Designer J’Nell Bryson (left) was working this week on the Davidson Book Garden, which is nearing completion next to the public library off Main Street. Click for a larger version of this panorama, created from several photos. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Two artsy additions to Downtown Davidson’s streetscape are in the works this summer. One is a public art project called the Davidson Book Garden, which is near completion on an unused patch between the public library and CVS pharmacy. The other is a Davidson Farmer’s Market-inspired (and commissioned) mural on the side of Summit Coffee, at 128 S. Main St.

BOOK GARDEN

Described as an “outdoor reading room,” the Davidson Book Garden has been designed by landscape architect J’Nell Bryson. The shaded space includes curving masonry walls with built-in seating, new landscaping, and three book-inspired sculptures by artist Lydia Musco. The garden also has a pathway of gray paving stones, set in sand. The project is nearing completion, and town officials have announced plans for a dedication at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.

The $110,000 project is being paid for largely with donations. For background on where the money’s coming from, what the project will look like and efforts to protect the old oak tree, read our May 14, 2012 report, “Project will create an outdoor reading space on Main Street”

It’s the second project of the Davidson Public Art Commission. A steel sculpture called “A Bouquet for Davidson” in front of the Davidson post office on North Main Street was installed in 2009 and continues to inspire discussion among local art lovers and art skeptics.

Dave Merck painted a message on the side of Summit Coffee Wednesday in preparation for his Davidson Farmer’s Market mural. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

FARMER’S MARKET MURAL

Artist David Merck was out at Summit Coffee on Wednesday, testing brushes and paint on the newly cleaned brick wall of the building owned by Davidson resident Hugh Barger.  Next week, Mr. Merck will begin painting a mural about 11 feet wide and running most of the building’s height. The design approved by the town’s Design Review Board shows a bicycle in front of a farmer’s market tent surrounded by produce, flowers and musical instruments.

Mr. Merck said he expects the project to take about a month. The first step will be to prime the brick wall, which only recently emerged from a coating of old stucco.

He’ll be painting three Saturdays during Davidson Farmer’s Market hours – Sept. 8, 15 and 22, from 8 a.m. to noon. Marketgoers will be able to watch and ask Merck questions as he works. He’ll also be painting weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of September. A dedication is expected in early October.

RELATED LINKS

Aug. 14, 2012, DavidsonNews.net, “Downtown’s 1st mural will celebrate market and community”

Aug. 2, 2012, DavidsonNews.net, “Demolition makes way for Mooney’s Corner.”

July 10, 2012, “Book garden taking shape next to the public library.”

Artist David Merck will begin work soon on a colorful, market-themed mural on the side of Summit Coffee that will look like this illustration. (Davidson Farmer’s Market photo illustration)