Project Details

In March 2023, the City of Raleigh received an Accessibility for Parks Grant for universal design-focused renovations to Caraleigh Park, with a special emphasis on sensory play.

Located a mile south of downtown, this neighborhood park is surrounded by residential homes on all sides. The public art piece is intended to provide screening between the park and adjacent properties while also serving as a unique, interactive art piece.

The selected public artist, Jean Gray Mohs, envisions her art as a permanent, sensory garden—an enriching, reflective space inspired by the textures and rhythms of the ecological character of the surrounding neighborhoods. Through tactile metal silhouettes that zoom in on small, quiet moments from the environment, the piece will invite touch, contemplation, and connection.

Learn more about the Caraleigh Park Improvements Project

Learn more about Public Art at Caraleigh Park

About the Artist

Jean Gray Mohs is a versatile mixed media artist based in Raleigh. She employs a juxtaposition of materials—wood, thread, and metal—to explore the delicate balance between play, risk, and disruption. This investigation reveals the tension between the internal and external, the visible and the hidden, celebrating imperfection and uncovering the inherent strength within vulnerability.

With a BFA and MAT from Georgia Southern University, Mohs has showcased her work locally and internationally. Her art has been shown at NCMA, the Contemporary Art Museum, and Cameron Art Museum, as well as recognized in publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Southern Living. She’s held residencies at UNCG’s Contemporary Art Space and Level Retreat and been highlighted on the Artist Mother Podcast and Women of Woodworking. Throughout her career, Mohs has received support from the United Arts Council, Raleigh Arts, Inclusive Blacksmiths, and the Georgia Rural Economic Development Center. You can learn more about on her website.

Project Timeline

About Raleigh Public Art

Mission: To create and integrate diverse artworks into Raleigh's landscape in order to establish a vibrant visual environment that provides public places with civic distinction, as well as fostering meaningful connections between people and place.

History: In 2009, the City of Raleigh adopted ordinances creating the Percent Art Program. The program allocates 1% of funds from capital construction projects for public art. Public art associated with City of Raleigh construction projects is managed by the Raleigh Arts Office. More information about Raleigh Arts can be found at https://raleighnc.gov/raleigh-arts.