North Raleigh Today

In early December, a new mural was unveiled on the Shelley Lake Greenway Trail in Raleigh, North Carolina. The mural project was led by artist Robyn Scott in collaboration with Quest, a City of Raleigh day program for adults with disabilities.

Fifteen participants from Quest showcased their artistic talents by painting a series of coneflowers and daisies, as part of Scott's mural design. This is the third mural completed along the trail, aimed at improving the appearance of sewer-ups.

The project, a collaboration between Raleigh Arts and Raleigh Waters, not only enhances the aesthetics of the trail but also highlights the importance of well-maintained sewers. The murals serve as a reminder of the role sewers play in protecting the environment and providing a habitat for aquatic life. As stated by the organizers, "this project showcases Shelley Lake Park as an arts destination while highlighting the importance of well maintained sewers, which protect the environment so our aquatic friends have a great place to live and thrive."

In order to protect the environment and prevent sewer backups and spills, the community is encouraged to keep wipes and grease out of the sewer system. This simple step can go a long way in preserving the ecological balance of the area.

Shelley Lake Park, where the mural is located, offers more than just a scenic greenway trail. It is also home to the Sertoma Arts Center, which hosts various arts classes, workshops, and gallery spaces. The addition of the mural further solidifies the park's status as an arts destination.

For those interested in adding art to sewer risers in their own communities, Raleigh Arts offers assistance through the City of Raleigh permitting process. According to Raleigh Arts, they can guide both artists and community members looking to hire artists in this endeavor.

The artist behind the mural, Robyn Scott, has an impressive background in the arts. Originally from California, she studied art at the University of California in Irvine and earned an MA in Fine Arts from the Winchester School of Art in the UK. Scott, who now considers Eastern North Carolina her adopted home, is a former elementary and middle school art teacher. She works with various media, including paint, pen and ink, fibers, and mixed media.

The completed mural on the Shelley Lake Greenway Trail is a testament to the power of art in transforming public spaces and promoting environmental awareness. It not only adds beauty to the trail but also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining our sewer systems for the well-being of our aquatic ecosystems.

For more information about the mural project and other public art initiatives, visit Raleigh Arts' website or Robyn Scott's Instagram page.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://raleighnc.gov/arts/news/new-mural-shelley-lake-greenway-trail