Alpharetta commission approves two AlphaLoop bridge murals at Thompson Street

The Alpharetta Cultural Arts Commission approved two bridge murals for the Thompson Street segment of the AlphaLoop on motions that passed unanimously of those present.

The murals were proposed by the AlphaLoop Foundation, which raised funds to pay for the two artworks, and will be painted by artist Alastone Collins. The foundation provided $7,000 toward the project; the City of Alpharetta’s cultural services staff said the city will provide materials and add the works to the city’s public art maintenance plan. Kim, a city staff member, said the city’s operating budget is expected to supply about $1,500 per mural in supplies, with a total city outlay not to exceed $3,000.

The commission’s approval follows a presentation by Karen Richard, vice president of the AlphaLoop Foundation, and comments from the artist, who described the two designs. “Ripple,” planned for the bridge nearest Haines Bridge, includes fish and water motifs to reflect the creek under that span. The second mural, “Dawn to Dusk,” depicts birds and sky and will face the construction site near 92 Thompson Street. Richard said the foundation’s mission is to “increase community awareness about the AlphaLoop trail system and to enhance existing sections.”

City staff said the artist can begin work immediately if the commission’s approval is final, and Collins estimated the murals could be completed, weather permitting, by July. The painting will be staged so the public can continue to use the loop; staff said work will proceed in sections and the trail will not be fully closed. Collins described the surface protection planned for the murals: “It will have anti‑graffiti coating on it,” allowing cleaning of vandalism while preserving the mural; the artist said two coats of a vandal‑guard varnish will be applied and given time to cure.

The city will add plaques and a story map entry for the murals and include them in its ongoing maintenance program. Staff told the commission that similar painted surfaces on the loop typically require touchups and pressure washing over time and often last about seven years before more significant restoration is needed.

The commission voted to approve Thompson Street location 1 (the Ripple mural) and Thompson Street location 2 (Dawn to Dusk) by unanimous voice/electronic vote of members present. Following the approvals, the commission moved on to other agenda items.

The commission’s action authorizes installation and places ongoing maintenance responsibility with the city; no additional city funding beyond the supplies described was approved at the meeting.