Our libraries are full of inspirational stories, most are found in the pages of books, but some on the ceilings and walls! Take some time to admire these creative creations next time you browse a book.
“Multi-Cultural Myths”
Who: Artist Marianne Weinberg-Benson
What: A group of four framed, ceramic, cloisonné tiles that each tell a different story from various parts of the world.
When: Commissioned by Fulton County in 2005
Where: Inside Ocee Library
“From Reading to Writing, Under the Tree of Knowledge”
Who: Artist Marianne Weinberg-Benson
What: Two 17-foot tall sculptures of a tree of knowledge carved into the corner of a brick wall.
When: Commissioned by Fulton County in 2005
Where: Outside Ocee Library
“Ribbons and Pipelines”
Who: Artist Cynthia Knapp
What: Painted sculptural forms made out of acrylic PVC, arranged in playful, uplifting motions representative of the library’s atmosphere.
When: Commissioned by Fulton County in 2004
Where: Inside Ocee Library
“Looking Forward, Looking Back”
Who: Artist Philip Auslander and Deanna Sirlin
What: Poems overlaid atop historic photos and displayed in glass panels suspended from above on the inside and outside.
When: Commissioned by Fulton County in 1998
Where: Both inside and outside of Spruill Oaks Library
Parks
There’s nothing better than stumbling upon a work of art while spending some time in the gorgeous natural beauty of our city’s parks. These four parks and more all offer a little something to get your creative juices flowing.
Monkey Statues
Who: Unknown Artist
What: As folklore says, a circus train crashed near this forest sometime in the early 20th century, where dozens of monkeys escaped into the woods. These statues were constructed as reminder of the legend.
When: Donated in 2002
Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
“Everyone Has a Seat at the Creek”
Who: International Artist Kelsey Montague
What: This interactive mural invites visitors from all walks of life to become part of the art by taking a “seat” in one of the colorful chairs. Each chair’s design represents something different, from Georgia agriculture to Johns Creek’s diversity to our outstanding school system.
When: Commissioned by Leadership Johns Creek with funds from multiple community organizations.
Where: Newtown Park
“Ocee Sculptures”
Who: Artist Jeff Mather
What: Students from local schools were invited to participate in helping design the forms, colors and shapes for each of these sculptures made of polychromed wood.
When: Commissioned by Fulton County in 2001
Where: Ocee Park
“The Bridge”
Who: Artist Ilan Averbuch
What: A 34-foot wide sculpture made from salvaged steel that came from the historic Rogers Bridge. The steel pieces represent people as they uphold the arch and connect to each other.
When: Commissioned by Fulton County in partnership with the City of Johns Creek in October 2023
Where: Cauley Creek Park
Art Tour TAKE AN
THE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK GUIDE TO PUBLIC ART
Around Town
Before visiting any local businesses or hunting through library bookshelves, some of our city’s most well-known art can be seen all around town. So grab your GPS and get ready to head to these locations!
Johns Creek Tunnel
Who: Artist Hanif Kureshi from New Delhi, India
What: This fully immersive mural drapes the ground, walls and ceiling of a pedestrian underpass in vibrant colors. There’s nothing quite like standing in the middle of a work of art!
When: Installed by Johns Creek CVB in 2018
Where: Beneath Medlock Bridge Road, access to its eastern entrance in front of the Hilton Garden Inn.
“Gateway” Sculptures
Get to Know the Best of Johns Creek Public Art!
Whether you’ve got some time to fill while in town or you’re an art aficionado interested in learning more about Johns Creek’s historic, cultural and local influences, you’ve come to the right place. Stroll through local parks, businesses, libraries and galleries as you visit all of these works of art for a tour of Johns Creek.
Who: Artist William Massey
What: Two of these steel sculptures can be found around town. With the input of Johns Creek citizens, they were designed with symbols that depict Johns Creek’s past, present and future.
When: Installed by Johns Creek CVB in 2020 and 2022
Where: Both can be found along State Bridge Road. One at the intersection of Kimball Bridge Road and one near the Chattahoochee River.
Oakleaf Archways
Who: Artist Jim Gallucci
What: Steel archways with ornate metal oak leaves decorating the upper portion of the arch.
When: Installed by Fulton County in 1999
Where: There are three in total located along the walking trails in Newtown Park. They are along Old Alabama Road, the Community Clubhouse and the Veterans Memorial Walk.
Entwined Strength
Local Businesses
Keep your eyes peeled for more local art while you’re out and about. Whether you’re grabbing brunch or beer, stop and take a moment to check out some of the historic and thought-provoking mementos hanging on the walls.
Who: Various photographers
What: A collection of photographs from the city’s past and present, sourced from the Johns Creek Historical Society, Johns Creek CVB and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve.
When: Curated by a decorating firm in 2022
Where: Inside Another Broken Egg Cafe.
The Six Bridges of Johns Creek
Who: Artist Joan Compton, president of the Johns Creek Historical Society
What: A mural depicting six bridges constructed by early settlers to cross the Chattahoochee River from the 1890s to 1914. The brewery the mural resides in is named after the historic bridges.
When: Six Bridges Brewing in 2019
Where: Inside Six Bridges Brewing.
Horse and Rider
Who: Unknown Artist
What: A large metal sculpture of a horse and rider, for a commercial complex to be developed in the area. It is close to two other similar sculptures: “Children on Roller Blades” and “Children on a Log.”
When: Unknown when commissioned, Installed in 2005
Where: Outside Johns Creek Center for the Arts and Design.
Who: Artist Eric Strauss
What: Hundreds of hand-crafted steel vines make up the body of this stallion, representing threads of diversity, while the horse itself symbolizes our community as it reaches new heights.
When: Installed by Johns Creek Beautification, Art Spot in 2022
Where: Bell-Boles Roundabout.
The Arts Center at Johns Creek
If you’ve tackled everything on this list but still want to explore more of our art scene, the Arts Center hosts events and new exhibits year-round. You can also visit the rotating art exhibits and general displays in collaboration with the Artist Guild located at Emory Johns Creek and Johns Creek City Hall.
