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Town of Mount Pleasant
PUBLIC ART PROGRAMS
FOSTER COMMUNITY PRIDE
By: Jon Whitbeck, Marketing Coordinator, Town of Mount Pleasant
An important part of any community, art inspires residents, improves quality of life, and encourages artistic and cultural expression. The Town of Mount Pleasant Recreation Department’s Culture, Arts & Pride Commission (CAP) strives to support local artists, promote their work, and enrich the community. CAP programs provide local artists monetary stipends along with promotion on the Town’s website and social media outlets. From murals to sculptures, art “rains” supreme in the lush landscape of this Lowcountry town. CAP’s Paint the Town program builds community character and charm through public art. Local businesses can partner with the Town by “donating” exterior property walls for murals. Two new murals at the RL Jones Recreation Center are painted on a curved outdoor wall spanning the length of the facility’s indoor pool. Large windows provide views of the inner mural, showcasing vibrant, whimsical sea life painted by artist Rachael Nerney. The outer wall, an abstract tropical design created by Julie Wheeler, is visible to cars, pedestrians and skatepark enthusiasts. “When it comes to public art, not everyone will love every piece, but almost everyone will love many pieces,” said Special Events Manager Nicole Harvey.
CAP has several other public art programs. Art on the Half Shell features four-foot fiberglass oyster sculptures painted and displayed throughout town. Traffic Box Art features original, colorful designs wrapped around formerly drab metal boxes. The program, which won a Gold Hermes Creative Award in 2018, currently includes 28 boxes. CAP partners with the College of Charleston Art Department for a rotating display of student sculptures. The program has led to several permanent installations at recreation complexes and the public library. CAP also partnered with Southeastern Wildlife Exposition to install six beautiful bronze sculptures at Memorial Waterfront Park. Art and culture are on full display at Town Hall where selected art becomes part of four-month rotating displays in the government building. CAP hosts Mayor’s Music & Art Receptions for each rotation. CAP recently coordinated two contests for art to be printed on an official Town t-shirt and reusable shopping bags. Artists win cash prizes and receive publicity for their work. The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department’s CAP program is a winwin both for local artists and residents. Art promotes pride in the community, enriches public spaces, and increases awareness of local arts and culture. To learn more visit tompsc.com or experiencemountpleasant.com.
