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Sculptures galore: Immerse yourself in art in downtown Clayton

Wanting to be immersed in art while also spending time outdoors? Check out Clayton's Downtown Sculpture Trail -- an outdoor, free public art trail.

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By
Sydney Franklin
, WRAL multiplatform producer
CLAYTON, N.C. — Wanting to be immersed in art while also spending time outdoors? Check out Clayton's Downtown Sculpture Trail -- an outdoor, free, public art trail.

The trail features pieces from North Carolina artists and also artists from across the United States.

The 2021-2022 trail has nine sculptures for visitors, all within about a two-mile walk. Visitors can also scan a QR code to learn more about the pieces.

If you're planning on visiting the sculpture trail, start at Clayton's Town Square. The first piece at 110 W. Main St. is Continuum by Cape Girardeau, Missouri, artist Nathan Peirce.

Continuum by Cape Girardeau, Missouri, artist Nathan Peirce.
In a video for the Town of Clayton, Pierce said that the piece was one of the first first steel sculptures he's ever made.
Next on the trail is the Red Rhythm sculpture by Middleboro, Massachusetts, artist Rob Lorenson.
Red Rhythm sculpture by Middleboro, Massachusetts, artist Rob Lorenson.
Then, a short walk away at 100 S. Church St. is the next stop on the sculpture trail. A Question of Balance was created by Mint Hill artist Charles Pilkey.
A Question of Balance was created by Mint Hill artist Charles Pilkey.

The next three sculptures on the trail are at Horne Square, located at 348 E. Main St.

The first sculpture is Flying Goldfish by Jason Morris of Lillington. According to the Town of Clayton's website, the sculpture was also featured in the 2019-2020 trail and is currently on loan from the artist for another year.
Flying Goldfish by Jason Morris of Lillington
Then, stop by Some Like It Hot by Mike Roig of Carrboro. The stainless steel piece also moves in the wind, so a windy day is a plus when visiting the trail!
Some Like It Hot by Mike Roig of Carrboro
Next is Valkyrie by New York City artist Jack Howard-Potter. In a video for the town, Howard-Potter said the piece was inspired by a Rolls-Royce hood ornament.
Valkyrie by New York City artist Jack Howard-Potter

Head on over to Mannings Restaurant at 406 E. Main St. for the next two sculptures on the trail.

The first sculpture is Magic Man, also created by Morris. The piece uses recycled materials, including a shovel and an old satellite dish.

Morris is featured again on the trail with the piece On Two Wheels, which is also made out of recycled materials and shows a person serving food on roller skates.

Walk on over to the Front Street roundabout at East Front Street and Bent Branch Loop Road to see Midsummer created by Hanna Jubran of Grimesland. The towering red and blue piece can't be missed!
Midsummer created by Hanna Jubran of Grimesland
The trail ends at the Clayton Community Center, at 715 Amelia Church Road, with the sculpture piece Guardian created by Christian Happel, of Happel Wimauma, Florida.

The sculpture trail isn't the only artwork that Clayton has to offer. The Clayton Center, Horcutt-Ellington Memorial Library, Main Street Community Garden, Town Hall Veterans Memorial and Sam Branch's Greenway also showcase sculptures and artwork for visitors.

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