Doraville Art Commission approves $500 for Games community art project; assigns liaison to DART

The Doraville Art Commission on April 9 approved a $500 allocation from its community engagement budget to support a community art installation tied to a multi‑day summer “games” event planned for mid‑July. Commissioners said the project will be a hands‑on activity for youths and seniors in partnership with DART to produce painted foam balls that will be assembled into a temporary arch or standing sculpture for public display.

Why it matters: Commissioners described the work as community engagement intended to involve summer‑camp participants and neighborhood seniors while adding temporary public art during a period of increased visitor activity in Doraville. The commission moved to set a modest, capped budget now so purchases can be completed in time for June and July programming.

Details of the project and funding: Commissioners discussed options for ball size (roughly 4–6 inches in diameter), framing material (PVC), sealing to resist weather, and display locations such as in front of City Hall or at the public library. Early vendor checks cited examples near $6 per ball and set packages on retail sites; commissioners also noted that DART maintains some supplies and that the commission should confirm inventory before buying. The commission agreed May would be the target month to finalize purchases so materials are ready before summer activities begin; the Games were referenced as taking place July 15–19.

Decision and next steps: During discussion a motion was made to allocate $500 from the community engagement line for the Games project; commissioners voiced assent and the motion was approved. The commission asked a commissioner to serve as liaison to DART to obtain a sketch or final vision, confirm the number and size of balls needed, determine what DART can supply, and gather headcount estimates for participating groups. That liaison was asked to report findings at the next commission meeting so the commission can finalize procurement and any remaining budget details.

Other actions: The commission also approved a separate $400 allocation from community engagement funds for the Motor Industrial mural activity.

What was not decided: Commissioners did not record an itemized vendor contract at the meeting; exact vendor selection, final per‑unit pricing, and a firm headcount for participants were left to the liaison’s follow‑up and subject to confirmation in May. The record contains a range of preliminary estimates (for example, 64 balls was cited as an estimate for a 10‑foot arch using 4‑inch balls, and figures of 30–100 balls were discussed), all described in the meeting as provisional until DART inventory and supplier quotes are confirmed.

Votes at a glance: • Games community art project — motion to allocate $500 from community engagement funds: approved (motion made and seconded; verbal assent recorded). Provenance: introduced SEG 051; motion and vote SEG 665–696. • Motor Industrial mural community engagement — motion to allocate $400 from community engagement funds: approved (motion made and seconded; verbal assent recorded). Provenance: introduced SEG 1030; motion and vote SEG 1051–1061.

Attendance and partners: Roll call recorded Commissioners Mark Mendoza, Andy Ray, Chris Rick and Christine Walker as present. Commissioners discussed partnering with DART and with the city’s recreation staff (manager Kim Pedro was identified in discussion as the manager of recreation and cultural affairs and a contact for summer camp headcounts).

Next public steps: The commission expects the designated liaison to return with a sketch or final concept from DART, an itemized supply list, estimated quantities and headcounts before the next meeting so the commission can finalize purchases and confirm display plans.