Highland Neighborhood Association is pleased to announce a public art dedication, taking place on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 3pm, located at the Erwin Center, 913 N. Pryor Street, Gastonia NC. This artwork shines a spotlight on the remarkable people, places and stories of the Highland Community.

Members of the Highland Community worked with nationally celebrated public artist David Wilson, and local artists Pamela Underwood and Tykevious McDowell, to gather oral histories and images that tell the story of Highland through the eyes of those who live and work here. In addition to the notable people and places highlighted by the artwork (including artists John Biggers and Jim Biggers, athletes Sleepy Floyd and James Worthy, Highland High School, Big Daddy's, and the Elks Lodge), are everyday folks, charitable organizations, and businesses, who together make up the fabric of this vibrant community.

This artwork will also have a digital component managed by Gaston County Museum of Art, with ongoing contributions from volunteers, community members, and Highland School of Technology students, to assure the piece continues to educate into the future.

Special thanks to members of Highland Neighborhood Association, The City of Gastonia, Erwin Center Park Staff, Project Manager Carl Harris, Gaston County Museum of Art and History, Highland School of Technology, and Kintegra Health for their partnership and support in managing and completing this project — the largest and most significant piece of public art in Gaston County. Funding for this project was provided by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation through its Inclusive Public Art initiative.

The dedication event is open to the public and all are welcome.

For more information, contact Donyel Barber at dbarber@kintegra.org.