FLOWERY BRANCH – Flowery Branch City Manager Bill Andrew told the city council at its first meeting of the new year Thursday evening that 2020 could see a number of art projects joining the downtown renaissance.
“Some opportunities have come our way,” Andrew said about possible public art. “Mr. (Councilman Chris) Mundy had turned me on to talking to a gentleman named Chad Shore; he has a company called Chad Shore Art based in Gainesville”
“He has done quite a bit of work in the Gainesville area, and he originally came to me discussing the idea of working with us on our water tanks we’re looking to build,” Andrew said. “And then we kind of moved into some other opportunities in the area.”
Andrew said the conversation turned to the old railroad building where the city stores Christmas decorations and other miscellaneous items. “We own the building…we lease the property itself from Norfolk Southern. It’s actually a fairly large building… when you get inside its pretty roomy and really quite beautiful; it has a beautiful kind of structure to the trusses.”
Andrew said offers to rent the facility to the organizers of the downtown farmers’ market and other groups never panned out. “So we talked to Chad about the idea of beautifying it.”
Andrew presented some of Shore’s initial concepts to the city council; reactions to the designs were mixed even though the idea of doing something artistic was embraced.
Mayor Mike Miller said, “I love the idea of us promoting the arts. Every time you read about a city that’s getting accolades around the country, the arts are always mentioned.”
Miller added that Shore’s price quote of $10,000 was reasonable. “I think painting that whole building for $10,000 with art is a bargain price. I would like to see us move forward with that.”
Councilman Joe Anglin also liked the plan but said he would like something a bit more demure. “I’d like a subtle look to it…and not something that’s gonna stick out like a sore thumb.”
“I think a little more subtleness to it and incorporating the logo we already have,” Anglin suggested.
Miller said he would like to see more of the royal blue being used by the city for street signs included in the pallet for the railroad building.
Miller added that he also would like more time to consider what is painted on the two water towers the city plans to erect. “I would like to see us come up with a bunch of ideas on that.”
Councilman Ed Asbridge said he didn’t want whatever colors or patterns go on the building to conflict with the new city hall building across the street. “Looking at this and looking at the police station, something doesn’t jive; I don’t know exactly what it is.”
Asbridge suggested that a committee be formed to consider different ideas.
Andrew said, “Having an arts advisory group can be a really wise thing some times, but then if you get too many chefs in the kitchen, sometimes that does work out so well.”
Miller said, “I think I’m hearing that we like of idea of pursuing something, but refining what that is.”
Andrew said he would speak with Shore and get additional designs.
