Power lines as public art? Wait ‘til you see these sunflowers planned for Dix Park.
Power line poles along Dorothea Dix Park will transform into large metal sunflowers, nearly 80 feet tall.
The two power poles will become large-scale public art in a collaboration between the Dix Park Conservancy, Duke Energy and Raleigh-based artist Thomas Sayre.
“This inspired project exemplifies both the creativity we aspire to foster at Dix Park and the spirit of community and collaboration that makes the park possible,” said Janet Cowell, CEO of Dix Park Conservancy, in a news release.
Every summer acres of sunflowers delight park visitors. Soon, the power lines along Lake Wheeler Road will bloom into giant metal sunflowers framing the park’s new entrance.
The flowers will be 73 feet tall with a steel ring acting as the flower’s head with power lines running through the center. The ring will be circled by 48 steel petals, ranging in size from eight to 10 feet. Each petal will have a pattern of small holes “representing the mathematical expression of the electromagnetic waves crackling through the powerlines.”
Work to create the large metal petals is underway now with the new steel sunflowers expected to be installed next year.
Sayre is known for is sculptures and public art including the shimmer wall on the Raleigh Convention Center and the three “Gyre” rings at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
“The challenge of making something magical from the kind of infrastructure we all see and take for granted every day instantly intrigued me,” Sayre said in a news release.
The idea came from Raleigh resident: Doug Johnston. He sent photos of power poles turned into public art to the Conservancy where conversations then began with Duke Energy.
“We always strive to engage the communities we serve in meaningful ways,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina president. “This park plays an important role in a vibrant and growing downtown area. It’s exciting when we can support Raleigh’s growth and collaborate with creative minds in our community to create a distinct and special space for everyone to enjoy. ”
The public art endeavor is expected to cost $2.5 million, with the Conservancy already having raised “a significant portion” of that cost.
