An old Raleigh sandwich shop on Wilmington Street now has a new look. The organizers of Beautifying Emerging Spaces Together (BEST) unveiled art outside the empty building this week.
The art, by Patrick Shanahan, is the second installation by BEST, which aims to highlight local artists and bring beauty to vacant storefronts.
The first installation, at an empty retail space in the Hue Building on Hargett Street, is several pieces created by the children of Arthouse Art Studio.
Other cities employ this technique to spruce up spaces, said BEST Organizer Donna Belt, but here it’s also about the artists.
“It’s a way to connect people, inspire people .. use it as a way to showcase residents, their talent, their interests,” she said.
The nonprofit is trying to raise money for future projects, but plans for the next piece are already underway for 305 Wilmington Street.
Learn more about BEST at raleighemergingspaces.com.
Click on the image to view full size. Photos by Leo Suarez.
