Shelley Lake Trail Artwork

Sertoma Arts Center is located at Shelly Lake Park in North Raleigh. The Shelley Lake trail is one of the most heavily used trails in Raleigh and thousands of visitors walk the lake loop each year. The park is a well-loved area for picnics, relaxation, wildlife viewing, photography, and general enjoyment of the lake. This mural and several others along the lake trail are a part of a developing arts campus, connecting the Sertoma Arts Center to the nature of the park. They tell the story of Shelley Lake by incorporating the natural beauty of the park and all the incredible wildlife inhabitants.

Mural of wildlife hand-painted on a sewer device outside. — Mural by artist Sam Greene

Image of colorful mural on a sewer device. — Mural by artist Margaret Hand and the Autism Society of North Carolina

Large board with drawings for children to use for communications instead of talking. — Communications Board by Artist Robyn Scott

A group of smiling people outside on a trail excited to have just finished painting a mural — Quest artists with muralist Robyn Scott

Outdoor wolf sculpture looking in a large window at Sertoma Arts Center. — Endangered "Canis Rufus" by Rhea Rosyln Osmond

artist kathleen werner standing outside with her sculpture artwork — "Etazin Circle" sculpture by artist Kathleen Werner

Murals

This project is a collaboration between Raleigh Arts and Raleigh Water and showcases Shelley Lake Park as an arts destination while highlighting the importance of well maintained sewers, which protect the environment so our aquatic friends have a great place to live and thrive. You can help protect the environment by keeping wipes and grease out of our sewer system as these materials cause backups and sewer spills.

Sam Greene Mural

Artist Sam Greene created the latest mural in 2024. Greene's concept was to embrace the aspects of the man-made structure and transform it into an artifact of the past, much like Greek pottery. The mural narrative showcases the wildlife of Shelley lake and their habitat in a unique style.

Robyn Scott & Quest Mural

In December 2023 artist Robyn Scott, led a mural project for Quest, a City of Raleigh day program for adults with disabilities. The 15 participants showed their artistic talents by painting a series of coneflowers and daisies as part of Scott's mural design. The painting is the third mural completed to improve the appearance of sewer-devices along the trail.

Margaret Hand & Autism Society Mural

This mural was created in 2022 by the Autism Society of North Carolina. Day program participants worked with artist Margaret Hand to create a mural that states "All Hands on Deck" over colorful handprints.

Calvin Ulrich Mural

Calvin Ulrich created a mural on a sewer device along Shelley Lake Greenway trail in 2023. Inspired by the Shelley Lake landscape, Ulrich provides a view of plants and animals above and below the lake's surface. Stand back to view the mural and observe how the artwork above the water blends into the grassy hills and trees while the artwork below the surface pairs with the background of the lake.

Sculptures & Interactive Artwork

“Etazin Circle" Sculpture by Kathleen Werner

"Etazin Circle" is a sculpture by Kathleen Werner commissioned for the park in 2022. The artwork, an interactive sculpture that is also an outdoor lounge chair, was installed along the trail in 2024. Visitors who choose to lounge on the piece get to enjoy a view of the lake as well as immerse themselves in the artwork.

Linear metal sculpture in a wooded area. — William G. Richardson "Square Root of Two"

"Square Root of Two" by William G. Richardson

The "Square Root of Two" sculpture by artist William G. Richardson is made of welded steel. It was completed in 1976 and added to Raleigh's Municipal Art Collection in 1982. The abstract, geometric sculpture is currently located near the Arts Center entrance, but plans are in motion to place it along the trail next year.

Endangered "Canis Rufus" by Rhea Roselynn Ormond

Endangered "Canis Rufus" by Rhea Roselynn Ormond was created as part of the Raleigh Arts Commission's Red Wolf Ramble. More than 90 artists were commissioned for the project and the first Red Wolf sculptures were installed in September 2001. An auction fundraiser raised $155,000 for 30 local charities.

The Commission chose the red wolf because it is an endangered species indigenous to North Carolina.

Communication Board by Robyn Scott

Artist Robyn Scott worked with Sertoma Arts Center staff to create a communication board for children and their families to use at the playground. The illustrations can be pointed to make communication easier for everyone who visits the playground. The boards were installed in late spring 2024.