by Hilary Sigler ‘15
There is no better way to spend a summer day than by biking through the streets of Atlanta to appreciate the great architecture and art within our state's capital city. That is exactly what Department of Art Chair and Associate Director Kevin Shunn and Professor of Painting and Foundations Drawing Erin Dixon did on Thursday, June 4, along with several UWG art students.
The group represented UWG as they participated in the Bicycle Tours of Atlanta, a tour that guides its participants through the historically rich and artistic locations of the intown streets of Atlanta. Among the artistic sights were public art and living wall murals as well as the architecture of the many buildings in downtown Atlanta. The UWG students and faculty were guided by Atlanta architect, Keif Shleifer. Keif has been involved in many community-based empowerment projects in rural Georgia.
While the bike tour was a great opportunity to relish in the beautiful sights of Atlanta, it was also preparation for the final class project. Erin’s mural painting class, made up of art students Tayler Ayers, Kimiya Brantley, Tiffany Morris, Ariel Nix, and Dane Weldon, were given the task of pitching proposals for the potential mural.
“In the end, we ended up combining two of the proposals,” said Ariel, a junior.
Galaxies, planets, and fireflies can all be seen within the mural. The solar system background is embellished with accents like mason jars and other items to bring a sense of a small town. All of which were created with the use of latex, acrylic, and spray paint.
“The mural was created as a way to further the enrichment of our own Carrollton community. We hope is to get more murals painted in downtown Carrollton in the very near future,” said Erin.
The mural was officially unveiled on Thursday, June 25, in Adamson Square in the hallway beside Highland Deli.
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