Triangle Area Sister Cities recently commissioned a new artwork designed specifically for Raleigh-Durham International Airport's international arrivals baggage claim area in Terminal 2.

The piece was presented at a dedication ceremony in February in which representatives from Southern Pines were present.

Chapel Hill artist Jane Filer's "Friendly Folks" will greet international travelers after they clear passport control and as they are waiting for their luggage to complete the customs process. Because of the unique design of Terminal 2, the public will be able to view the piece when international flights aren't being processed and the bagage claim area is used for domestic flights.

"Over the years, the airport authority has greatly expanded its art program to enhance and enrich the experience of the traveling public at RDU," said Teresa Damiano, marketing director for the Airport Authority. "This work is a welcome gift and a great addition to our art program."

"Friendly Folks" is a 40-foot mural depicting happy figures in vivid colors with a wide color palette. Representations of both North Carolina and various international destinations will appear throughout the piece.

In 2007, residents and leaders from Cary, Durham, Raleigh and Southern Pines Sister Cities had a dream. In 2010, representatives from the sister city communities, including Southern Pines, reviewed various options of art and were active in the selection process.

Denise Baker, an art professor at Sandhills Community College, and Linda Parsons, of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, represented Southern Pines.

In 2011 it all came to fruition.

The artwork of "Friendly Folks" celebrates the 13 international sister cities of the Triangle Region of North Carolina. For many years to come, the vibrant and symbolic images will provide an unforgettable welcome for all international visitors to our communities.

Baker, Carol Haney and David McNeill were all able to attend the dedication ceremony in February, getting the unique opportunity to visit with sister city colleagues and participate in the dedication ceremony.

Throughout the life of a sister city relationship, the goals may change or evolve and the level of connectivity and involvement may vary greatly due to shifting political priorities, constantly changing city administrations or even governmental instability, according to organizers of the efforts.

These constant changes create an ever evolving and fluctuating environment in which sister city relationships must survive, they said.

This project provides an opportunity to showcase the sister city relationships throughout the Triangle region. "Friendly Folks" highlights the diversity of people, places and landscape in the Triangle region and beyond.

"The town of Southern Pines was honored to be a part of the artist selection process and to be highlighted on this beautiful piece of art that provides an opportunity of what all our areas have to offer," said McNeill, a member of the Southern Pines Town Council.

McNeill pointed out that when guests from Newry-Mourne, Northern Ireland, arrived for the just-concluded Palustris Festival, they were able to view the depiction of their community on this "dynamic piece of artwork."