Atlanta’s streets come alive with the stunning murals created by talented artists, and one standout initiative in this vibrant city is Stacks Squares located in Cabbagetown.
Founded in 2017, Stacks Squares showcases a dynamic rotation of ten murals, each occupying 7 by 7-foot squares on a prominent architectural wall along Carroll Street.
This artistic project takes place every April, August, and December, guided by a guest curator who invites artists to transform the wall into a fresh display of creativity.
Currently, the wall is adorned with an exciting series curated by ATL Art Gals, an artist collective led by Elaine Stephenson, also known as Artsy Elaine, which focuses on promoting public art initiatives featuring women and non-binary artists.
In this article, we highlight eight of the skilled muralists contributing to this new series, giving insight into their artistic journeys and experiences throughout the project.
Adana Tillman, a first-time muralist, expressed her excitement about working on this project, noting the nervousness she felt while bringing her designs to life.
She shared her gratitude toward her partner, Elaine, for her guidance, and highlighted the joy she found in the collaborative nature of the project.
The creative process—from developing the design to making stencils and learning how to transfer her idea to the wall—was particularly rewarding for Adana, marking a significant moment in her artistic career.
Artsy Elaine reflected on her own artistic journey and shared a valuable lesson she wished she had known at the start: the importance of allowing one’s career to evolve.
She acknowledged that choosing a college major often feels like a rigid path, but she learned to embrace a more organic approach to integrating different disciplines into her art practice.
This flexibility has led her to a more fulfilling artistic focus over time, a realization she feels could have advanced her progress if recognized sooner.
Brianna Gardocki recounted a memorable experience while painting an exterior mural in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
During her work, an unexpected storm approached, culminating in a lightning strike on a nearby telephone pole, which served as a shocking reminder of the unpredictability of outdoor art installations.
Though it may not be the traditional definition of funny, Brianna’s narrative highlights the unique challenges artists face in the field.
Hannah-Rose Broom shared her perspective on Atlanta’s arts scene, expressing a desire for the city to incorporate more public art across various mediums.
While Atlanta is making strides in this area, she believes there is a need for additional murals, sculptures, and live performances to cultivate a richer cultural landscape.
She emphasized the potential in leveraging the city’s green spaces to provide accessible arts experiences, which could greatly enhance community engagement.
The spirit of community is evident in the work of Jin Kim, who treasure finds joy in simple pleasures, including savoring canned smoked fish paired with wine and crackers.
Her love for unique snacks reflects the creativity and individuality of artists as they draw inspiration from various facets of life.
Maria Coles reminisced about her childhood memories that shaped her artistic practice, specifically the time spent gardening with her grandfather.
These moments instilled in her a deep appreciation for the natural environment, a theme prevalent in much of her work.
She cherishes the sensory memories of blooming orange and lemon trees, which continue to influence her artistic expression.
Patricia Hernandez explored the inspirations behind her piece, where she and her collaborator, Kat, blended their diverse cultural backgrounds into their artwork.
Their shared values and beliefs created a connection that brought an intercultural perspective to their mural, celebrating the richness of their unique experiences as creatives.
Through initiatives like Stacks Squares in Cabbagetown, Atlanta not only beautifies its streets but also fosters an environment of collaboration and exchange among artists.
The artists involved represent a testament to the power of public art in building community and sparking dialogue.
As these vibrant murals adorn the cityscape, they invite residents and visitors alike to engage with the narratives woven through each brushstroke, creating a shared tapestry of creative expression.
With each iteration of Stacks Squares, Atlanta continues to underscore the importance of supporting local artists and diversifying its arts scene.
As this mural project evolves, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of emerging artists seeking to leave their mark on this lively city.
image source from：artsatl
