Public Art on the Trail

Creative Currents

Thursday, May 29 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Remarks Ribbon Cutting at 5:45 PM

Join PAL on for the unveiling of Creative Currents—a bold new public art installation that transforms sewer pipes along the River Birch Trail into an unexpected canvas of vibrant expression—sponsored by Spartanburg Water, the SC Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The celebration kicks off with a Do the Dan trail walk starting at the Sydnor Road entrance near Wildflower Way. Enjoy a scenic stroll and hear updates about the new Wildflower Way trail segment as we walk together to the event site just below Willy Taco (about a mile) 

Prefer not to walk? You’re welcome to meet us at the celebration site, accessible via Willy Taco Way, where you’ll enjoy live music, local food, and community connection.

Featuring artwork by local artists Abel Jackson and Shannon Kemp, this exhibit celebrates the health, nature, and community that define Spartanburg. The installations weave artistic creativity into the natural landscape, inviting you to experience the Daniel Morgan Trail System (The Dan) in an entirely new way.

Enjoy an evening of live music from SC artist in residence Kimberly Roberts of the Pantasia Steel Band, local food and drinks, and community connection as we celebrate this exciting addition to Spartanburg’s public art scene.

📍 Trail entrance behind Moveable Feast
956 E Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302

Learn more about the event and register to attend by clicking the button below!

Register 

Bringing Art to Nature: A Creative Vision for the DAN

PAL Spartanburg is transforming the Daniel Morgan Trail System into a vibrant canvas for public art! Through the Public Art on the Trail initiative, we are partnering with the Spartanburg Art Museum, Wofford College, the City of Spartanburg, the SC Arts Commission, and Spartanburg Water to bring inspiring, community-centered artwork to the River Birch Trail.

This unique project will feature bold, dynamic artwork wrapped around horizontal sewer line poles—turning functional infrastructure into artistic landmarks. The result? A visually stunning trail that celebrates movement, health, sustainability, and community.

This is just the first phase of a multi-round project. As we secure additional funding, we will continue to commission new works of art, making the trail an evolving space for artistic expression.

A Collaboration of Art, Education & Sustainability

This initiative is made possible through the collaboration of PAL Spartanburg and:

🎨 Spartanburg Art Museum – Bringing artistic expertise and creative leadership to the project.
🏛️ Wofford College – Engaging students and faculty in the creative process and fostering academic connections to public art.
💧 Spartanburg Water – Providing the unique canvas for this installation by allowing artwork to be wrapped around sewer line poles and critical funding support. 
🏙️ City of Spartanburg – Supporting the integration of public art into community spaces and enhancing the trail experience for residents and visitors.
🎭 South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts– Providing critical funding support to make this creative vision a reality.

Together, we are working to create a trail experience that merges art, environment, and community engagement.

Why Public Art on the Trail?

The Daniel Morgan Trail System isn’t just a place to walk, run, and bike—it’s a space for community, storytelling, and creativity. By incorporating public art, we aim to:

✅ Celebrate Local Culture – Showcase the talent and vision of Spartanburg’s artists
✅ Enhance the Trail Experience – Make trails more engaging, inspiring, and welcoming
✅ Connect People & Place – Use art to bring the community together through shared stories
✅ Transform Infrastructure – Thanks to Spartanburg Water, these sewer line poles will become trail landmarks, demonstrating how art can reimagine everyday spaces

This project is just the beginning. PAL and our partners will continue to expand public art installations along the trail as additional funding is secured.