Dothan Tech Students Collaborate with Wiregrass Museum of Art and Community Partners on Public Art Project

DOTHAN, Ala. –  A new public art project highlights the combination of creativity and collaboration among Dothan Tech students, the Wiregrass Museum of Art, and community partners. The project, coordinated by the WMA and supported by a host of community stakeholders, was completed in mid-May at 1053 East Selma Street. Students enrolled in several Dothan Tech programs helped to bring the artwork to life. The work, titled “Celestial Haven,” highlighted the creativity of these students while reinforcing the importance of art in community engagement.

According to the Wiregrass Museum of Art, the project began in Fall 2024, first bringing ideas and design concepts to the table. The artwork is a culmination of students’ remarkable creativity with over 600 hours devoted to the project. The public art display allowed Dothan Tech students to gain hands-on experience in project planning, artistic design, and public presentation. These types of community collaboration projects provide an opportunity for students to be part of a legacy of community pride.

“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.

Students across a spectrum of Dothan Tech programs, including Graphic Arts, Engineering, and Construction, worked on the artwork. Participating students include:

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

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.

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

"Student public art projects breathe life into our communities, offering beauty and reflection for everyone who passes by,” said Dr. Dennis Coe, Superintendent for Dothan City Schools. “Our district is so proud of these Dothan Tech students who have immersed themselves in this public art project. This collaboration with the Wiregrass Museum of Art and other partners truly shows the unique opportunity our students have to transform spaces and to inspire communities for years to come."

 

The artwork will remain at 1053 East Selma Street for one to three years.

This year’s design was organized by Wiregrass Museum of Art, in partnership with Dothan Tech and Bradley & Schmidt Architecture. This project has been made possible by grants from Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts with additional funding provided by Tyndall Federal Credit Union. Additional support was provided by Hollis and Spann, Inc. and Southern Lumber Supply.

Read more about the public artwork from the Wiregrass Museum of Art: https://www.wiregrassmuseum.org/creativeplacemaking/