As of this afternoon, four of the panels done by Halifax County artist Napoleon Hill had been installed by the Roanoke Rapids Public Works Department. There were still two left to go as of this report.
Warren, who has stated to city council at a past meeting the holly trees on Roanoke Avenue block signage on her business, said the panels are a way around the tree matter. “I love it. I like the way he incorporated things that go with my bakery.”
Warren had the idea of art panels when she first opened the bakery and got permission from the owner of her building and Northeastern Safety Supply's to paint the plastered windows above for that purpose.
Mark Tucker installs the first panel.
Then the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance came forward with the same idea and a grant from the Halifax County Arts Council Grassroots Art Program through support of the North Carolina Arts Council.
“I think it will attract people,” Warren said. “They're nice paintings. He did a great job.”
Warren believes more abandoned as well as occupied buildings could use help from the art. Her signage issue would ease if the city would commit to maintaining the trees. “It wouldn't be bad if they kept them up.”
The paintings, she said, are attractive. “People are going to notice them.”
A woman cutting a cake.
Warren and Northeastern Safety Supply have already benefitted from the alliance's assistance programs, each business getting new awnings through a grant that paid half the cost.
Main Street Director Sherry Hux was pleased with the panels. “Our district has a significant inventory of upper floors. Because they are not occupied and in some instances boarded, it's just another way to bring life to buildings and the historic district.”
The panels send two messages, Hux said. “They suggest uses for the buildings or past uses. We're excited to add public art because it makes it more aesthetically pleasing. It's another step in improving the business district and I hope it will draw people downtown.”
The work couldn't have been done without Hill's artistic eye, she said. “Napoleon is an incredibly talented artist. He's truly a jewel in our community and to have some of his artwork is truly a treasure.”
