[CLINTON, N.C.] – Sampson Community College (SCC) is proud to announce the winner of its 2025 Artist Call for a new public art piece to be featured in Sampson East Park. In partnership with the Sampson Arts Council and the SCC Foundation, the College invited the community to participate in selecting the third sculpture to be displayed, with over 500 votes being cast.

This year’s finalists included two works created by internationally acclaimed sculptor and East Carolina University professor Hanna Jubran, “Solar System” and “3 Planets,” alongside the option to retain the current installation, “Blue Butterfly,” by Benton & Sons Stainless Steel Fabrication.

For 2025, the public voted to keep “Blue Butterfly” as the centerpiece of Sampson East Park throughout the next year— receiving 64% of the votes. “3 Planets” was the runner-up, followed by “Solar System.”

Benton & Sons Fabrication is a family-owned business that has operated in large component steel fabrication and assembly since 1983. Located in Pikeville, N.C., they also specialize in lawn art, ornaments, and sculptures— famous in their area for their line of “Benton Dinosaurs.”

Dr. Bill Starling, President of SCC, shared, “Good news for butterfly lovers! The blue butterfly has become a recognized part of the NC24 entrance into Clinton as well as a very photographed spot for families using the walking trail. We have been proud to be a part of the efforts to bring the shapes and colors of outdoor art to our community!”

Beginning as a 2019 initiative, in Spring 2023, partners SCC, the SCC Foundation, City of Clinton, and Sampson Arts Council agreed to install a community-selected, public art sculpture pad in SCC’s Sampson East Park. Scheduled to be interchanged yearly, this annual initiative aims to enrich the campus and community environment through rotating public art installations.

With the reinstatement of “Blue Butterfly” as Sampson East Park’s creation, the College has now proudly displayed two beloved sculptures by local artists on campus: “Waterdrop” by Hanna Jubran from August 2023- August 2024; and “Blue Butterfly” by Benton & Sons from August 2024- August 2026. SCC plans to continue this public art initiative for years to come.

Lisa Turlington, Executive Director of the SCC Foundation, remarked, “We received so much positive feedback for the Blue Butterfly this year that it is no surprise that the public vote was to keep it another year. I love seeing the community posts with the sculpture and hope to see more people enjoy it for another year. Thank you to the Foundation for supporting the SCC Public Art Initiative.”

For more information about the public art initiative, please visit: sampsoncc.edu/about-us/foundation/art

About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.