“Seasons of Watauga”
&
“My Watauga”

• Artists: Cindy Michaud

• Material: Mosaic tile

  • “Seasons of Watauga”: (5” x 5” x 6’ in native garden) an experimental piece to test

    weatherability of materials

    Purpose: to kick off public art along the MiddleFork Greenway during its development and to

    experiment with art materials in our unique freeze/thaw environment

    2- “My Watauga” (10” x 10” x 6’) to go between the tables and trail, being built with

    community “mosaic makes” and volunteer labor.Middle Fork Greenway: Sterling Creek Trail HeadLocation: Highway 321, Sterling Creek trailhead, just past or just before Mystery Hill

• Installed: November 2023

Artist Statement

Purpose:
Engage the community in experiencing mosaics while building a permanent piece

of art they can bring others to see to provide a collaborative effort involving many citizens,

artists and makers and, finally, to enhance the greenway by providing art that intrigues and

delights visitors and residents.

Artist’s Statement:

The highest and best calling of any Arts Council is to encourage and develop artists at

every level and age locally. I have been a painter for many years, but when I returned from travels

wanting to create 3D public art at home, the Watauga Arts Council did exactly that: it encouraged

me and allowed me to develop. Approaching them with my ideas felt awkward, but together with

the Blue Ridge Conservancy, they embraced my need to experiment, create, and learn.

They allowed me to erect a small prototype post, “Seasons of Watauga,” to test weather ability.

Then, they endorsed my dream of engaging the community in learning about mosaics

and even granted me partial funding. The culmination of that dream will be installed this summer

when local volunteers come together to mix concrete, laugh, build, and grout the tiles made by

over 40 other citizens via free workshops I conducted on mosaics. For many folks, this was

their first intro to the art form, but within minutes, all were engaged, excited, and happy to be

creating. The best part is that each one is looking forward to seeing the piece they had a

hand in making and bringing friends and family to spend time in Sterling Creek Park.

Public art meets people where they are: doing errands, riding bikes, and strolling in a

park. There is no intimidation, grandiose museums, or need for a ticket.
The art is there, asking to be looked at, touched, enjoyed, and interpreted. I know this community-built post will

do just that, and all who had their hands in its creation will have been enriched in many

ways….because the Arts Council took its mission seriously!!