Orange County Arts Commission Coordinator Martha Shannon says the proposal initially submitted for the public art project by two Hillsborough artists was denied due to the size. 

The Hillsborough Historic District Commission rejected the “You Are Here” piece created by Hillsborough artists Michael Waller and Leah Foushee after a mock-up had been installed. The commission deemed the display too large for the allotted 13 x 40 foot space located at the library’s main entrance.

The arts commission decided to move forward with the second piece chosen, a sculpture by artist Wayne Trapp of Vilas, North Carolina. Trapp has four-decades worth experience in “site-specific” artwork and was his work was previously commissioned for the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill.

Commissioner Barry Jacobs says he would like to see Waller and Foushee’s artwork pre-approved by the Historic District Commission for another location and suggested the newly expanded courthouse might be the spot.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Orange County Main Library Public Art agreement with artist Wayne Trapp contingent upon final review by the County Attorney and the Hillsborough Historic District Commission.