International Artist Selected For Public Art Mural in Norcross

This fall, the large drab cinderblock building that protrudes onto Skin Alley in the center of Historic Norcross will blossom into a lively mural, designed to welcome and delight Norcross’ multicultural community and many visitors. Viewable from several vantage points in the city, the artwork will dramatically alter the Norcross visual experience.

The Norcross Public Arts Commission (NPAC) is proud to announce the selection of international artist Karl Addison to create and install the mural in early September. Aiming to further develop Norcross’s continued growth as a vibrant, live-work-play community, the mural will serve as anchor of the Norcross Skin Alley ArtWay with hopes of transforming a reawakened area of downtown into a creative hub that supports year-round global entertainment and cultural arts programming for the city’s diverse community. The ArtWay is inspired by the concept of 'Art is a Way' for artists and community members to lift each other up, start conversations, share stories, bridge differences and find common ground among Norcross multicultural community. NPAC plans to engage local artists as well as artists from around the world in future projects to contribute to the ArtWay.

More than 40 applicants responded to an NPAC request for proposals. After an exhaustive review of applicants, Addison was selected based on a series of interviews and focus groups with residents, artists and art enthusiasts. “We reviewed many excellent artists,” said Cindy Flynn, NPACs chair. “After thoughtful consideration, NPAC and focus group participants unanimously agreed that Karl was the ideal artists for this important project.”

From Washington State and currently working out of Berlin, Germany, Addison has worked throughout North and Central America, Europe Russia, Japan, and South East Asia. He has worked on several murals in the Atlanta area including two on the Atlanta Beltline.

“For me, it is very interesting in the last few years to see towns and cities across the U.S. to really adopted and take on Post-Muralism as a means of public art,” said Addison. “The traditional murals have always been beautiful, and carried a strong community based message. But it is also refreshing to see contemporary painting and arts start to make their way to public space. My impression is that Norcross is seeing this as well, and taking part in the world wide conversation.”

Because the ArtWay project is designed to reach across generations and cultures in Norcross, community engagement is an essential element of the mural’s creative development Addison will spend 10 days in the Norcross community from May 19 to 29. “The creative process will be culturally inclusive,” said Flynn. “We want Karl to meet our entire community. The art doesn’t have to depict the 40 different cultures in Norcross, but we want it to be relevant and uplifting to as many people as possible.”

Addison’s community engagement experiences will inform his design. He will submit up to three designs for public consideration before a final design is recommended by NPAC and approved by the City Council. The mural installation is scheduled to begin Sept. 6 and should take about a week to complete. NPAC will announce the dates and opportunities for public review in coming weeks.

The City of Norcross is funding the $15,000 budget. The budget includes provisions for materials, community engagement, mural maintenance and artist fee. NPAC is also receiving significant technical support from the Atlanta Regional Commission, which assigned Keif Schleifer of KSDesign, a technical and architectural design firm that works with artists and communities in developing public art project, to consult with NPAC. Schleifer is providing key technical support and project coordination.

NPAC was created by the City Council and is charged with advising Mayor and City Council on policies and issues pertaining to the arts and culture in Norcross. The commission also serves as an umbrella organization supporting art and cultural organizations within the City. Follow ArtWay projects on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/norcrossarts/.

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Community Engagement Schedule (Schedule subject to change)

May 22, Visit Christos Community Church

May 22, 6 p.m., Garden to Table BBQ on Skin Alley.

May 23, visit with 8th graders at Summerour Middle School

May 24, walking tour with city historian Gene Ramsay

May 24, 6:30 p.m., attend monthly NPAC meeting

May 25, 8 a.m., Progress Development Committee (PDC) at 45 South Café

May 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., work with NPAC Focus Group

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
“Avatar” a mural by Karl Addison and Jarus on the Atlanta Beltline. Photo by Christine Casey

Addison working in Berlin on “Totem”. Photo by Karl Addison