Public Art & Placemaking
Using creativity to strengthen community, create memorable places, and support local identity.
Services offered by Create Gwinnett:
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Public Art Planning: Helping local governments and partners develop public art strategies.
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Project Implementation: Community-driven public art projects.
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Artist Engagement: Connecting communities with artists.
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Creative Placemaking: Using arts and culture to support economic development and community goals.
Featured Projects:
Sugarloaf Mural Project - 2025
Transforming Transportation Infastructure Through Art
The Sugarloaf Mural Project is a public art initiative designed to enhance community identity and create a more welcoming gateway experience within the Sugarloaf area. Developed through partnerships with local stakeholders, the project demonstrates how public art can strengthen sense of place while celebrating the character of a community.
Create Gwinnett assisted the project by serving as the nonprofit partner to recruit external project dollars from Norfolk Southern. The project reflects Create Gwinnett's commitment to supporting public art and creative placemaking as key strategies for community development.
Implementation Partners: Sugarloaf Community Improvement District, Hudgens Center for Art & Learning
Project Funders: Norfolk Southern Foundation
Project Artist: Krista Jones (aka JONESY)
Project Timeline: Complete! View the project at the intersection of Sugarloaf Parkway and I-85.
Impacted Communities: Over 40,000 vehicles pass this new mural per day. The mural project beautified the pedestrian and bicycle experience through the underpass which has already increased these multi-modal uses through this route.
