Admire Stunning Works of Public Art in Pitt County, NC

Justin Kase Conder

Public art can add so much to a community’s personality and vibe, but it doesn’t just happen on its own. Beautifying spaces takes effort and coordination, something the Pitt County Arts Council excels at, as it serves all of Greenville-Pitt County. Its effort to bring more visually appealing elements to smaller downtown districts has been instrumental in making communities such as Farmville, Ayden, Winterville and Bethel more vibrant and beautiful. 

“We serve as art liaisons to the towns in our community, working with local officials and artists,” says Sarah Lazure, marketing and exhibits director for the Pitt County Arts Council. “We are feet on the ground during installation, and we promote the projects before, during and after.” 

Splash of Color All Around Pitt County

There have been many incredible art projects coordinated or funded by the Pitt County Arts Council over the years, from colorful murals to temporary and permanent sculptures. The organization works with the Greenville Mural Project, a collaborative effort among the Downtown Greenville Partnership, the Greenville Museum of Art and other local organizations to make more murals happen across the city. They’re responsible for the secret squirrels hidden around downtown Greenville. 

Another major endeavor has been the DownEast Sculpture Exhibition, now in its 20th year. What began at East Carolina University has grown into a countywide project showcasing sculptures from artists across the East Coast. 

The council played a pivotal role in securing grant funding for the Ayden Museum’s historical mural, which was recently unveiled. 

Pitt County Arts Council

More Than Décor 

It’s not just visual art that adds to the cultural landscape in the county; it’s performing art, as well. The Pitt County Arts Council is involved in the Piano Project, which places gorgeously painted upright pianos around downtown Greenville so people can see and play them. 

“Our mission is to make arts accessible to our entire community, and public art is often the best conduit for this,” Lazure says. “Outdoor artwork takes a barrier out of the equation for a potential viewer. This passive way of experiencing the art, as you travel from place to place or meet with friends, allows art to be part of your very environment and existence.” 

This passion for the arts is shared by many community members, both viewers and participants. From the “Whisper Benches” and Archway Public Art Project at Five Points Plaza to art targeted at youth, like The Little Willie Center’s “Crayon Fence” or the Youth Public Arts Project, a bimonthly outreach program for at-risk youth, there is much to appreciate in this region. 

Other exciting projects are on the horizon, too. 

“We are excited to add new sculpture pads for the 20th year of the DownEast Sculpture Exhibition – 20 pads for 20 years,” Lazure says. “These sculptures were installed in February 2026 and will be in place for one year.”