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Canton Cultural Arts Commission seeks council backing for two sculptures at Wolluska Street underpass
Summary
The Canton Cultural Arts Commission proposed placing two linked sculptures flanking the Wolluska Street underpass to connect Etowah Park with a new trail extension; the commission asked council to confirm location and concept so it can issue a call to artists and begin budgeting (~$20,000–$50,000 for artwork plus $1,000–$3,000 for pads).
The Canton Cultural Arts Commission asked the City Council to endorse a public-art concept for the Wolluska Street underpass that would place two complementary sculptures in pads on either side of the trail connection between Etowah Park and a new trail extension.
"Art is an activator of an area," Jamie Foreman, chair of the Canton Cultural Arts Commission, told council. Foreman said the commission considered underpasses owned by other agencies (including a nearby GDOT-owned underpass) and chose a city-owned underpass on Wolluska Street so the city could control siting and maintenance.
The commission presented renderings and said the concept emphasizes "movement and connection" and that the two sculptures should relate to one another and to the trail experience. Foreman outlined budget considerations for the project: pad installation (estimated at about $1,000 to $3,000), artwork including artist stipends and materials (a broad planning range of $20,000 to $50,000 for two sculptures), and maintenance and lighting costs that may affect materials selection.
Foreman said next steps, if council supports the concept and location, would include issuing a call to artists, assembling a selection committee with stakeholder representation and developing more detailed cost estimates. The commission does not select final artwork; a separate selection committee would make that decision.
Council members expressed support. The mayor said he had recently walked the trail and called the underpass a "great opportunity." No formal vote was requested; the commission asked for council input and backing to proceed to a call for artists and budgeting work.
Ending: The council welcomed the concept and encouraged the commission and staff to return with a draft call to artists and tighter cost and maintenance plans for council consideration.
