A new memorial sculpture honoring the late Fred Chappell, former North Carolina Poet Laureate, was unveiled Thursday in his hometown of Canton.
The sculpture, now installed outside the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library, pays tribute to Chappell’s enduring literary legacy. Chappell, who passed away in 2024, authored hundreds of works throughout his prolific career, including dozens of books. He was also a dedicated educator, serving for more than 40 years as a professor and mentor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Local artist Grace Cathey designed the sculpture, which features a stack of painted books bearing the titles of some of Chappell’s most celebrated works. The top book represents Ever After…, a volume published posthumously.
“So much of his work is threaded through the mountains. He never got over the mountains. He never did. Never wanted to, and just couldn’t,” said Susan Chappell, the poet’s widow, reflecting on his deep connection to the region.
The creation of the memorial was a collaborative effort involving Chappell’s family, the Town of Canton, Haywood County Government, the Canton Area Historical Museum, and the Haywood County Public Library.
The sculpture is located at 11 Pennsylvania Avenue, Canton, and serves as a lasting homage to one of North Carolina’s most influential literary figures.
