About Us

The Town of Clayton is a proud supporter of public art, and over the last 10 years, we have made it a goal in our comprehensive strategic plan to showcase the work of artists in our community. Public art is a compelling tool. It provokes thought, challenges perspectives, and inspires change. Additionally, it breaks barriers, inviting everyone to engage in their surroundings regardless of background or socioeconomic status. By incorporating public art into shared spaces, we are transforming mundane environments into bustling centers that spark inspiration, exploration, and reflection. Moreover, artists add value to the Town’s economic growth. Their creations are financial assets, contributing to our cultural identity and entrepreneurial drive. For these reasons, public art plays an essential role in the overall enrichment of our community.

Art & Public Spaces

Horne Square

Horne Square348 E Main Street - Located at the corners of Main and South Lombard Streets, this public space plays host to the Clayton Farm and Community Market, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Harvest Festival and other downtown events throughout the year. In addition to the events, Horne Square is home to three of the sculptures featured in the Clayton Sculpture Trail that changes annually. Bronze historical markers embedded in the pavers are located throughout the project area, telling the story of Ashley Horne and the residence that once stood on the site. The markers also point to surrounding buildings on and near Main Street, as well as community buildings in the residential neighborhood just north of the project area. There is an oval parking lot in the center used for visitor and local downtown business parking.

Town Square

Town Square110 W Main Street - Located at the corners of Main and S Fayetteville Streets, this public space features three sculptures from the Clayton Sculpture Trail. Town Square is also a popular place to be for the Clayton Town Square Concert Series and a variety of community events. Town Square is also home to the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting that officially kicks off the downtown holiday season! A parking lot is used for events at Town Square, but also daily parking for Town Hall and The Clayton Center.

Sculpture Trail

Downtown Sculpture TrailThink Chicago's Bean, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, New York's Statue of Liberty! Ok, don't think that big, but imagine what those cities would be like without those famous pieces of public art in their downtowns. Since 2013, The Town of Clayton can't imagine being without its Annual Sculpture Trail, featuring new, intriguing works of art to adorn our Town's public spaces each year. Explore the Clayton Sculpture Trail today!

The Clayton Center

The Clayton CenterMore than 20 years ago, the Town of Clayton and hundreds of community supporters had a vision: to preserve a precious piece of the town's wonderful past and at the same time create a modern-day treasure that would become a jewel for residents and visitors alike. From the crumbling walls of a small-town elementary and high school rose a performing arts center capable of attracting Grammy-Award-winning artists and Tony-Award-winning production. Interested in attending a show? Grab a ticket to one of the fun, diverse shows offered in the perfectly restored 600-seat theater. Visit The Clayton Center. The buildings also serve as a bustling Town Hall and a state-of-the-art conference center that not only attracts Fortune 500 companies for business events, but also intimate weddings, vibrant cultural arts shows, and almost daily community meetings. In the lobby there is also a monthly art exhibit that is sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts. The rotating art stays up all month long.

The second floor off the lobby of The Clayton Center also features the Town's first-ever public art project, an incredibly colorful mural of Town scenes called "Clayton Patchwork." Beloved and long-time local artist Dorothy Demboski spent weeks perfecting the 10-foot-by-10-foot mural, and unveiled it in 2010. 

The Clayton Library

The Clayton CenterThe Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is filled with art and artists - every book on the shelves is a work of art! But aside from books, the Clayton Library also displays art of the traditional sort. Our marquee artwork is a 10-foot-tall, 27-foot-long permanent mural on the hallway wall connecting the library's main collection to the south wing. "True Colors," painted by artist Jim Brown, depicts the life and times of Clayton and was the Town's second public art mural. Unveiled in 2010, it colorfully displays historic scenes and people of the Clayton community. Also, the library showcases the work of local artists on a rotating monthly basis. There is a wall for paintings and photographs, and a space for sculptures and other three-dimensional works.

Outdoor Public Art on Sam's Branch Greenway

Sam's Branch GreenwayTo enhance the greenway and engage young people in the arts, the Town of Clayton's Public Arts Advisory Board envisioned the creation and installation of a rotating series of public art projects on the trail. Now, thanks in part to a grant from the Johnston County Arts Council, that project entered its second year in 2014, offering walkers, bikers and visitors to Sam's Branch Greenway a surprising colorful display of art crafted by local high school, middle and elementary school children. Learn more about the Outdoor Public Art on Sam's Branch Greenway.