Dix Park’s Power Poles Bloom into Sunflower Towers
Ever wonder about witnessing a Sunflower made of Electric grid poles?? Here is one in the neighborhood of Dix Park in Raleigh, the power poles bloom into Sunflower.
In an innovative blend of art and utility, a pair of power poles at Dix Park in Raleigh is set to metamorphose into towering sunflowers.
Acclaimed Raleigh artist Thomas Sayre created this special project with Duke Energy and the Dix Park Conservancy.
Dix Park: A History
Dix Park, a 308-acre gem in Raleigh, is a testament to the city’s rich history and commitment to arts and culture.
The land used to be part of the Spring Hill Plantation. Later, it became the site of North Carolina’s first mental health facility, Dorothea Dix Hospital.
Now, it has become one of the largest new urban parks in the U.S.
Today, Dix Park is a vibrant hub for arts and culture. Don’t believe me?? You can check out the following video;
It hosts the ‘Arts on the Hill’ event, spotlighting local filmmakers, writers, and poets, and the ‘SEEK Raleigh’ program, where artists bring the park’s history to life through various art forms.
Renowned artist Thomas Sayre is set to turn power poles into giant sunflower sculptures, symbolizing the park’s popular sunflower field.
These initiatives make Dix Park a unique destination, blending historic architecture with lush landscapes and a thriving arts scene.
Power Poles to Sunflower
In this context, the power poles, located on the eastern side of Dix Park along Lake Wheeler Road, are scheduled for dismantling in the fall of 2024.
In their place, 73-foot-tall steel sunflowers, designed by Sayre, will rise.
These sunflower towers are anticipated to be operational by November 2024, serving as a picturesque gateway to the under-construction Gipson Play Plaza.
The Artist and The Art
Thomas Sayre, born in 1950, is an acclaimed American sculptor and painter known for his public art projects and private commissions worldwide.
His current work includes large paintings made with tar, smoke, gunshots, welding material, earth, and fire.
He’s also recognized for his earthcastings, and monumental sculptures made in and of the earth.
Sayre co-founded the multi-disciplinary design firm Clearscapes.
His art is housed in collections globally, and he has exhibited his work in numerous galleries and museums.
He received a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and an honorary doctorate of fine arts from North Carolina State University.
Power Pole Sunflower Design
Each sunflower tower will boast 47 steel petals, with a pattern of perforations that symbolize the electromagnetic waves coursing through the power lines.
This project embodies the spirit of creativity and community collaboration that Dix Park aspires to foster, according to Janet Cowell, CEO of Dix Park Conservancy.
The Inspiration
The sunflower design pays homage to the beloved sunflower field at Dix Park, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
The concept originated from Raleigh resident Doug Johnston, who envisioned power poles as more than mere utilitarian structures.
The idea further evolved when Dix Park Conservancy board member Tom Gipson discussed the project with retired Duke Energy executive Jeff Corbett.
The Funding
The project, estimated at $2.5 million, will be financed through private donations, ensuring no impact on Duke Energy customer bills.
A significant portion of the funds has already been raised by the conservancy.
Summary
In conclusion, Thomas Sayre’s innovative design of sunflowers from power poles is a testament to the power of creativity and sustainability.
His work serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, demonstrating how everyday materials can be transformed into extraordinary pieces of art.
It challenges us to look beyond the conventional and explore the potential in the mundane.
Moreover, it underscores the importance of sustainable practices in art, encouraging future artists to consider the environmental impact of their work.
Sayre’s sunflowers are not just a beautiful sight to behold, but a powerful message to future generations about the role of art in promoting sustainability and innovation.
