Dynamic mural roars onto Norcross Skin Alley

Seemingly overnight, a large, colorful and dynamic mural popped on Historic Norcross’ Skin Alley this month. An exciting visual contrast in the quaint downtown, the mural was created as part of Toyota commercial production. Now that the filming is complete, Toyota is gifting the artwork to the City of Norcross.

Painted by Atlanta artist Peter Ferrari, the story-tall mural called “Verb” spans the Norcross Masonic Lodge and onto Publix Credit Union buildings on the alley behind the main street. Designed to promote Toyota’s hybrid Prius, the colorful mural represents action.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Toyota gifted this mural to Norcross,” said Cindy Flynn, chair of the Norcross Public Arts Commission (NPAC). “This mural is an unexpected kick-start to making Skin Alley an exciting ArtWay for Norcross.”

NPAC plans to continue to transform the sparse downtown alley, into a vibrant, meaningful, and welcoming space. It will be a pedestrian-oriented, creative hub that supports year-round global entertainment and cultural programs. 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.

NPAC plans to engage local artists as well as artists from around the world in future projects to contribute to the ArtWay.

Mural artist Ferrari grew up in Atlanta and attended Emory University. He has produced several murals around the metro area and operates Forward Warrior, an organization that paints murals while engaging the community. Forward Warrior’s next project is June 11 and 12 in Atlanta’s Cabbagetown section.

NPAC's first commissioned mural will begin production coming months. The mural will be on the yellow cinder block building at 20 Skin Alley, and will heavily involve the community to inspire the artist's design concept.

Follow ArtWay projects on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/norcrossarts/.