Paving the way to courthouse sculpture

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: August 8, 2008

Citizens of Rockingham County: As we’re sure you’re aware, we are in the midst of a fundraising campaign to finance two 20-foot by 40-foot brick sculpture murals by local artist Brad Spencer. These murals will adorn the front of the Judicial Center planned to open in 2010 and will depict the county’s past, present and future. To raise these funds, committee members are selling engraved brick pavers for $100, $200 and $500, depending on the paver size and design.
We are thrilled with the response to this project, which has so far raised $34,000, and we sincerely thank those who have already purchased pavers. We have been amazed at the wide variety of people and organizations honored with a paver. Some examples:
—Families purchased $500 bricks engraved with all family members’ names.
—Relatives of current and former county officials honored their service to county citizens.
—Families purchased pavers as birthday or father’s day gifts.
—Grandparents purchased pavers in all of their grandchildren’s names.
— Public schools held fundraisers or staff pitched in to purchase pavers for their schools,
—Judicial center architects purchased two pavers; one for the front of the courthouse and one for the jail entrance, and
—Current county staff members purchased pavers to record their service.
These are just a few examples of the inventive ways pavers have been used to buy a piece of history and announce to future generations the individuals, businesses and civic groups that supported this once-in-a-lifetime project.
Currently, we are striving to raise the remaining $26,000 needed to meet our $60,000 goal. The campaign is scheduled to end Sept. 30, so please take a moment to consider buying a paver so that you, your family or your organization may take your place in a project that will impact this county for decades to come.
Paver forms may be found at the governmental center, at all public library branches, by calling 342-8342 or by going online to http://www.co.rockingham.nc.us and clicking on “Courthouse Sculpture Fundraising Project”.
Thanks again to all who have bought pavers. We encourage those who have not yet bought a paver to do so.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve on such an important project.
Jodie Berger, Laurie Wilson
Project co-chairs
County Courthouse Sculpture Committee