On November 10, Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation earned the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association’s 2026 Arts & Humanities Award (Class 3) for our Faces of the Forest art installation.
Faces of the Forest is a collaboration between Chapel Hill Public Library, Community Arts & Culture, and Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation. The installation features 12 ceramic faces and masks created by Levi Yakubu, a fifth-generation Nigerian potter and instructor at the Chapel Hill Community Clay Studio. The pieces are located on trees throughout Pritchard Park.
This statewide honor recognizes the most innovative and effective arts and humanities programs. The award is granted based on program content, innovation, contribution to the community, and expansion of interest in the arts and humanities.