'Community of Hands' groundbreaking set for Wednesday in Drexel
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Bill Poteat
Editor Emeritus
A photo of the late Charlie Eller, who for many years was in charge of the fireworks displays at the Drexel Community Fair, in a photo taken at his home in Drexel.
Charlie Eller, as transformed through the magic of Dan Hoyle’s stained glass. This is one of seven panels that will make up the ‘Community of Hands’ art project in downtown Drexel.
All those with an interest in Drexel — its heritage, its history, and its future — are invited to attend the groundbreaking for “A Community of Hands” on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Downtown Drexel Park.
The centerpiece of “A Community of Hands” will be seven stained-glass panels made by Drexel native Dan Hoyle and honoring the people who built Drexel through hard work and community spirit.
Hoyle, who also serves as president of Grow with Drexel and who had a long career as an educator and administrator in the Burke County Public Schools, sees the project as more than just an artistic endeavor.
“At its best, ‘A Community of Hands’ can be transformative for this town,” Hoyle said. “It will most definitely transform the park, and it can also transform the way we think about Drexel and how bright its future can be.”
The brightly colored stained-glass panels represent more than a year of work on Hoyle’s part, and feature business owners, furniture factory employees, hosiery mill workers, teachers, craftsmen, faith leaders, and community craftsmen.
Hoyle is quick to point out, however, that the project is far from a one-man show as he has sought support from across the greater Drexel community.
Metawood Design Company was recruited to preserve each stained-glass panel with a live edge oak display.
The Burke River Trail Association will be providing professional signage to describe the type of people represented in each panel.
Settlemyre Nursery will be responsible for the extensive landscaping in the park which will include a new water feature.
And both Grow with Drexel and staff and elected officials of the Town of Drexel have been instrumental in bringing “A Community of Hands” from concept to reality.
“We want everyone to bring a shovel and take part in this community event,” said Hoyle. “Again, this project is going to change the look of the entire park and hopefully change the way people think of Drexel.”
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, which will feature brief remarks from key figures in the process, a reception will be held across the street from the park in the downstairs fellowship hall of the Drexel First Baptist Church.
“No agenda, no speeches, just an opportunity for folks to talk with each other and get to know each other a little better,” said Hoyle of the reception. “We will have light refreshments, but unfortunately not my famous homemade cookies.”
The seven groups represented in the stained-glass displays are Hands of Faith; Hands of Guidance; Hands of Commerce; Hands of Skill; Hands of Kindness; Hands of Creativity; and Hands of Industry.
Although older residents of the Drexel community are sure to recognize some of the people represented in the artwork, Hoyle said their names will not be displayed as he wants those viewing the art to appreciate each group as a whole and all of its members.
Although the groundbreaking is set for Wednesday, actual work on the project will likely not get underway until later in the fall. Hoyle is hopeful the project will be completed at some point in the spring of 2027.
Grow with Drexel is functioning as the fundraising arm of the effort and Hoyle said money is needed both for the landscaping work and the ongoing maintenance of the artwork.
Contributions may be mailed to Grow with Drexel, P.O. Box 177, Drexel, N.C., 28619. On the memo line of checks, it should be noted, “For Art Project.”
