Artist Wants Clarification For Proposed Downtown Raleigh Art Project

RALEIGH, N.C. — The artist at the center of a public art controversy on Fayetteville Street said Raleigh needs to clarify what it wants: a place for cars or people.

WRAL recently spoke with Jaume Plensa in Chicago at one of his most successful art projects: The Crown Fountain.

Plensa believes in interacting with art and giving people space to meet and celebrate. He also thinks Raleigh's latest plan for Fayetteville Street might eliminate that opportunity.

Many city leaders have recommended shelving the proposed project because it is already $2 million over budget and because of engineering concerns related to the size of the columns.

The Raleigh Arts Commission contacted Plensa Monday to see if he is willing to rework his design. Plensa said he is waiting for the commission to outline its new parameters.