Renowned metal sculptor Grace Cathey has been selected to create an art piece by the Waynesville Public Art Commission.

Entitled “Wild Flowers of the Smokies,” the three metal panels (six feet high by four feet wide) will each represent a beautiful native wild flower found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“There’s an incredible diversity in Grace’s work,” said Jan Griffin, chairman of the WPAC. “Her pieces showcase a great mind of talent, one that focuses on bringing out the essence of nature in this region.”

Cathey proposed the idea in March with a smaller piece that was used to show what the ultimate project would look like. With two other finalists, Cathey eventually won the $12,500 art grant, funds that were all privately or publically raised by the WPAC, with no taxpayer monies being involved. This is the fifth art installment for downtown Waynesville. 

“I believe in a body of work that is whimsical, abstract and interpretive,” Cathey said. “Art adds so much to the quality of life here in Waynesville, and everyone in this community, residents and leaders, supports the artists.”

The initial presentation piece, which depicts a Lady Slipper wild flower, was donated back to the WPAC for their upcoming auction. The auction will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. The evening will include a barbeque dinner, live music, with a silent and live auction. Raffles tickets for Cathey’s piece are currently available for purchase at $10 each or six for $50. They can be bought from members of the WPAC, at the town municipal building and during the night of the fundraiser.

828.452.2491 or 828.246.8188.