First “HOME” Public Art Installation to be Dedicated in Robbins

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (October 7, 2026) – The Moore County Tourism Development Authority will dedicate the first of five new “HOME” public art installations in downtown Robbins on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 10:30 a.m.

Created by Mac Metz, director of the Starworks Metals Studio in Star, the Robbins installation is the first in a countywide initiative designed to bring the TDA's new “home” advertising campaign to life. The organization commissioned five artists to create works for Robbins, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Carthage and Southern Pines, with additional dedications planned into 2027.

“Besides amplifying our new advertising campaign, these public art displays reinforce our commitment to the arts community in Moore County,” said Phil Werz, President and CEO of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen. “The H-O-M-E letters featured in each artwork speaks to the feeling visitors and residents sense when they are here. They’re also a bit of a nod to our tourism friends in Virginia with the L-O-V-E letters seen in more than 350 communities across the Commonwealth. The artworks will enhance the communities where we plan to locate them while creating memorable photo opportunities for visitors and residents.”

The artwork in Robbins will spell “home,” but it will also showcase accents and landmarks from the town like the railroad, the iconic water tower and the annual Farmers Day event. “We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the tourism bureau’s ‘home’ public art initiative and we appreciate them including Starworks in this really fun and meaningful project,” said Mac Metz, metalworks sculptor. “We were really excited when we heard they wanted this one in Robbins. It’s such a unique and historic town and knowing this artwork will have a permanent place downtown for all to see is very fulfilling as an artist.”

The other artists involved in the home public art campaign include Luke Huling, a ceramic figure sculptor who is an associate professor and coordinator at Sandhills Community College. His artwork will be installed at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. Dan Dreyer is a professional painter who will create a mural in the town of Aberdeen. He previously painted a mural in the town of Carthage. Grace Cathey is a renowned metalworks artist who is planning a piece made of stainless steel to be placed near the Pik n Pig at the Gilliam McConnell Airfield in Carthage. Lastly, internationally acclaimed sculptor Patrick Dougherty, known for his monumental works created from woven saplings, will create his home artwork concept at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines.

The Oct. 22 dedication in downtown Robbins is open to the public. The four remaining HOME installations will be unveiled in communities across Moore County in the coming months, extending the TDA's “home” campaign from an advertising message into permanent works of public art.

Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen

Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen is the economic development agency responsible for travel and tourism promotion, product development, and visitor services for Moore County, NC. The organization devises strategies to enhance the County’s tourism brand value and product to accommodate the next generation of visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. In 2025, Moore County ranked as the tenth largest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating $901 million annually in visitor spending, which supports the second largest employment sector in the county and saves county residents approximately $578 a year in state and local taxes.