Heart of Roswell Bench Installed In Downtown Park

ROSWELL, GA -- The public art collection continues to expand in Roswell, as the city is celebrating the unveiling of another masterpiece at one of its parks. The Heart of Roswell Park is now home to the Heart of Roswell Bench, which "captures the heartbeat" of downtown Roswell, the city said.

Created by mosaic artist Jennifer Freeman, the art includes a whimsical design blanketing a heart-shaped bench constructed by local craftsman Russell Thomas. It also makes for a picturesque resting place or a great photo opportunity for visitors. The location of the bench creates an ideal meeting place for friends and stands as a symbol of the community's love and passion for the city's historic district.

The bench is part of Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department’s goal to infuse art into city parks and throughout the community. The bench’s design is a playful take on the city’s logo, incorporating the river and Roswell’s history.

Ripples of blues and greens flow and reflect through colorful, diverse circles that take a modern twist on water wheels (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs, with approval of the Roswell Recreation Commission, conducted various meetings with the artists and site visits for this project. After months of design and mosaic tiling, the bench was completed in October and was unveiled for the first time during Roswell’s 67th Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade. Children and adults stood in line to be first to pose with the bench and to meet the artist.

Artist Jennifer Freeman, owner of Mosaic Odyssey, has been creating mosaics for over 20 years, studying in Ravenna, Italy and at Domus Orsoni in Venice. She has exhibited in fine art shows and galleries, and is a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists. Her public artwork has also been exhibited in Norcross, Duluth, Johns Creek and Suwanee. Her company is located in Duluth.

With guidance from the recently adopted Public Art Master Plan by Mayor and City Council and the efforts of the Roswell Arts Fund, the bench meets criteria set forth by public input and community feedback collected during the planning process.

The plan highlights the community's desire for art that reflects Roswell’s history, creates meeting spaces, and embraces Roswell’s spirit. In addition, the plan defines murals and mosaics as high priority projects, as well as locations such as gateways, parks and along the river.

Images via city of Roswell