Raleigh ArtBeats
A Temporary Public Art Project
Raleigh ArtBeats is a temporary public art project spearheaded by the City of Raleigh’s Department of Transportation (RDOT) and Raleigh Arts. Artists create small semi-permanent sidewalk paintings in the downtown Raleigh area.
Chaos Cat
Raleigh ArtBeats 2023
Friedrich is inspired by Raleigh, a city that promotes art by making it visible to the public and places art where people go, on buses, greenways or walking around town. The inspiration behind the cat he painted on the sidewalk is that it's a fun image that makes people happy. A smiling image filled with bright warm colors. His message conveys to the audience that Raleigh is a fun place to live and grow up in and that art can be found anywhere unexpectedly and brighten any day.
"Know Where You Stand"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Each section of the mural features different local fauna and flora that is culturally and environmentally important to each tribe.
* For the Eastern Band of Cherokee I feature corn an important crop for sustenance and also present in Cherokee creation beliefs. I also feature Sohan, a plant used in herbal medicine.
* The meaning of Waccamaw Siouan is “the people of the Fallen Star” .
* The people of the Meherrin Idian Nation call themselves Kau- wets’a:ka which means “People of the Water” and also hold a yearly ceremony honoring strawberries.
* The Sappony and Lumbee Tribes feature Tobacco leaves and Longleaf Pine Cones in their respective seals.
* For the Haliwa Saponi Tribe, I feature a small thrush, a songbird usually heard very early in the morning, that is holding a branch of Dogwood a symbol of spring and of the times for planting summer crops.
* The Coharie are makers of Sorghum syrup, I therefore feature the Sorghum plant.
"Love Flowers"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
My Love Flowers are symbolic of how Love and Nature go hand in hand. We find Love in all 4 seasons that Mother Nature brings us and everything in between. We need to spread love and let it pollinate as nature does to bring peoples beauty to the world and this planet we call earth.
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Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
For Elisabeth Flock, the cicada represents a transformation that is happening within and without. The sun and the moon symbolize duality and the mysteries of the universe that may be forever unknown.
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Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Britt Flood is a painter based in Pittsboro, North Carolina working with themes of tenderness, intimacy, and connection. Flood is an avid sketchbooker and large scale painter. You can find this sidewalk painting near 1 S. Wilmington St in Downtown Raleigh
"Lava Jump"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
The floor is lava! Visit the mural and hop from stone to stone.
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Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Seeing my children’s determination for pure joy and happiness has forced me to cast aside my anxiety and frustrations about our reality. This mural ‘Dinosaurs and Unicorns’ is me giving into their playfulness and embracing all things unreal, elusive, and extinct.
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Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
I am doing a piece depicting a black woman emotionally singing a song by John Legend and Common called "Glory." This piece is to honor the Black Lives Matter Movement, the strength of Black women in our society, and to acknowledge systemic racism's presence. I hope that this piece brings awareness and representation to the Black community in Raleigh and that it inspires everyone to fight for respect, equality, and glory.
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Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
I wanted to make a statement about the current reality of our society and the lack of justice many black members of the community receive. My goal was to revive passerby's passion for this issue with representation and something eye-catching and colorful.
"Freedom Now"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
"Freedom Now" was inspired by a 1963 televised performance by jazz legends Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach. The message they brought rings just as true today as it did in 1963, in 1863, in 1763 and 1663. This piece is a small reminder for anyone who passes by that there is still urgent work to be done before America has attained its ideals.
Black Main Street Commemorative Mural | Welcome to Black Main Street
TJ Mundy
This mural serves to memorialize Black Main Street and inform the public about its historical importance. Black Main Street was a commercial district in Downtown Raleigh from the 1910s to the 1960s. It was mainly on E. Hargett Street, extending from Fayetteville Street to Moore Square. There were all types of businesses owned by and in service to Black people at the time: barbershops, pharmacies, drug stores, retailers, and the offices of lawyers and doctors. Many of these businesses and offices do not exist anymore, having gone out of business, or even burnt down. This mural is meant to show how Black Main Street is culturally and historically important to the history of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Black community. We were inspired by the Black-led community organizing that took place during Summer 2020 as a response to police violence and wanted to focus on memorializing places of Black history in Raleigh.
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Black Main Street Commemorative Mural | Delany-Evans Building
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
The Delany-Evans Building, also known as the Dental Building, was founded in 1926 by Dr. Lemuel Delany & Dr. George Evans, the second Black dentist in Raleigh. In 1935 the first Black public library in Wake County was founded in the building by Mollie Huston Lee, the first Black librarian in Raleigh.
This mural serves to memorialize Black Main Street and inform the public about its historical importance. Black Main Street was a commercial district in Downtown Raleigh from the 1910s to the 1960s. It was mainly on E. Hargett Street, extending from Fayetteville Street to Moore Square. There were all types of businesses owned by and in service to Black people at the time: barbershops, pharmacies, drug stores, retailers, and the offices of lawyers and doctors. Many of these businesses and offices do not exist anymore, having gone out of business, or even burnt down. This mural is meant to show how Black Main Street is culturally and historically important to the history of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Black community. We were inspired by the Black-led community organizing that took place during Summer 2020 as a response to police violence and wanted to focus on memorializing places of Black history in Raleigh.
Black Main Street Commemorative Mural | Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Building
Raleigh AtBeats 2020-21
The Odd Fellows building was a factory until 1891, when it became the office and assembly space for the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. The Odd Fellows were a Black fraternal organization with the purpose of benefiting the community through mutual aid.
This mural serves to memorialize Black Main Street and inform the public about its historical importance. Black Main Street was a commercial district in Downtown Raleigh from the 1910s to the 1960s. It was mainly on E. Hargett Street, extending from Fayetteville Street to Moore Square. There were all types of businesses owned by and in service to Black people at the time: barbershops, pharmacies, drug stores, retailers, and the offices of lawyers and doctors. Many of these businesses and offices do not exist anymore, having gone out of business, or even burnt down. This mural is meant to show how Black Main Street is culturally and historically important to the history of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Black community. We were inspired by the Black-led community organizing that took place during Summer 2020 as a response to police violence and wanted to focus on memorializing places of Black history in Raleigh.
Black Main Street Commemorative Mural | Hamlin Drug Store
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Hamlin Drug was purchased in 1957 by Clarence C. Coleman & Dr. John M. Johnson. It was the oldest African American-owned pharmacy in North Carolina. Dr. Johnson delivered medications by car, created a pay-what-you-can system for government employees, and ran the pharmacy counter for 60 years.
This mural serves to memorialize Black Main Street and inform the public about its historical importance. Black Main Street was a commercial district in Downtown Raleigh from the 1910s to the 1960s. It was mainly on E. Hargett Street, extending from Fayetteville Street to Moore Square. There were all types of businesses owned by and in service to Black people at the time: barbershops, pharmacies, drug stores, retailers, and the offices of lawyers and doctors. Many of these businesses and offices do not exist anymore, having gone out of business, or even burnt down. This mural is meant to show how Black Main Street is culturally and historically important to the history of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Black community. We were inspired by the Black-led community organizing that took place during Summer 2020 as a response to police violence and wanted to focus on memorializing places of Black history in Raleigh.
Black Main Street Commemorative Mural | Lightner Arcade & Hotel
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Built in 1921 by Charles E. Lightner, a local businessman, Lightner Arcade was one of the few places for Black travelers of the time. From the 1920s-1940s the Arcade was the premier social hub of Raleigh’s Black community & housed a barber shop, drugstore, newspaper, & restaurant. The building burned down in 1968.
This mural serves to memorialize Black Main Street and inform the public about its historical importance. Black Main Street was a commercial district in Downtown Raleigh from the 1910s-1960s. It was mainly on E. Hargett Street, extending from Fayetteville Street to Moore Square. There were all types of businesses owned by and in service to Black people at the time: barbershops, pharmacies, drug stores, retailers, and the offices of lawyers and doctors. Many of these businesses and offices do not exist anymore, having gone out of business, or even burnt down. This mural is meant to show how Black Main Street is culturally and historically important to the history of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Black community. We were inspired by the Black-led community organizing that took place during Summer 2020 as a response to police violence and wanted to focus on memorializing places of Black history in Raleigh.
"pure.❤️ LOVE"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
I wanted my piece, “pure.❤️ LOVE.” to be a visual symbol of the power of love, community, and universal humanity. I want to inspire people to see themselves and others as powerful, beautiful creations with a definite purpose. The ArtBeats project was one of the greatest opportunities to connect with my Raleigh community right now. The opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. It inspired me to create with authenticity, beauty and focus.
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Robert Quinn
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
This work imagines a postage stamp series celebrating North Carolina's wildlife. Located beside the downtown post office, the stamps are painted side-by-side as if part of a book one would purchase at the post office.
Printmaking techniques were used to create the image to provide the "printed" characteristics found in real postage stamps.
"The Butterfly Effect"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
The painting I did is about how even the tiniest of actions can have a huge impact on the world around us. My piece was to capture the significance in our everyday lives, and to inspire people to focus on the positive that they can bring about.
"Three Heads Are Better Than None"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Three Heads Are Better Than None, consists of a cotton candy palette and a simple yet macabre composition. Find this charming mural on the sidewalk near lucettegrace.
"I Am Her and He Is Me"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
This piece holds names of my brothers and sisters, kept alive and represented through my words and actions because I am Her and He is Me.
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Raleigh ArtBeats 2020-21
Mandala as a point of focus and wholeness. Aside from sunflowers being in season at the time. More than that, with so much going on in the world, sunflowers invoke: happiness, joy & strength (with the heavy stalks).
"Cardinal"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
I painted this colorful cardinal to pay homage to our state bird. As he "feeds" on part of the sidewalk, my hope is that viewers delight in seeing a depiction of nature integrated with the surrounding urban setting.
"Lavender Fields"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
Is it a lavender field from Providence, France? Is it a desert scene? Is it an imagined landscape? You decide.
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Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
Standing near this piece offers a perfect view of Raleigh’s skyline, the iconic buildings of which are represented in the middle squares. I portrayed the Fayetteville St. city blocks on each piece of pavement showing a birds eye view of buildings like the Raleigh Convention Center, the courthouse and the City of Raleigh Museum. Bookending the piece on either side is NC’s state flower, the Dogwood. I love this city and state and being able to paint it in bright colors and a fun, comical style represents the feeling I get when I think of my time here. Truly, nothing could be finer.
"She'll Never Know That I Saw a Flower Today and Thought of Her Face"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
A large scale black and white abstract portrait combining florals and facial features. In her work, the artist uses portraits to represent growth, realization, and intimacy.
"Maze"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
The artist was inspired by color relationships, maze patterns, and the children who play in Nash Square as she created this colorful artwork.
"Contrare"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
The art work pays homage to graffiti writers and the way they re-purpose name labels into "slaps" or "public art stickers"
"Making Tracks Through Raleigh"
Laura Myers
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
This piece depicts the effects of the North Carolina Railroad CRR on the commerce and agriculture of NC. Artist Laura Meyers worked closely with students at Moore Square Middle and Art teacher, Mr. Frank Kreacic.
"Flora & Fauna of Raleigh"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
Taking the design of vintage scouting manuals as direct inspiration, the artist transformed a stretch of sidewalk into an interactive field guide to keen observation of one's environment - in this case, downtown Raleigh. Though first noticed as passersby are looking down, it will then directs the gaze up, out, and around. It will includes an identification guide to common local vegetation and animal species.
"Litter Critters"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
A group of cute little green monsters near trash & recycling bins, carrying trompe-l'oeil trash to the bin. Thank you for keeping Raleigh clean.
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Robert Quinn
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
This Union Station Mural by Robert Quinn depicts a sidewalk-accessed stairwell leading to the train station across the street. Busy travelers ascend and descend the stairs to an underground network of train platforms and tracks. The mural provides a glimpse into their world.
"Quilt Blocks"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
Quilt Blocks on Wilmington, designed by artists Helen Seebold and Erin Lawler, put a modern spin on a traditional craft. Just as traditional quilts have commemorated important events throughout history and shared the stories of the community that created them, Erin and Helen have designed and installed 5 original quilt blocks on the sidewalk of South Wilmington Street. Using traditional quilting square patterns like bear claw and 9 square, they incorporated symbols from Shaw University and Duke Performing Arts Center, as well as Raleigh’s beloved Acorn and Oak leaf, to tell the story of the South Wilmington Street block between Lenoir and South streets.
"Go With the Flow"
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
The painting style is a mix of modern, contemporary and pop. With the digital rendering for the proposed design of the sidewalk mural my aim was to create a character that one might see while walking in downtown. She could be leaving work at sunset. She could be on her way to meet friends, on her way to a date, on her way to work, on her way to meet clients for a drink. She could be an entrepreneur, a musician, a singer… I really could go on and on. She can be any of those people in any one of those scenarios; places narratives or it can be totally different.
"Pizza Time"
Graymon Ward
Raleigh ArtBeats 2018-19
A giant slice of pepperoni pizza on the triangular pedestrian median at the intersection of Wilmington, Salisbury, and Peace. The artist could say this piece was inspired by all the universities and the need for pizza, but really he just likes pizza.