Artist behind upcoming Northchase Library installation shares his inspiration

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — We now know what an art installation at the entrance of a new library in New Hanover County will look like. 

On Monday, county commissioners approved a public art display that will go outside of the Northchase Library, which is currently under construction. 

The piece entitled “The Sky’s the Limit” was designed by local artist Wynn Buzzell. Buzzell is a UNCW graduate and has designed artworks across the country for the last 11 years. 

A rendering of the art installation outside of Northchase Library under construction at 4400 Northchase Parkway W, Wilmington, NC. (Courtesy: Wynn Buzzell)

He said the installation is inspired by the flying fish—a type of fish that can be found off the North Carolina coast. Flying fish get their name from their ability to leap out of the water to avoid predators. 

“My hope is that people will–as they’re walking into the library, that entry plaza–it’s like they’re walking through an illustration in a book. They might not know the story, but they can kind of fill in the blanks,” Buzzell said. 

Buzzell explained he first saw flying fish in the wild while deep sea fishing with his dad. He said he hopes to share that memory and his connection to the area.  

The library is expected to be complete later this year.