ARTIST: John Merigian
MATERIAL: weathering steel 
DATE: 2021
LOCATION: Diavolo at New Hope Disc Golf Course
COMMISSIONED BY: Town of Cary

 Artist Website

This sculpture is one of two new pieces by artist John Merigian now on permanent display at the disc golf course. The sculptures are made of weathering steel and their patina will change over time to a rusty red like their companion sculptures across the street at New Hope Trailhead Park adjacent to the American Tobacco Trail. John Merigian’s large sculptures are reminiscent of the train rails that once lay beside the new park and was the perfect complement to this trailhead and helped tell the story of the history of the American Tobacco Trail.

Background
The year, 2013, was the second year Cary Sports was hosting an “urban style” disc golf tournament on the Cary Town Hall Campus. The campus was also the home to the Town’s annual art exhibition. This same year, Contender, a sculpture by John Merigian was part of the exhibition and served as a backdrop to one of the signature holes of the disc golf tournament. A collaboration was formed that year with the artist to use the Contender image as the logo for the tournament. Even though the artwork was eventually purchased by the Town and installed at another location the collaboration and use of the artwork has continued, and helped to communicate and market the stature and programming of this growing sport. The artwork has been used in branding and marketing material including, flyers, website marketing, banners, tournament discs, coins, and shirts. It cannot be overstated how intertwined this iconic image has become identified with Cary’s unique brand of disc golf.
Fast forward one decade, and the relationship between Cary Disc Golf and the artist has come full circle. In early July, we welcomed Calvin & Rejoice. Two new pieces by John Merigian commissioned specifically for the Town’s new Disc Golf Course, Diavolo @ New Hope. Where first a piece of artwork helped grow and validate a sport, now the growing sport is providing a place to share and engage with art.