Norcross continues to live up to its award as the “Best Arts & Cultural Scene” in Gwinnett!  Lionheart Theatre continues to present excellent plays and Kudzu Art Zone has a full calendar of art exhibits and workshops. The Welcome Center continues to host new artists, the outdoor concerts are in full swing, and downtown the new Harbin/Vargas gallery is now open.

The Norcross Arts Alliance (NAA) Artist Showcase held a great classical music evening in May, and another showcase featuring the art of storytelling is coming up in late summer. The Artist Showcases let audiences enjoy talent in various disciplines, with an open discussion format after each presentation. It’s a great chance to learn about the artists: their craft, creative techniques and what inspires them. NAA is also planning to participate in the Art Fest in October, with the annual “Chairs for Charity” auction. A new attraction is planned – a daylong series of performing arts presented in Heritage Park. This is the little shady park just in front of the College Street Playhouse that Lionheart Theatre calls home.

Meanwhile, next to Heritage Park, the city is refurbishing the old parsonage so it can be used again, this time as an arts center.  Plans include monthly art shows and other events, a retail store, an arts and crafts gallery, and an “arts incubator” — six studios where artists will be able to gain retail exposure and business experience. One artist who has already expressed a strong interest in being involved in this center is Ms. Lori Sturgess, an NAA board member who creates sustainable art from recycled materials and is gaining national attention for her unique sculptures.

The most spectacular arts event in July and August will be the installation of a large mosaic alongside the pavilion in Thrasher Park. Anne Labaire designed the intricate 2-d art, and Jennifer Freeman is converting Anne’s design into mosaic tiles, creating ground art that will be installed where the circle of pavers is currently located. Jennifer has painstakingly laid out the tile design in her studio, and the concrete base for it is expected to be poured at the end of June. The concrete has to cure for about four weeks, so installation of the tile will begin in early August – if we don’t get a lot of rain around then! This is a high-traffic area, so during the tile installation period the area will be mostly blocked off, but there will still be convenient access to the playground, pavilion, and bathrooms. There are some fun PR activities planned around the project, including a dramatic unveiling when it’s complete (August 19^th is the projected unveiling date, weather permitting!). Stay tuned to the city Face Book and at upcoming concerts for updates.

This mosaic is sure to become a Norcross icon, enhancing our city’s growing reputation as a destination for artists and cultural arts appreciators. Since the project reflects the great creative relationships among local artists, organizations like the NAA, and the city, it will truly be a visual reminder that Norcross is “a place to imagine”!