Uproar Festival brings public art to Orange County
Orange County is bursting with public art displays this Thursday afternoon, as 60 artists showcase their work as part of the "Uproar Festival."
People can drive through the Orange County communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough and find various public art.
The Orange County Arts Director Katie Murray says the Uproar Festival site has attracted more than 15,000 Google Maps views.
"Well, the response has been incredible," Murray said. "We have 40,000 viewers of the website."
Murray says they recognized the need to step out of the large shadow of Raleigh and Durham and attract more art lovers to Orange County.
The challenge attracted artists like Mango Martinez; he and his wife created this acrylic sculpture in the Hillsborough Alley.
"When the sun hits you, it kind of creates a light tunnel, so it's a whole installation, how you can actually paint with light," Martinez said.
Martinez and other artists say it's an incredible opportunity to share their work with the world.
"It's not only for the artists, but the community and everybody involved," Martinez said.
Public sculptures can be found on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill and the front lawn of Carrboro's Town Hall.
"This is very meaningful work for me. All my work is related to transformation," artist Aryn Donnaly said.
He created an installation called "Mandala."
"Three is a light panel behind it, so it's backlit at night," Donnaly said. "It's like a gateway signifying that you're leaving the Mandala, entering a sacred space."
A few displays must be seen indoors, like Walsh-Blazing's work called "Changing Worlds Now."
It's a 6-and-a-half-minute progression of a society and its downfall.
On the weekends, trolleys offer art fans easy access to various public art displays.
On August 12th online voters will determine to win the grand prize of $10,000.
"It's going to be a really fun celebration and it's completely free," Murray said.
Murray says the Uproar Festival of Public Art Displays includes an emphasis on "accessibility" to the art among those with physical or other disabilities.
