowers and butterflies among the sculpture while learning interesting facts about each one. The addition of this feature allows the sculpture to become, not only a beautiful and visually inspiring piece of artwork, but also a family friendly learning activity that encourages interest and education about North Carolina.
Butterflies
Mourning Cloak
-Size: 2’ wingspan
-Weight per piece: Approx. 8 lbs
-Material: Stainless Steel
Io Moth
-Size: 13” Wingspan
-Weight per piece: Approx. 6 lbs
-Material: Stainless Steel
Luna Moth
-Size: 2’ Wingspan
-Weight per piece: Approx. 8 lbs
-Material: Stainless Steel
Orange Sulphur
-Size: 15” Wingspan
-Weight per piece: Approx. 7 lbs
-Material: Stainless Steel
Cabbage White
-Size: 10” Wingspan
-Weight per piece: Approx. 4 lb
Flowers
Carolina Lily
-Size: 9” X 12”
-Weight per piece: Approx. 7 lbs
-Material: Stainless Steel
Dogwood
-Size: 5” flower, 12” cluster of 3
-Weight per piece: Approx. 8 lbs
Azalea
-Size: 9” Wingspan
-Weight per piece: Approx. 7 lbs
-Material: Stainless Steel
ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Holly Felice and Gary Caldwell
“Caldwell and Felice Sculptures have been creating truly unique and beautiful stainless steel sculptures for over 30 years and for the past 8 years we have had the pleasure of branching out into public art and are enjoying the differences between gallery and public art. Being able to interact with people on a larger scale and participating in how art can shape a location is truly an exciting experience for us. When creating art for a public space we try to work closely with our commissioners so that we can make sure that the final piece is a perfect fit and everyone is overjoyed with the sculpture(s) they receive.”
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE KEY COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS
- Mr. Kevin Baker, Executive Director, PTI
- Ms. Endia Beale, Director, Diggs Gallery, WSSU
- Ms. Rebeccah Byer, The Olio, Winston-Salem
- Mr. Gary Caldwell, Artist
- Ms. Lisa Elmore, Planning and Engineering Coordinator, PTI
- Ms. Holly Felice, Artist
- Ms. Stephanie Freeman, Marketing and Customer Service Relations Manager, PTI
- Mr. Alex Rosser, Deputy Executive Director, PTI
- Ms. Dabney Sanders, Project Manager, Downtown Greenway
- Ms. Cheryl Stewart, Public Art Consultant
- Ms. Susan Schwartz, Executive Director, The Cemala Foundation
2009 – “Moving Forward” – Public Art for the City’s Greene Street Parking Deck
In August 2009, The Cemala Foundation officially presented to the City of Greensboro, “Moving Forward,” a comprehensive public art project for the Greene Street Parking Deck. “Cemala chose to contribute public art to the City to express Greensboro’s positive sense of character and identity,” said Susan Schwartz, Executive Director of The Cemala Foundation.The Cemala Foundation commissioned Burnsville artist Ron Fondaw to decorate the six-level deck’s exterior. The theme of the art is transportation over 250 years and its importance to the development and growth of Greensboro. The project features three components.
Each of the deck’s three visible corners has five multicolored polycarbonate stylized wheels in vertical fixtures that light up at night.
The low pedestrian wall along Greene and Washington Streets boasts a “timeline” made of hand-made tiles, colorfully glazed to reflect the wheels and the frames. The timeline showcases vehicles representing different time periods including a steam locomotive, a street trolley, a tractor trailer, cars of the 20th century, and ending with the HondaJet of 2010.
The tops of the deck showcases a frieze with 6′ by 6.5′ blocks featuring geometric designs created to complement the elements of nearby historic buildings.
“Transportation is an exciting theme, because it is part of our past and part of our future,” said Kim Richmond, Cemala board member and granddaughter of Martha A. and Ceasar Cone II, who created the foundation. The narrative accompanying the art and written by Gayle Hicks Fripp, Greensboro Historian reads:
“Transportation has always fueled Greensboro’s progress. From the wooden wheels on 18th-century wagons to the spinning turbines of jet engines, moving people and goods has been a major element in creating local fortunes.
The first railroad came to Greensboro in 1856, and within 40 years the town rumbled with dozens of trains a day. A newspaper editor described Greensboro as “the gateway to the South” and gave the city its enduring nickname: The Gate City.
In the early 20th century, automobiles, buses and trucks competed with electric trolleys on Greensboro’s streets. By mid-century, the intersection of two interstate highways propelled the city’s trucking and distribution industries. An additional transportation innovation took place west of town, where Lindley Field, used by early pilots, developed into the region’s airport.
In the 21st century, The Gate City is home to makers of corporate jets and big-rig trucks. Piedmont Triad International Airport, supported by a network of interstate highways, hosts a major express delivery hub and its many cargo aircraft. Transportation continues to drive Greensboro forward.
Future technologies will change our vehicles and transportation systems, and Greensboro will change with them, always striving to advance. We are a city on the move.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST – RON FONDAW
Ron Fondaw’s artwork is included in major art collections around the world. With an MFA from the University of Illinois, Fondaw was Professor of Art (1995-June 2020) at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Also, he has been a professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and other universities. Fondaw has worked in Japan and Denmark as well as sites around the U.S. and has received numerous distinctions including a Guggenheim award for sculpture, a National Endowment for the Arts and a Pollack/Kransner award. Visit Ron Fondaw’s website.
About Public Art, Fondaw says,
“Daily encounters with works of art have the potential to change how people perceive their surroundings and interact with each other. I like to define the essence of a place to express shared values with the community.”
The Vehicle Timeline
Covered Wagon, 1760
Stagecoach, 1750
The Fast Walker, 1780
Steam Engine, 1860
Model T Ford, 1908
Street Trolley, 1929
Packard, 1949
Chevy Nomad, 1957
Corvette, 1965
Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle, 1978
NASCAR, 1990
HondaJet, 2010
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE KEY COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS
- Mr. Ron Fondaw, The Artist
- Mr. Erik Beerbower, Coordinator of the Project, Owner, Lyndon Street Artists Collaboration
- Ms. Robin Davenport, Parking Operations Manager, City of Greensboro
- Ms. Nancy Doll, Executive Director, Weatherspoon Art Museum, UNC Greensboro
- Ms. Jeanie Duncan, President, United Arts Council of Greensboro
- Mr. Walter Fancourt, Owner, Liberty Oak Restaurant
- Ms. Cheryl Stewart, Public Art Consultant
- Mr. Jim Westmoreland, Director, Department of Transportation, City of Greensboro
- Ms. Susan Schwartz, Executive Director, The Cemala Foundation
THE GREENE STREET PARKING DECK
Opened in November 1972
Double Helix Design
Architect: J. Hyatt Hammond, Greensboro, NC
Pre-cast concrete with sandblasted concrete exterior
Total of 706 spaces on 6 levels