Art Drop kits, partnerships and outreach discussed; staff to boost finder engagement

Staff told the Chamblee Public Art Commission that Art Drop, a community program tied to Georgia Cities Week, is scheduled for April and that staff has ordered supplies and begun marketing. The program distributes small art kits for makers to create pieces they hide in public spaces and then announce on social media for others to find.

Tanisha said the high school honors art club has agreed to assemble kits. This year’s kits will include printmaking (the most popular kit last year), drawing and two watercolor variations (one with watercolor pencils). Tanisha did not have a final confirmed count of kits at the meeting; she estimated the figure could be “around 75” but said she would provide the exact number by follow-up email.

Commissioners discussed ways to increase finder participation and public engagement. Suggestions included partnering with the third-party Chamblee Art Fest to include Art Drop in festival marketing, asking downtown businesses to sponsor drops (gift certificates or small prizes), recommending targeted drop zones tied to event schedules, and providing pick-up incentives such as small business gift certificates. Commissioners also suggested local venues (galleries, coffee shops) serve as staffed kit-making sites to encourage community interaction.

Tanisha said marketing and supplies are in hand and staff will continue outreach to the high school and downtown partners. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate promotional flyers at the Marta station event scheduled for Saturday the 19th and to explore business sponsorships and targeted drop-area planning. Tanisha agreed to circulate the final kit count and a plan by email.