Public Art Brings Splash of Creativity To Johns Creek Parks

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A month after City Council approval of a citywide public art initiative, Johns Creek Beautification has installed three pieces of art in Johns Creek parks.

“He Stopped and Turned to See and Listen” by Charles Brouwer was installed by the pond at Newtown Park, and “Teak Bench Watcher” by Jim Collins was placed near Park Place at Newtown Park.

“Creepy Crawley” by Adam Walls is now situated near the playground at Shakerag Park.

Council members in October unanimously voted to support a recommendation by the City’s Public Arts Board to allow Johns Creek Beautification to place six pieces of art at Shakerag Park, Newtown Park and along a trail at Johns Creek Walk on Medlock Bridge Road.

Johns Creek will provide locations for the art, which initially will be exhibited for 18 months and then being replaced by new pieces, which will be on display for a year. Johns Creek Beautification will lease the art from artists.

Called ArtSpot, the program will feature an annual rotating display of sculptures funded through state and regional grants and private donations. ArtSpot’s goals include expanding visual arts to varying media, creating sculpture walks and to purchase/commission permanent works.

Johns Creek Beautification, Inc. formed a dedicated art committee in July that began a nationwide search for art by established sculpture artists, art institutions and professional organizations.

Submissions are judged and recommendations are then made by the city’s Public Art Committee to the Johns Creek City Council for final approval. The recommendations must comply with the community standards established by the Public Art Master Plan adopted by the City Council.

ArtSpot conducted a successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign through Oct. 30 with the goal of purchasing the first permanent sculpture to be donated to Johns Creek, and to generate public awareness and engagement in this new initiative.

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Photo 1: “Teak Bench Watcher” by Jim Collins
Photo 2: “Creepy Crawley by Adam Walls
Photo 3: “He Stopped and Turned Turned To See and Listen” by Charles Brouwer
Credits: ArtSpot’s Facebook page