The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) is pleased to announce the selected artists for two new SPLOST-funded public art projects on Cleveland Road. Athens-based artists David Hale and Peter James McCarron will create a sculptural work, “Origins,” for the new Cooperative Extension Service Center. Aaron Hussey’s “Hero’s Path” was selected for the new Fire Station #2 building. Selection panels, comprised of employees of these spaces, ACC commissioners, department representatives, and community members met in March and April to select these artworks. Both works were approved by the Mayor and Commission and installation for the new works is set for later this year.
Hale is a Georgia-born artist who also works under his studio name, Love Hawk. Best known for his tattoo practice, Hale has recently shifted his focus to painting, printmaking, and now sculpture. He has teamed up with local sculptors Peter James McCarron and David Harrison to create notable public works in Athens, most recently at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. “Origins,” a 20-foot tall hen atop an interactive painted concrete egg, is sure to be popular with visitors. The work incorporates functional weather vanes and pastoral elements to represent the four seasons and the work of the Cooperative Extension.
Louisiana-based sculptor Aaron Hussey has created over a dozen public and privately commissioned works throughout the Southeastern U.S., such as the LBJ MLK Crossroads Memorial in San Marcos, Texas. This will be his first public artwork in Georgia. “Hero’s Path” is a tribute to first responders who venture into dangerous situations to rescue members of our community. It will also serve as a memorial space. Clean contemporary lines of the stainless steel ladder forms will contrast with the solid mass of the pedestal. The cast aluminum fireman’s coat and helmet reinforce the humanity involved in the work of first responders.
“We’re excited about these two new works to enrich Athens’ cultural landscape,” says Andrew Salinas, Chair of the ACAC. “In particular, we feel fortunate to have such well-known artists put West Athens on the public art map.”
Public unveilings for these new artworks are planned for later this year. The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission looks forward to more public art projects in the coming months. For more information email us at info@athensculturalaffairs.org.
Concept drawings of Hale/McCarron’s “Origins” and Hussey’s “Hero’s Path”
