Commissioner Larry Johnson to Host Public Art on Candler Road: A Community Conversation

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host Public Art on Candler: A Community Conversation, Monday, January 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at South DeKalb Senior Center, 1931 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032.

When one thinks of art, grand museums and prestigious galleries might come to mind. However, a new wave of artistic expression is set to redefine how we perceive and interact with art. Public Art, with its expansive canvas, transcends traditional boundaries, turning everyday spaces into vibrant, thought-provoking masterpieces.

The Candler Road corridor between I-285 and Memorial Drive is poised to become a beacon of creativity and community engagement. Plans are underway to infuse the area with public art, transforming the landscape into a dynamic tapestry that reflects the essence of the community it serves. The initiative, launched by DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, aligns seamlessly with the 2050 DeKalb Unified Plan, which underscores the importance of integrating art into public spaces across the county.

"From sidewalks to walls, your ideas can turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary reflections of our community spirit,” said Commissioner Larry Johnson.  “Join us in the Candler Road Public Art Project and let's create a legacy together and continue to build on results you can see."

The success of the Candler Road Public Art Initiative hinges on community involvement. DeKalb County is eager to collaborate with residents, businesses, and local stakeholders to collectively craft a vision for public art. A community meeting is scheduled to provide an opportunity for the community to engage in person.

The meeting will feature a panel discussion with local experts to discuss public art and how it can be used to enhance the Candler Road corridor:

• Moderator, Rashan Ali (Mult-Media Entertainer, Personality, Actress & Founder)
• Panelist, Derek Cook (Decatur-based Multidisciplinary Artist & Creator)
• Panelist, George F. Baker, III (Panelist Director, Foster Art Collective)
• Panelist, Roshani Thokari, (Community Engagement & Culture Program Director, ARC)

The community is also invited to participate online via the project website which includes several tools for involvement. The interactive map allows the community to identify ideal locations for public art while the community survey collects even more detailed information on the look, type and style of art that would be most appropriate for the corridor. The online forum creates a virtual environment where ideas about the initiative can be shared and discussed among website visitors.

By fostering a collaborative spirit, DeKalb County aims to align the vision for public art with the unique needs and aspirations of the residents who call Candler Road home.

For more information about the project and to engage online visit https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/artoncandler or contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425 or visit www.commissionerlarryjohnson.com.