NC-based artist Christopher Holt was selected from a pool of applicants to create a site-specific work of art for the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, the first indoor public space at the Park slated to open in spring 2021.

The concept for his work was informed by the land’s legacy and spoke to three themes of meditation, unity, and recognition. Speaking of the space, he wrote, “Here, our goal is to, at once, recognize ourselves while at the same time recognizing those that have come before and those that will follow. Here, in this Narthex we are called together.”

Learn more about Christopher Holt’s creation below:

Q: What sets the creation of this site-specific work apart?

A: The artwork unravels layers of memory, re-establishing a connection with ourselves and with one another. The Park represents a metamorphosis for the City of Raleigh, a looking back and a telling of the truth while literally creating new pathways for the future. Immersion in the histories of the land has been central to my process and it is in the listening to the voices of the past that I have found my way with the imagery.

Technically, the work will include silver-leafing the walls of the narthex before any painting can begin. The images will be created using oil paint.

Q: What do you look for in your research and exploration of the history of Dix Hill? What storylines are emerging among your discoveries?

A: Exploring these stories, I have asked for a dream of becoming as I hope in the collection of vignettes and imagery included in the artwork, that visitors can see pieces of the past embraced by nature. Each day I am reminded that this Chapel is central to the park itself, and there is a restoration of spirit and inspiration of vision embodied here.

I could engage every empty wall on the grounds of the Park with storylines from the history of this powerful land. The task of distilling these stories of the past and carefully wrapping around them a quilt of hope, unity, welcome, and awe has kept my candle burning at both ends. I wouldn’t have it any other way and feel a deep sense of honor to be part of this remarkable community, state, and national project that is Dix Park.