Maintaining a vast public art collection for an entire city can be challenging at times. That’s why the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) appreciates the communities’ notifications– it helps us stay aware of the condition of public art works across the city.
Recently we received word from a constituent that Toby Martin’s crimson-colored sculpture, My Spirit is Changing had fallen victim to vandalism. Within a week’s span, treatment was underway to address this graffiti in Capitol View’s Perkerson Park. During this sculpture’s graffiti removal, we received word from another Samaritan that someone had vandalized Helen Helwig’s ground mosaic Finding a Way to Harmony in Lakewood. Our Conservation and Maintenance Team sprung into action, visiting South Bend Center for Art and Culture to assess the overpainting and develop a plan of approach. Within 10 days of notification, both artworks were successfully treated.
We wish to highlight the quick turnaround of these treatments, to raise awareness about the direct power of community involvement. We continually assess the condition of all City-owned artwork, but sometimes property damage occurs during the time between assessments. That’s when civilian eyes and ears can really help support our mission.
Enacting change can be as simple as picking up the phone or sending an e-mail. So, remember, this is your city; if you see something, say something.
To report damage to any City-owned artwork in City Parks, please feel free call 404.546.6813 or send an e-mail to parkscustomerservice@atlantaga.gov.
You can visit this online database (https://www.ocaatlanta.com/arts-hub/#search/art) to see which works of art the City manages.
This map is also helpful, to pinpoint locations.