Community Buoy Painting Project

As part of the City of Wilmington’s plan to replace the failing 59-year-old bulkhead at the former site of the Coast Guard Cutter Diligence, a temporary fence was installed to secure the area. Through a community art initiative, the public helped to transform the space by painting buoys that were hung along the fence line. More than 250 buoys were painted by:

Members of the community during a “Community Painting Day
Students at DREAMS for Arts Education
Children participating in the MLK after-school program
Children participating in the Davis Community Center after-school program
City of Wilmington employees

This project created a sense of pride for the participating artists by helping to shape a shared public space – adding color, creativity, and local character to an otherwise closed and inaccessible area. While construction funding is pursued, this art installation will help to maintain vibrancy along the riverwalk, to support nearby businesses by encouraging continued foot traffic, and to foster a community connection to the waterfront.

Thank you to all the buoy artists who helped to create this lively display by sharing their work with not only the citizens of Wilmington but with the many visitors who enjoy our downtown riverwalk every day.