Chamblee commission weighs Little Free Art Gallery pilot; scouts could build it to save costs

The commission reviewed options for a Little Free Art Gallery — a small, publicly accessible art drop box — and discussed cost, location and maintenance.

Tanisha presented price options from Little Free Library vendors, noting kits ranging from about $189 for smaller models to roughly $498 for larger outdoor-ready units. She said the commission has budgeted $500 that could cover supplies but not necessarily assembly.

Tanisha told the commission that many of Chamblee’s existing park features — including selfie stations and some Little Free Library structures — were built by Eagle Scout and Gold Award Girl Scout projects. Commissioners proposed recruiting an Eagle Scout or Girl Scout troop to construct the art box as a service project; scouts typically fundraise for materials as part of their award projects. One commissioner said using scouts “would be a win‑win,” because it would reduce city labor and give youth a community project.

Location options discussed included the library, Keswick Park and downtown Chamblee (near restaurants and the forthcoming bookstore) to maximize pedestrian visibility. Commissioners also flagged maintenance concerns for certain design choices, cautioning that living‑roof designs would need regular upkeep and could struggle in hot summer months.

Next steps: Staff will ask scouts about capacity to build one unit and check possible downtown and park locations with grounds staff. If scouts cannot take the project on, the commission may purchase a kit and use the $500 line item to cover materials and installation.