"Hope Rises," by Hillsborough artist Jim Adams, is a 25-foot tall tower made of renewable materials.  At the top of the tower sits a pod, which will be lit in the evening to create an ambient glow.  "Hope Rises" speaks of newness, hope and the gathering of people who make up our diverse community.  Add a small flag bearing your hopes and dreams and watch it rise to join the plethora of wishes gathered at the top of the sculpture.

Jim Adams grew up in small town Indiana surrounded by farmers, printing industry tradesmen, architects and coal mining engineers.  These influences contributed to the deep toolbox from which Jim draws “various skills and processes that make [his] work come to life.”  Having studied fine art at the University of Indianapolis and illustration at Purdue University, Jim had a career in commercial art and architectural illustration prior to his current pursuits in painting and sculpture. Jim has continued his art education most recently at the John C. Campbell Folk School and Penland where his focus has been on metal work and developing as a studio artist.

"Esse Quam Videri" is a 20-foot long vibrant mural by Raleigh artists Mathew Curran, Derek Toomes, and Joseph Giampino of Parail Creative Studios including colorful, fun, positive graffiti.  The mural will include elements representative of Raleigh, including its skyline.  You are invited to add your own touch to the evolution of the graffiti wall in a special chalk section.

Drawing from his international roots, Mathew Curran has developed a unique and personal style which draws from street life and hip-hop culture.  He studied fine art and graphic design at UNC Greensboro.  It was through his stencil art that Curran felt he was best able to capture the virility and stamina of street life. In the past few years, Curran has aggressively focused on his stencil work, and has remained at the forefront of the Raleigh arts scene by contributing to public works in Moore Square and at the North Carolina Museum of Art.   His work has been displayed in galleries from his native England to Tokyo, Japan.

Joseph Giampino attended UNCG where he received a BFA in design. He currently lives and works in Raleigh as a designer and freelance artist.

Derek Toomes is an artist and freelance designer who earned his BFA degree from UNCG. Inspired by graffiti, skateboarding culture, Latino art, and urban landscapes, Derek has combined these influences into his own personal technique and style.