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Arts committee favors bronze plaques for permanent public art, approves guidance allowing ACM for smaller or temporary pieces
Summary
The Johns Creek Arts, Culture & Entertainment Committee voted to adopt signage guidance preferring bronze markers for permanent public art while permitting aluminum composite material (ACM) for smaller or temporary installations; the committee also selected black as the preferred ACM color.
The Johns Creek Arts, Culture & Entertainment Committee voted to adopt guidance that favors bronze plaques for permanent public artworks while allowing aluminum composite material (ACM) plaques for smaller or temporary installations.
Staff member (S4) presented photographs and cost comparisons for bronze and ACM plaques, noting inconsistent fonts and layouts in existing memorial benches and calling for standardized typeface, sizing guidance and content on plaques. "Our preference is for bronze," S4 said, adding that plaques should include an artwork title, donor acknowledgement and installation date.
Several committee members argued bronze ages attractively and provides a consistent, elevated look. "The ACM lasts, like, 2 years and doesn't age gracefully like bronze might," said a committee member (S2) during the discussion, urging the group to "lean in towards bronze" for higher‑end pieces. Other members countered that ACM should remain an option for rotating or less costly installations to avoid creating a financial barrier for donors.
The committee formalized that balance in a motion to "approve what Kimberly just said," moved by a committee member (S2) and seconded by another committee member (S3). The Chair asked members to raise hands for the minutes; staff recorded the committee consensus and the motion was approved. The guidance was framed as advisory for donors and property holders rather than a mandatory requirement for existing donor benches.
The committee also addressed implementation details: staff provided 8x10 and 6x8 cost comparisons and said the city's brand style guide will limit font options so plaques remain consistent. Because QR codes do not reproduce well on bronze, S4 noted QR codes would be more feasible on ACM plaques. After additional discussion, the committee agreed that when ACM is used it should be the black color selected to visually align with the preferred bronze aesthetic.
Next steps: staff will finalize the guidance memo for the council meeting packet and update the procurement/cost estimates and sample plaques for committee review as needed.
