Nonprofit Art in Motion asks Chamblee Arts Commission to OK Fishbowl Park mural to fund local youth classes

Mark Mendoza, chief executive officer of Art in Motion, presented the nonprofit’s work to the Chamblee Public Arts Commission on Aug. 28 and asked the commission to review a proposal for a mural at Fishbowl Park that would fund art classes for local youth. “Our mission is to cultivate creativity and innovation in youth through art education and exposure,” Mendoza said, describing Art in Motion’s shift from delivering art kits and holiday cards to a mural-based model that underwrites programming.

Mendoza said the organization combines artists’ work with grants and community partnerships so mural contracts subsidize classes and camps in the same community. He cited a recent 2,600-square-foot project in Singleton Park (Norcross) funded by a grant that will support 15 art classes and three art camps and noted ribbon-cutting plans for Oct. 14. Mendoza told commissioners the price per square foot varies by artist and design, commonly around $55 but negotiable “as low as $33” or $22 in some cases; he emphasized that for Chamblee projects Art in Motion would keep classes and funds local. Commissioners asked staff to identify which Fishbowl Park wall would be available once construction is complete and to place the proposal into the commission’s regular review process.