Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson, NC.

How Public Art Reclaimed a Town:
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum has helped to redefine Wilson, NC. By utilizing Vollis’ incredible, kinetic sculptures the downtown has become vibrant and community connection and economic development have followed.

About the Speaker:

Jeff Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council

Jeff Bell is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council. Previously, he was the Arts Innovation Coordinator for the City of Wilson, which included being the Executive Director of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. He attended UNC Wilmington and received two bachelor of arts degrees, one in Art History and one in Studio Art and received his MFA from UNC Greensboro. Previously, Bell was the Registrar at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, The Exhibitions and Gallery Manager at Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh and the Museum Manager at 21c
Museum Hotel in Durham. He has curated exhibitions at CAM Raleigh, 21c Museum Hotel and at the Ackland Art Museum at UNC Chapel Hill. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the state and the region. Bell lives in Wilson, NC with his wife Amanda Duncan, and their four boys.