The City of Concord Public Art Commission launched its inaugural Temporary Sculpture Show with four selections of leasable outdoor sculptures, as an outcome of the competitive Call for Artists published in December, 2024. The sculptures were installed March 19-20, 2024, along the newly renovated Union Street in Downtown Concord. They are leased for an initial term of one year (March 2025 – April 2026).

1. Connected by Nathaniel Pierce, located at 9 Union Street N.

About the Artist: 

Nathaniel Pierce, a native of Southeast Missouri, is a seasoned sculptor renowned for his work in the public realm. “I love the surprise that we get from seeing out of the ordinary things in ordinary places” said artist Nathaniel Pierce. “That moment of surprise helps bring awareness to our surroundings and creates an opportunity to reimagine our sense of place. The relationship that these pieces have with the environment communicate to the viewer. It is this connection that helps activate our imagination, which helps us see the world differently. In my most recent work I have been exploring the idea of unity and how we learn to feel connected through new perspectives."

2. Two Gentlemen of Verone by Jim Gallucci, located at 4 Union Street S.

About the Artist: 

Jim Gallucci has been a sculptor for 40 years, designing and creating sculptures in his Greensboro studio assisted by a staff of 5. His commissions can be found in public, corporate, and residential spaces throughout the country. "Art is a physical manifestation of an idea or event that calls forth an emotional response from the viewer” said artist Jim Gallucci. “It speaks to us and evokes a chord deep within us. Good art challenges us, can make us feel righteous, moves us, soothes us and can bring us peace."

3. Intersection by Robert "Bob" Coon, located at 28 Union Street S.

About the Artist: 

Robert Coon is a painter, sculptor, and printmaker best known for his brightly colored, abstract sculptures in metal. Born in Charlotte, NC, Coon attended the University of Georgia (B.F.A.) and the University of Massachusetts (M.F.A). Coon has exhibited nationally and internationally since 1963. His work is included in many collections: civic, academic, and individual. He now resides in Vero Beach, FL. "Many of us speak one language, some speak several languages, and a few speak many languages. In either case, we all use words to communicate in our everyday world, indeed in our everyday thoughts” said Artist Bob Coon. “However, we are also visual creatures… nearly all use; in truth…depend on, our visual sense and visual sensibilities every day… The irony is that we seldom have a real need to translate the visual into the verbal. My sculpture is conceived, “seen” by me, as shapes, textures, and colors, that is, arrangements of these elements in a three-dimensional form. This three-dimensional arrangement is its own raison d'être. These sculptures begin as thoughts and work their way into real objects… I make visual decisions and choose to make a sculpture…a real version of visual images. I sincerely hope that my work is seen by others as a “treat for the vision”.

4. Dawn by Sam Spiczka, located at 66 Union Street S.

About the Artist: 

Born and raised in rural Minnesota, Sam Spiczka became captivated by metal early on through the experience of working at his family’s welding shop. Though he briefly studied arts and philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, his true education has come from Nature, the example of past sculptors, and the craftsmanship of his father. His award-winning sculptures have been exhibited internationally and can be found in many public and private collections. Spiczka now resides in Apex, NC. "Inspired by natural bone forms, rural technology, and geometric structure, I have produced a distinctive body of work that is both modern and intensely primal, public yet deeply personal said Artist Sam Spiczka. “The hand is the agent of action in the world and the bridge between our intention and reality. In the wake of an accident in which I cut off the ends of all four fingers of my left hand, it was important to me to maintain the strength of this bridge. Dawn symbolizes my own rebirth, restoration, and intention to move forward and participate in the creation of life.”

Vivid Reclamation by Jake Summerour, located at 4 Union Street S.

About the Mural:

This colorful, vibrant mural reflects our growing city’s exciting future, while still honoring our rich history. The rabbit is a fun wink to the city’s racing ties, while the composition builds on the garden aesthetic to signify your Community Wildlife Habitat designation. Peonies, Cosmos, and Lavender form the primary Anchor at the base of the image. The 26 distinct blooms represent the original 26 acres of land on which Concord was founded. The main bundle of flowers is nestled between flowing fabric bands reminiscent of the rolling hills of the Piedmont which extend outward to the edge of the piece. The fabric patterns seen on them have been designed based on prominent historic mills in Concord as an homage to Concord’s rich textile roots: Coleman Mill - the first black-owned & operated cotton mill in the US, and Cannon Mill - once the largest manufacturer of towels and sheets in the world. The wagon wheels at the rear of the piece are reminders of Concord’s history as a trading post, while the two birds on the right of the piece are representative of the original German and Scots-Irish settlers that formed the city.

About the Artist:

Jake Summerour is an artist based in Charlotte, NC doing illustration work and working as a muralist. 

Comptine d’Étés Passés by DRIFT Mural Co., located at 338 Lawndale Avenue SE

About the Mural:

This mural captures the lighthearted spirit of a Saturday afternoon in Les Myers Park, blending nature and recreation to foster a sense of pride and community identity. Centered on the simple joy of outdoor play, the mural symbolizes our deep connection to nature and the growth it nurtures. A colorful pair of running shoes evokes the moment of lacing up, ready to move, while a picnic-patterned handkerchief hints at shared experiences in the park. Native flora and fauna—including American Beech, redbud trees, Russian Mammoth sunflowers with a pollinating bee, and the Eastern Bluebird—celebrate the richness of the local ecosystem, reinforcing a strong sense of place.

About the Artist:

DRIFT Mural Co.’s Co-Founding members, Anaϊs Labrèque and Dominic Laporte, implement public art projects as a tool to build a more inclusive and prosperous future. Dominic is an award winning mural artist whose prolific career boasts over 120 mural projects; his portfolio includes large-scale commissions for prestigious institutions, and he has also been a featured artist at various mural festivals worldwide. Dominic’s blending of traditional painting techniques with innovative mixed-media approaches reflects a profound connection to the natural world, exploring themes of interdependence and mutual respect among species. Through his art, he invites viewers to contemplate their role within the intricate web of life.

Anaϊs Labrèque is the bilingual (FR/ENG) project manager for large-scale mural projects. She has been consulting on mural initiatives behind the scenes with Dominic for close to 8 years. Anaïs brings a fresh perspective to their collaborative efforts, drawing from her passion for research, documentation, and her travel experiences to help shape narratives that resonate deeply with the communities they serve. As the backbone of the team, she seamlessly handles the often-overlooked logistics that keep large public art projects running smoothly — from the early stages until Dom’s on-site execution.
 

Following an open to call to artists in early 2026, the Commission selected three designs that celebrate Concord’s rich history and culture to be featured on Rider Transit buses.  Each artist brought a unique perspective to the project, with artwork focused on community, connection, resilience and the people who help shape the City of Concord. Their artwork is now on the road and in operation throughout the transit system's service area. 

The three art-wrapped Rider Transit buses will be in circulation for approximately tthree years, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the artwork as part of their everyday commute throughout the city.

Mayanthi Jayawardena – Serendib Creative

Jayawardena, based in Durham, is a multidisciplinary muralist and founder of Serendib Creative LLC whose vibrant, community-centered artwork explores storytelling, cultural identity and connection. Rooted in her Sri Lankan heritage and background in public health, her murals transform shared spaces into bold celebrations of resilience, belonging and collective care.

Jayawardena’s bus design centers on the idea of community as a thriving garden. The artwork celebrates the individuals who help make Concord a welcoming, dynamic place. Each flower represents an individual who contributes to the beauty and strength of the community. The design is a visual reminder that community is built collectively and that every individual plays a role in making their community stronger.

Natalie Robinson

Robinson, of Belmont, is a traveling muralist who transforms public spaces into vibrant, story-driven experiences that spark curiosity, connection and joy. She has created projects for brands and organizations including Uber, Nike, Champion and Duke University. Through both commissioned and community-driven murals, Robinson creates art that invites people to pause, reconnect with their inner child, and see familiar spaces as places of discovery and imagination.

Her design explores how community grows through connection, care, and being present for the people around us. At the center, two hands reach toward each other, reflecting the sun and the moon. The sprouting blooms between the hands represent what becomes possible when people bring their unique strengths to something larger than themselves.

The surrounding natural elements reflect the common ground we all share and remind us that, like nature, communities thrive through balance, support, and interconnectedness.

Liz Haywood

Haywood is a Charlotte-born muralist and public artist known for creating bold, colorful artwork that brings energy and connection to shared spaces. She studied at Appalachian State University and lived in New York City and Atlanta, working professionally as a graphic designer before returning home to Charlotte to focus on murals and public art.

Haywood’s artwork calls viewers to remember their shared humanity. The piece celebrates the courage to stand against injustice, pride in both love for one another and the history that shaped us, and the resilience required to build a more compassionate and inclusive future.