Chapel Hill Artist’s Sculpture Installed in Chatham Park

Chapel Hill artist Theresa Arico’s work is on display in Chatham Park.

MOSAIC , the 44-acre, $180 million entertainment area within the Chatham Park community, installed an original sculpture by Arico titled “Leaning In.”

“The sculpture depicts how we as humans have a shared heart and a shared mind, that all we want is what’s beautiful for ourselves, our lives and our families,” Arico said.

The piece, which stands more than 12 feet tall, was dedicated in a ceremony earlier in May.

“Leaning In” by Theresa Arico. The sculpture can be seen in the MOSAIC development within Chatham Park. (Image via Chatham Park)

“Leaning In” is made of carved polystyrene foam, which was then covered by mesh and concrete to provide structural integrity. It was then coated with a waterproof membrane and covered with a variety of mosaic materials, including tile, stained glass and glass beads. Finally, Arico added a glow-in-the-dark additive in the grout which lights the sculpture up at night.

“The brown and white, or monochromatic, aspect of this sculpture and the rainbow-colored aspects literally leaning into one another depicts the desire to reach for a unified heart, regardless of apparent differences,” Arico said. “It’s essential that public art feeds the community, and its presence be made essential for everyone’s consumption.”

Arico hid several unique items around the face of the sculpture, including a handmade bee charm, a shark’s tooth and oyster shells. The piece is surrounded by a patio which allows viewers to read about and explore the sculpture.

Featured image via Chatham Park

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