The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) is pleased to announce the installation of two new public artworks for Athens-Clarke County. “Hero’s Path”, by Baton Rouge-based artist Aaron Hussey, was installed in June 2021 at Fire Station #2 (located at 265 Cleveland Road, Athens, GA 30606). “Origins”, by David Hale, Peter McCarron and David Harrison, was completed in November 2021 at the Cooperative Extension Office (at 275 Cleveland Road). Both projects were funded by Athens-Clarke County (ACC) SPLOST.
“Hero’s Path” is a 16ft aluminum and steel sculpture with upward-reaching ladders, and castings of a helmet and coat used by firefighters. The base features the ACC Emergency Management Office logo on one side and the “Firefighter’s Prayer” on the other. The prayer was written by A.W. “Smokey” Linn, a Kansas firefighter, in 1958. “Origins” is a 20ft tall concrete sculpture featuring a carved and painted hen and egg, topped with a fully functioning steel weather vane. The agricultural theme highlights the functions of the Cooperative Extension facility.
Two public art dedications will be held on Saturday, January 8th. The dedication for “Hero’s Path” will be at 10am at Fire Station #2 and serve as a memorial for local firefighters who gave their lives in service. The dedication for “Origins” will be at 11 am with an artist meet and greet and activities for all ages. Masks and social distancing are recommended.
For more information, contact ACC Public Art Coordinator, Tatiana Veneruso, at tatiana.veneruso@accgov.com.
Aaron Hussey’s “Hero’s Path” at Fire Station #2
“Origins” at the Cooperative Extension Office
