The Moore County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) will dedicate the first of five new “HOME” public art installations in downtown Robbins on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 10:30 a.m.
Created by Mac Metz, director of the Starworks Metals Studio in Star, the Robbins installation is the first in a countywide initiative designed to bring the TDA’s new “home” advertising campaign to life. The organization commissioned five artists to create works for Robbins, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Carthage and Southern Pines, with additional dedications planned into 2027.
“Besides amplifying our new advertising campaign, these public art displays reinforce our commitment to the arts community in Moore County,” said Phil Werz, president and CEO of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, in a press release. “The H-O-M-E letters featured in each artwork speaks to the feeling visitors and residents sense when they are here. They’re also a bit of a nod to our tourism friends in Virginia with the L-O-V-E letters seen in more than 350 communities across the Commonwealth. The artworks will enhance the communities where we plan to locate them while creating memorable photo opportunities for visitors and residents.”
The artwork in Robbins will spell “home,” but it will also showcase accents and landmarks from the town like the railroad, the iconic water tower and the annual Farmers Day event.
“We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the tourism bureau’s ‘home’ public art initiative and we appreciate them including Starworks in this really fun and meaningful project,” said Mac Metz, metalworks sculptor. “We were really excited when we heard they wanted this one in Robbins. It’s such a unique and historic town and knowing this artwork will have a permanent place downtown for all to see is very fulfilling as an artist.”
Other artists involved in the home public art campaign include Luke Huling, a ceramic figure sculptor and associate professor and coordinator at Sandhills Community College. His artwork will be installed at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. Dan Dreyer is a professional painter who will create a mural in Aberdeen. He previously painted a mural in Carthage. Grace Cathey is a renowned metalworks artist planning a stainless steel piece to be placed near the Pik n Pig at the Gilliam McConnell Airfield in Carthage. Lastly, internationally acclaimed sculptor Patrick Dougherty, known for his monumental works created from woven saplings, will create his home artwork concept at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines.
The Oct. 22 dedication in downtown Robbins is open to the public. The four remaining HOME installations will be unveiled in communities across Moore County in the coming months, extending the TDA’s “home” campaign from an advertising message into permanent works of public art.
Feature photo: Mac Metz, director of the Starworks Metals Studio.
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*Contributed photo/article.
