by Nancy J. Figiel, Director of Public Affairs
On November 20th, Tryon Palace hosted a dynamic community engagement event centered on the Inclusive Public Art Project, an initiative that celebrates New Bern’s rich cultural history and the lasting contributions of African American artisans. This project is funded by Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
The project is inspired by Crafting Lives: African American Artisans in New Bern, North Carolina, 1770–1900 by architectural historian Catherine Bishir, which brings to light the often-overlooked lives, skills, and creative labor of Black craftspeople whose work shaped New Bern’s physical and cultural landscape. As Bishir writes, “African American artisans left enduring marks on the built environment, even when their names were omitted from formal records.” This foundational idea guides the project’s mission to honor those contributions through permanent public art.
The November 20th event was facilitated by two of the project’s artists, Marcus Kiser and Stephen Hayes, who led a thoughtful presentation explaining the goals of the Inclusive Public Art Project and its importance to New Bern. They emphasized the role of public art in acknowledging history, amplifying underrepresented narratives, and creating shared spaces where community identity is visibly honored. Kiser and Hayes explained details about the sculpture and provided visuals for participants to view.
Following the presentation, participants engaged in a hands-on art activity connected directly to the sculpture’s design. Each attendee received a wooden triangle, a shape that reflects an essential component of the sculpture being installed. Participants used magazine images to create visual collages representing what makes New Bern special to them – its people, history, traditions, and sense of place.
Each participant was then invited to share their completed piece with the group, creating space for reflection, storytelling, and dialogue. These personal expressions underscored the project’s central theme: that New Bern’s story is made up of many voices, experiences, and contributions.
The November 20th community engagement event embodied the spirit of Crafting Lives by connecting historical scholarship with contemporary community voices. Through conversation, creativity, and collaboration, the Inclusive Public Art Project continues to ensure that the legacy of African American craftsmanship in New Bern is both remembered and reimagined for future generations.