Public Art

It’s a WILD LIFE! celebrates the Festival’s 29th year (November 7 – 17, 2024) with 29 paper mâché squirrels by artist David Junker scattered throughout the community. These playful critters are scurrying about and gathering friends for all of the festivities ahead. We honor the squirrels’ role in shaping the plant composition of our forest and moving fungal spores to help newly planted longleaf pines gain important nutrients from the soil.

This immersive experience is designed as a reminder of the importance of the stable grassland ecosystem of the longleaf pine — home to a rich variety of plants and animals. It’s a WILD LIFE! continues at The UnVacant Lot in Thomasville’s Creative District, as well.