This past September, the Cultural Affairs Conservation and Maintenance Team completed the restoration of The Song We Are, a mosaic created in 2001 by Atlanta-based artist Debra Attiya Melton. The artwork is located at the J.D. Simms Recreation Center and has been a source of pride and inspiration for the surrounding community for more than two decades.
Melton, a beloved artist and educator, created The Song We Are just two years before her passing. The mosaic captures her vision of community and creativity, bringing together vibrant colors and patterns that reflect the spirit of Atlanta’s neighborhoods. For many who frequent the recreation center, it serves as both a welcoming landmark and a reminder of the city’s commitment to fostering connection through art.
Over the years, the piece has become deeply woven into the fabric of the community, resonating with children who play at the center and adults who remember its installation. The recent restoration ensures that Melton’s legacy continues to shine, preserving a work that holds both artistic and historical significance for the city.
The Office of Cultural Affairs is proud to honor Melton’s contributions through this restoration and to continue its mission of preserving Atlanta’s public art collection for future generations.