J. Stacy Utley is a critically acclaimed artist, architect, and designer whose work is grounded in the fundamental belief that public art and architecture is one in the same. Its sole purpose is to incite dialogue, evoke an emotion and tell a narrative. The narrative should reflect its cultural landscape and curated with strategic yet thoughtful design. His role with Evoke Studio is the engagement and creative collaboration between client, other creatives, and community stakeholders in the reimagining of a public shared space through artistic and architectural form.

 

As both a public artist and architect, Utley understands the value of collaboration and diverse partnership in placemaking. It is a universal tool that when used utilized cross-culturally allows for voices to be heard. Collaboration plus research and investigation creates a genuine connection with the community that inspires. His experience in civic and community stakeholder meetings, strategic planning, wayfinding, design, and fabrication makes him knowledgeable when it comes to managing relationships, expectations, and timelines. 

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Utley is a graduate of North Carolina State University, College of Design where he received a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. After working for national and international firms Utley went on to receive a Master of Fine Art from Lesley University College of Art and Design in Cambridge Massachusetts. Utley has shown nationally and internationally. Exhibiting his work in solo and group exhibitions that includes the 2021 Venice Biennale Architectura, USA South Forty Exhibition for his collaboration with EVOKE Studio for the Five Points Plaza public art project.