Liberty Arts History
Liberty Arts, Inc., founded in 2000, by working artists and other citizens was interested in creating a sculpture studio and bronze casting facility to facilitate the commissioning and production of artwork and develop educational programs for artists and community. This concept came to fruition with the completion of the George Watts Hill Pavilion for the Arts built by Liberty Arts. The Pavilion construction and up-fit was funded by Central Carolina Bank (now SunTrust Bank), the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and several generous private donors. The Pavilion, which honors the memory of Durham banker and philanthropist George Watts Hill, was dedicated on October 24, 2003 and completed in 2004.
Liberty Arts completed its first commissioned work in December 2004. Central Carolina Bank commissioned Liberty Arts to make an iconic, larger than life Durham Bull (Durham's longtime symbol representing its rich tobacco history), with the intent that this would be the first of many commissions from the private sector for public benefit. The Durham Bull, named MAJOR by its creators in honor of Mr. George Watts Hill, has been gifted to the City of Durham by Liberty Arts and will reside in the CCB Plaza at the corners of Corcoran and Parrish Streets located in downtown Durham.