Let’s turn the switch back on the Color Wall!
The composite of photographs of the Color Wall seen above was created by Libby Levi (College of Design '07) for the summer 2007 issue of the NC State University alumni magazine, NC State. The photos were taken by Daniel Kim, CALS Communication Services.
A partial restoration in 2005 brought the colors back to life, but by the end of 2007 the Color Wall had once again gone dark — this time due to an irreparable breakdown of the 35 year old mechanical system. Acquisition of a modern, computerized digital switch system was underway last fall, but the worsening statewide budget crisis effectively prevented public funds from going toward the restoration of the Color Wall. The new system was estimated at the time to cost in excess of $6,000.
Our readers’ response to that article has been overwhelming, with offers of repair and financial contributions coming in from all corners. So, after much behind the scenes work, we are proud to announce that Goodnight Raleigh has teamed up with the NC State University Libraries Advancement Office in an effort to raise funds for purchase of the computerized switching system. Thus, this treasured work of public art, Color Wall, might be restored on a permanent operational basis.
Goodnight Raleigh has set up a Web page dedicated to telling the Color Wall story, and through which online donations may be made to the NCSU Libraries’ Art Preservation Fund toward the purchase and installation of the new switching system. Designate your tax-deductible contribution “Color Wall.” To learn more about the Color Wall, and how your contribution will help to restore permanently this important work of 20th century public art, please visit www.TheColorWall.org today!
This is how the Color Wall looks today. Won't you please help turn the switch back on?
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07/13/2009
The Color Wall definitely digs up some Hillsborough St memories for me. Have made my contribution. Thanks for making this happen.
07/14/2009
I’m so glad efforts are underway to restore The Color Wall. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for this piece. I’ve made my contribution — every little bit helps.
07/14/2009
Funny, I’m a sophomore at State and only now learned that there is some kinda color wall thing here. Had ZERO idea.
07/14/2009
I did my part.
07/15/2009
Thank you so much for bringing attention to this important work and organizing this effort, it was one of my favorite things about NCSU when I was there in the 80s and I would love to see it up and running again.
07/15/2009
Back when I was at State if we wanted to see a color wall we simply ate some LSD
07/20/2009
Great article. I have wondered for a while why it was never on, and upon asking at the desk, I was told “It’s not on? It should be on. Oh, it’s not on.”, and that was it. I would love to see the wall working on a normal basis again before I graduate!
07/23/2009
Thank you for calling attention to this light mural! The static photos do not convey how beautiful the piece is when it is operating. I do hope that we will get it working again.
07/26/2009
I wondered what happened to the Color Wall. Joe Cox was an amazing artist and person. His “Color and Light” class at the School of Design was an epiphany for me. Thanks for the restoration, I’m happy to contribute.
08/10/2009
I tried to give, but the website wouldn’t come up. I hope it’s because it was flooded with donors due the N&O article this morning. I’ll try again later.
08/10/2009
Richard — Yes please do! http://thecolorwall.org/ I intend to publish an update on the restoration effort on the Color Wall website very soon. And thanks to everyone who has made a donation — we are grateful!
05/06/2010
Timothy Leary use to see all those colors way back in the day without a wall.