Commission approves Chinatown mural concept, will recommend $10,000 grant to city council

The Chamblee Public Art Commission voted unanimously to approve a mural concept for Atlanta Chinatown and to recommend the $10,000 grant application move forward to the City Council.

Artist Andrew Bloom, who identified himself as the art director for Atlanta Chinatown, presented two concept options and said he is proposing koi and peony imagery that evolves into a dragon motif along a public‑facing facade. “My role is to basically curate the arts. I also create the arts as well,” Bloom said, describing the design as a contemporary reimagining of traditional motifs found at the site.

Commissioners focused on location and visibility. Tanisha, the city liaison, noted the application included property‑owner documentation and that the artwork would need final sign‑off by city staff if approved: “We’re approving the mural design and giving a recommendation to council to approve the grant,” she said. Commissioner Elmer Vyres said final approval of a detailed image typically rests with the arts manager and the city manager.

The commission asked to see Bloom’s final renderings before work begins; the panel will offer feedback by email and the city manager and arts manager will make the final staff recommendation to council. The commission’s motion specified the primary proposed site as the facade facing New Peachtree Road beside Oriental Pearl and the Deanho supermarket and approved the concept “koi growing into a dragon,” pending the artist’s final renderings and completion of supporting documents.

Next steps: Tanisha said staff will present the item to City Council at the March meeting with a staff recommendation and imagery. The commission’s approval is a recommendation; final authorization of the grant and installation schedule rests with City Council and the city’s administrative sign‑off.