ART 105 to unveil new public art sculpture
Originally published on Mar 21 at 1:00 p.m.
ART 105 will present Kinston’s newest public art creation, a metal sculpture called “The Cat,” to the public on April 3.
“The Cat” is an 11-foot metal sculpture created by SmartKinston artists Brandon and Heidi McCullar. Brandon and Heidi are co-owners of Southern Fried Metal, located on the corner of Blount and Mitchell Street. The couple came to Kinston to join other SmartKinston artists in creating amazing works of art in historic Mitchell Town.
Joel Smith, submitted photo
The sculpture was commissioned by Cynthia and Michael Dunn in memory of friend, co-potter and lover of public art, Joel Smith.
“The Cat” will reside permanently at the side of the ART 105 building at 105 W. Blount St. under the spray paint artwork “The Bird.” Smith championed the creation of “The Bird,” painted by his friend Jason Clark, so it’s appropriate for “The Cat” to reside under the public art Smith supported and loved.
The public unveiling and presentation of the sculpture will be at 5:30 p.m. on April 3. ART 105 will celebrate the unveiling with an open house from 4:30–7 p.m.
The artists of ART 105 will also present new works of art in the “Garage Gallery” at ART 105. Music will be provided by Bobby Merritt, refreshments will be served, and all studios will be open for the public to view the work of the 16 artists that create there.
The new owners and managers of ART 105, Brandon, Amy and Stella Bea Potter, will share their visions for the future of ART 105 and art in their hometown of Kinston. They want to encourage everyone to come and see Kinston's latest public art unveiling and enjoy an evening of celebration of Joel's life as well as original local artworks by ART 105's very talented group of artists.
“I believe the vision for Kinston’s renaissance being art and food driven is an excellent concept,” Brandon Potter said. “It continues to prove it brings visitors to town and makes life much sweeter for full-time residents. I’m so excited to live and work around so many creatives and to be a part of bringing back the magic.”
