WMA partners with Dothan Tech in creative placemaking and public art program

DOTHAN, Alabama – On May 20 | The Wiregrass Museum of Art (WMA) alongside students from Dothan Technology Center have installed new artwork at 1053 East Selma Street as part of an ongoing collaboration to infuse public art into our community’s neighborhoods. The work, titled “Celestial Haven” was designed, constructed, and installed by students from several program areas, including Graphic Arts, Engineering, and Construction.

Project partners began work on the project in Fall 2024 to develop concepts and designs, encouraging collaboration across program disciplines. The project highlights the intersections of art, design, engineering, and construction and highlights public art’s unique role in building community pride and identity.

The project challenged students across disciplines to work together to solve problems and contribute something meaningful to the community. Dothan Tech teacher, James McCloud says, “These projects give my students the chance to exercise their classroom skills on a real world project.” Students benefit from working together, learning communication, creative thinking, and budgeting skills, in addition to the trade skills in their prospective programs. The finished work is a testament to the students’ hard work, with over 600 hours invested in the project over the past year.

“Creative placemaking is about more than creating public art, it’s about empowering young people to see themselves as artists, collaborators, and changemakers. By working together to design and build something for their community, these students are shaping not only the landscape of our city, but also their own sense of agency and belonging.” said Dana-Marie Lemmer, executive director at WMA.

“Celestial Haven” stands as a significant achievement for the students and a valuable addition to our community and region. The collaborative effort between WMA and Dothan Tech exemplifies the power of art in bringing people together and enhancing public spaces.

“District 2 deserves beauty, hope and opportunity, and this project brings all three. Seeing our young people create something so meaningful in collaboration with WMA and Dothan Tech gives me real hope for the future. Parks Chapel AME Church has been standing strong in this neighborhood, and now we’re building on to that legacy with creativity and pride. Celestial Haven demonstrates what possible when we believe in our kids and invest in our community” said Derrick Tiller, location coordinator.

The work will remain at 1053 East Selma Street for 1-3 years while additional works are being considered for future projects and locations. This project is the first of several projects slated to revitalize this area, including the upcoming renovation of nearby basketball courts.

Participating students include:

From Graphic Arts: Braelynn Napier, Tyree Burks, and Isabella Cleveland

From Engineering: James Phipps, Hunter Bradford, Aidan Hornsby, Gavin Love, Will Trusty, Abby Bolinger, Allison Peel, John Banks, Zavior Carter, Landen Cooley, Andrew Cork, Brynton Davis, Kylie Davis, David Griffin, Hunter Hawkins, Aidan Hornsby, Braddoc Jenkins, Kara Martin, Om Rishi Raj Mohan, Syed Muhammad Taha, Joshua Vacek, Samuel Williams, Rider Wylly, Ava Bell, Dane Bryant, Bree Cartlidge, Burtch Davis, Paul Griffin, Riley Gruber, Dawson Hammack, Elizabeth Marvin, Michael Mendoza, Jacob Moore, Neel Patel, Veer Patel, Christian Phipps, Austin Smith, Izzy Sotherland, and Levi Waddle

From Construction: Miguel Flores, Alessio Hernandez, Kory Miller,Guiyermo Ortiz, Takazi White, and Damion Constable

This program is organized by the Wiregrass Museum of Art in partnership with Dothan Tech and Bradley & Schmidt Architecture, this project was made possible through the support of the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional funding from Tyndall Federal Credit Union. We also extend our gratitude to Hollis and Spann, Inc. and Southern Lumber for their generous contributions.

For more information about WMA’s annual arts programming, call 334-794-3871 or visit wiregrassmuseum.org.