Huntersville Park Public Art Commission

Huntersville is one of Norfolk's oldest communities and one of the first to offer homeownership to Black families. During segregation, it was a self-sufficient community with places to work, shop, worship, and educate. The neighborhood is home to many prominent individuals and organizations, including the oldest social service organization of Black women, many educators, and the founder of the New Journal & Guide, the oldest Black newspaper still in operation. The John T. West School, the first public high school for African Americans, was built in 1906 to serve the community. Huntersville is one of the most intact late 19th/early 20th century neighborhoods in Norfolk, with traditional houses oriented to the street that foster a strong sense of community identity.

The committee seeks bright, energetic artwork that relates the stories of Huntersville, celebrating its rich heritage and history. The artwork should be beautiful and meaningful, modern but not completely abstract, stimulating thought and appealing to multiple generations. It should tell of a resilient neighborhood of people who speak for themselves, mentor their youth, and honor their elders. Improvements to Huntersville Park will be implemented in phases. Phase one includes renovation of the playground with fitness equipment, new football goal posts, benches, and an additional picnic shelter, expected to be completed by late summer 2023. Phase two includes resurfacing of the tennis courts, a walking path around the football field, a new park sign, and landscaping, expected to be completed by fall 2024. The Planning Committee imagines multiple pedestrian-scale artworks that tell the story of the neighborhood and encourage walkers to visual exploration around the new recreational path.

The artwork must be pedestrian scale yet attract attention from vehicles on the adjacent Tidewater Drive. It must be made of durable, permanent materials that are safe and easily maintained. Application requirements include a Statement of Understanding, Letter of Interest (500-word max), resume (maximum two pages; if submitting as a team, include resumes for each member not exceeding two pages), up to ten images representing relevant artworks, and three professional references with name, affiliated organization, email address, phone number, and relationship. This project is open to all artists over 18 years of age. Local artists of color are especially welcome to apply. The project budget is $115,000.