Public Art Commission updates: William Massey project, Elaine mural, and Shelby Tucker retaining-wall funding

At the Feb. 27 meeting of the Chamblee Public Art Commission, staff provided updates on three public-art projects and discussed a temporary budget realignment to cover outstanding 2024 obligations.

Tanisha, staff liaison, reported that work on the Elaine mural will begin March 17, pending permits coordinated with Public Works. She said staff is arranging sidewalk and permit logistics and that the artist anticipates approximately two weeks of on-site work for the mural, weather permitting. Tanisha asked staff to notify nearby condo residents; a commissioner offered to provide contact information for condo management.

On the William Massey project, Tanisha said outreach into the Hispanic community has advanced after the commission approved hiring a limited outreach contractor (Tony) to assist with Spanish-language engagement around the Dresden Park area. She said the Mexican consulate and a local immigration law office have shared the commission’s social media and that William Massey is aiming to begin work once the entrance area of the park is complete; staff reported the entrance work should be finished by mid-May. Tanisha also said William Massey would like to present initial sketches at the commission’s next meeting.

Staff also described a budget issue: a re-budget (rollover) of unspent 2024 funds required action before a Feb. 28 deadline. Staff said the commission missed the administrative deadline to reallocate the 2024 funds and recommended using the 2025 allocation for the Shelby Tucker retaining-wall mural (about $30,000 in the 2025 budget) as the easiest short-term offset to cover outstanding obligations for the William Massey and Elaine projects. Commissioners discussed the proposal and coordination with an ongoing multi-use path design on Chamblee Tucker that might move or remove the retaining wall in the next 12–18 months; several commissioners said delaying the Shelby Tucker mural to 2026 may avoid installing artwork in a location that could be disturbed during the multi-use path construction.

No formal re-budget vote was held at the Feb. 27 meeting; Tanisha said when funds are committed staff will return with a formal action for commission approval. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with Public Works and the project designers to avoid installing art that could be removed by upcoming infrastructure work.

Staff also reported the Little Free Art Gallery project is moving forward in partnership with a local Boy Scout and that the scout will confirm a timeline and location. Commissioners agreed to address remaining site-selection details at a future meeting.

The commission did not take formal budget action at the Feb. 27 meeting; staff will return with a formal funding motion if and when staff is ready to commit funds.