ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Want to help create a piece of art for the city?
The city of Asheville is inviting residents of all ages to participate in a community tile-making event Saturday, June 7, as part of a public art project that will become a permanent feature along the Reed Creek Greenway near Broadway Public Safety Station.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Odyssey Clayworks, 236 Clingman Ave. Ext. in the River Arts District. Participation is free and open to all skill levels. Families are encouraged to attend.
Tiles created during the workshop will be included in a new public art installation — a playable harp — planned for the Reed Creek Greenway near Ocala Street. The artwork was originally intended for the Broadway Public Safety Station but was relocated for improved accessibility and to avoid conflicts with underground utilities.
The harp is expected to be installed in fall 2025.
The project is part of Asheville’s Percent for Public Art Policy, which designates 1 percent of capital project funding toward the creation of public art. The initiative is linked to the construction of the LEED-certified Broadway Public Safety Station, which opened in 2023 just north of downtown. The facility houses fire and police services and served as the city’s Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Helene.
Artists Nick Geurts and Alex Irvine were selected to design the sculpture following a public call for submissions. Community input favored the concept of a playable harp over an alternative proposal for a sculptural swing.
Tile-making events in 2023 drew strong community participation. Those tiles will also be incorporated into the final piece.
For more information about the June 7 event, click here.