Public Art Master Plan Progress Report

03 Nov Public Art Master Plan Progress Report

City of Augusta, Georgia | 2017–2026

Prepared by the Greater Augusta Arts Council

City of Augusta – Public Art Agency

 

Click here to view the Public Art Masterplan for Augusta, GA

 

I. Introduction

In May 2017, the City of Augusta adopted the Public Art Master Plan for Augusta, Georgia, prepared by Conventions, Sports and Leisure International (CSL) in partnership with the Greater Augusta Arts Council. The plan was developed through extensive community research and engagement and was intended to establish a long-term framework for the development, management, and expansion of public art throughout Augusta.

At the time of the plan’s development, Augusta’s public art inventory was still in an early stage of development. The plan identified opportunities not only for additional artwork downtown, but for a broader citywide public art program that could reach neighborhoods, parks, gateways, municipal buildings, schools, trails, and other highly visible public spaces.

The Master Plan established seven primary areas for future development:

1. Sculpture Gardens
2. Sculpture Trails
3. Monumental Installations
4. Installations Tied to a Theme
5. Interactive and Innovative Installations
6. Designated Arts Areas and Spaces
7. Events and Festivals

The plan also included a specific recommendation for indoor installations in public buildings, with an emphasis on creating regular opportunities for locally created artwork to be displayed in municipal facilities.

Since the adoption of the Master Plan, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, acting as the City of Augusta’s Public Art Agency, has worked with City departments, the Public Art Advisory Panel, local artists, neighborhood organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit partners, businesses, and community members to significantly expand Augusta’s public art infrastructure.

The resulting program has grown beyond individual downtown artworks into a diverse system of sculpture trails, murals, community-based projects, environmental art, public art in parks, civic exhibitions, interactive installations, galleries and technology-based experiences.

This report provides an update on the progress made toward the goals established in the 2017 Master Plan, with a focus on projects completed or substantially advanced since its adoption.

 

II. Progress Toward the 2017 Public Art Master Plan

From Individual Projects to a Citywide Public Art Program

The most significant development since 2017 has been the transformation of public art in Augusta from a collection of individual projects into an increasingly coordinated citywide program.

The 2017 Master Plan recommended that public art extend beyond the traditional downtown core and become more geographically and thematically diverse. The plan specifically identified neighborhoods, parks, trails, municipal buildings, gateways, and other public spaces as opportunities for future artwork.

That recommendation has been reflected in the City’s public art development over the past nine years.

Public art can now be encountered throughout Downtown Augusta, along the Savannah River, in the historic Laney-Walker/Bethlehem neighborhoods, at Phinizy Nature Park, Pendleton King Park, the Kroc Center, Augusta University, neighborhood community spaces, municipal facilities, public infrastructure, and other locations throughout Richmond County.

The program has also expanded the definition of public art itself. Augusta’s public art portfolio now includes traditional sculpture and murals as well as storm-drain artwork, crosswalk murals, functional sculpture, community-created murals, environmental installations, augmented-reality projects, and interactive sculpture trails.

 

III. Sculpture Trails and the Development of an Outdoor Public Art Collection

One of the clearest successes of the 2017 Master Plan has been the creation and continued growth of the Augusta Sculpture Trail.

The Master Plan specifically recommended the development of a walkable sculpture trail connecting Downtown Augusta, the Augusta Common, Broad Street, the Savannah Riverwalk, and other public spaces. The plan envisioned a trail that could be developed incrementally and eventually incorporate a variety of artistic forms.

The Augusta Sculpture Trail was developed by the Greater Augusta Arts Council in partnership with the City of Augusta beginning in 2020 and launched in 2021. Each two-year iteration introduces ten new outdoor sculptures to Downtown Augusta, the Riverwalk, the Augusta Common, 8^th Street Plaza, and the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge area.

The program has provided artists with highly visible opportunities to exhibit their work while giving Augusta residents and visitors access to an outdoor gallery that is free and accessible to the public. The trail also includes a digital walking-tour component that provides additional information about the artists and their work.

Since its launch, the Sculpture Trail has grown from its initial ten temporary sculptures into a collection of 18 sculptures, with eight works having been permanently installed in Augusta through public and private purchases and strategic investment in the City’s public art collection. The Arts Councils hopes to see this number grow to 13 permanent installations, alongside the 10 rotating sculptures, by 2027, with the purchase of 4 new works, and one donated work. Bringing the trail to 23 sculptures for the January 2027 – December 2028 cycle; expanding the trail to cover the Riverwalk from 10^th to 5^th street.

The program has therefore accomplished two objectives identified in the Master Plan: creating a walkable public art trail and establishing a mechanism through which temporary exhibitions can contribute to the City’s permanent collection.

Bots on Broad

Augusta has also begun expanding the concept of a sculpture trail beyond a traditional collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures through Bots on Broad, a public art initiative created in collaboration with local artist Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman.

The first phase introduced small Tommy Bot sculptures into the windows of downtown businesses, creating an interactive, scavenger-hunt-style sculpture trail that encourages residents and visitors to walk Broad Street, discover the artwork, and visit participating businesses. An important initiative to drive foot traffic towards local establishments during an otherwise chaotic time for downtown during construction and renovations.

Bots on Broad represents an evolution of the sculpture-trail model envisioned in the Master Plan. Rather than simply moving from sculpture to sculpture, visitors interact with artwork, businesses, and the downtown environment as part of the experience.

The project is intentionally being developed in multiple phases. Phase 2, the Tommy Bot Bench, is currently in development and will combine sculpture with functional public seating at the entrance connecting Augusta Common to Jones Alley. Additional phases, including permanent metal sculpture works, are also being explored to further expand the trail for after construction is completed.

This multi-phase approach demonstrates the Arts Council’s continued effort to make public art more interactive, accessible, walkable, and integrated into the everyday experience of downtown.

Digital Access and Guided Public Art Tours

A significant component of the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s expansion of Augusta’s public art trail network has been the development and management of free digital tour platforms that allow residents and visitors to explore public art at their own pace. As the City’s Public Art Agency, the Arts Council has not only facilitated the creation of physical public art trails but has also developed the digital infrastructure needed to interpret, connect, and promote these installations. Through platforms including Otocast, OpenTour, and Bandwango, the Arts Council has created free, self-guided experiences that make Augusta’s public art accessible beyond scheduled tours and traditional signage.

The Augusta Sculpture Trail was an early example of this approach through its use of Otocast. Managed by the Arts Council, the digital walking tour allows visitors to access information about individual sculptures and artists from their mobile devices while exploring the physical trail. The platform also provides opportunities for interactive activities and additional content, creating a more engaging experience for visitors of different ages. The Arts Council has expanded the use of Otocast beyond the Sculpture Trail to support additional public art tours and experiences throughout Augusta.

The Arts Council has also used OpenTour to expand digital storytelling around Augusta’s mural collections and culturally significant public art projects. These free, map-based tours allow visitors to explore artwork while learning about the history, artists, neighborhoods, and stories connected to each location. The Golden Blocks Project, as well as Augusta’s broader collection of public murals, can be explored through digital tour experiences managed by the Arts Council. This approach allows public art to function as both an artistic experience and a means of connecting visitors with Augusta’s history and communities.

Bots on Broad represents another evolution of the Arts Council’s digital public art strategy through Bandwango. Rather than simply providing information about individual artworks, the platform turns the public art experience into an interactive exploration of Downtown Augusta. The Tommy Bot sculptures create a scavenger-hunt-style trail that encourages participants to move through the downtown area, discover artwork, and engage with the businesses and spaces surrounding the installations. This approach demonstrates how digital technology can transform a collection of sculptures into an interactive public experience. Once guests check in with each business and get the code or a physical stamp, they can return to the starting point for a free, personalized “Tommy” badge pin.

Alongside these free, self-guided experiences, the Arts Council also manages two paid, seasonal public art tour experiences that provide visitors with a more personal and in-depth way to engage with Augusta’s public art. Promenade & Paint combines a guided exploration of selected downtown public art with a hands-on mural-making experience led by a local artist. The Augusta Sculpture Trail Guided Tour provides an in-person, expert-led exploration of the Sculpture Trail, connecting visitors directly with the sculptures, artists, and stories behind the works. These tours are offered seasonally and provide an additional layer of interpretation and engagement beyond the Arts Council’s free digital resources.

Together, Otocast, OpenTour, Bandwango, Promenade & Paint, and the Augusta Sculpture Trail Guided Tour demonstrate the Arts Council’s commitment to creating multiple points of entry into Augusta’s public art. Visitors can choose a free self-guided digital experience, participate in an interactive scavenger hunt, join a seasonal guided tour, or combine public art education with hands-on creative activity. This layered approach allows the Arts Council to reach different audiences while ensuring that Augusta’s growing public art collection remains accessible, engaging, and connected to the broader community.

This digital and experiential infrastructure has become an important extension of Augusta’s physical public art network. The Arts Council’s management of these platforms and programs demonstrates that a public art trail can be more than a collection of objects placed along a sidewalk, park, riverfront, or neighborhood corridor. Through digital interpretation, guided experiences, and hands-on programming, the Arts Council has created a connected network of stories, artists, history, neighborhoods, businesses, and experiences that encourages residents and visitors to explore Augusta through public art. This work directly supports the 2017 Public Art Master Plan’s vision for sculpture trails, interactive installations, and public art experiences that encourage exploration throughout the City.

In addition to these established digital offerings, The Greater Augusta Arts Council continues to develop new digitized trails; including the not yet public Murals in Motion Project. This Augmented Reality (AR) initiative is designed to enhance public engagement with Augusta’s existing mural collection through interactive digital experiences. In partnership with Augusta University’s Department of Art and Design, the project is a collaboration between local muralists and Animation students. It is currently in development and includes AR enhancements to the James Brown “Spirit of Funk” mural, as well as several murals along the 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge Ramp. By incorporating technology, animation, and creative storytelling, the initiative will bring these artworks to life while providing additional historical and cultural context for residents and visitors. The long-term goal is to unveil a new interactive mural trail in 2027, further expanding opportunities to explore, experience, and connect with Augusta’s public art.

 

IV. Golden Blocks Public Art Project

The Golden Blocks Public Art Project represents one of Augusta’s most significant examples of using public art to interpret and celebrate neighborhood history.

Developed through a partnership between the Greater Augusta Arts Council and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, with participation from the City of Augusta and other community partners, the project uses murals, sculpture, historical markers, and other public artworks to tell the story of the historic Golden Blocks district.

The project has developed through multiple mural phases, including:

• Map of the Golden Blocks, a ceramic mosaic and poetry installation by Ashley Gray and Kristie Robin Johnson;
• The Golden Blocks Legacy Mural by Audrey Sala Adenike Jeter-Allen;
• Golden Blocks Markers, sculptural markers by Sara Cooks commemorating significant historic businesses and institutions;
• Embers of HOPE, a mural and poetry/spoken-word project by Xavier O. Jones and Travis Wright;
• Women of Empowerment, a mural by Salonika Rhyne honoring six women educators;
• Golden Blocks: A Community Built on the Shoulders of Giants, by Theron Cartwright, celebrating musicians, educators, businesses, and other contributors to the community;
• Heroes at Home and Abroad: African Americans in the Military During the Golden Blocks Era, 1898–1945, also by Theron Cartwright.

The fourth phase was completed in 2025 and continues the project’s use of public art as a vehicle for historic interpretation, community identity, and neighborhood revitalization. The next phase of this project, currently in the fundraising stage, hopes to see more “Art the Box” style murals along Laney Walker Boulevard that highlight the history of black owned businesses during the Golden Blocks Era.

In addition to the Golden Blocks Murals, a sculpture was secured and installed for the Twiggs St. Roundabout . The Sculpture, created by then CSRA based artist (who has recently relocated) Ashely Gray, “The Pillars of the Golden Blocks” honors the African American doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who built a thriving medical community in Augusta’s historic Golden Blocks neighborhood during the Jim Crow era. The installation recognizes their resilience, leadership, and contributions despite the barriers of segregation, preserving an important chapter of Augusta’s history. Located at the Twiggs Street Roundabout, the sculpture ensures these stories and the individuals who shaped our community are recognized and shared with future generations.

The Golden Blocks Project directly supports the Master Plan’s recommendations for installations tied to themes, murals, neighborhood investment, and the expansion of public art beyond the traditional downtown core.

 

V. Murals and Public Walls

Since the adoption of the Master Plan, murals have become one of the most visible forms of public art throughout Augusta.

James Brown “Spirit of Funk” Mural

Completed in 2020, the James Brown “Spirit of Funk” mural by Cole Phail became one of Augusta’s most recognizable public artworks. Funded by the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau (Destination Augusta) and the City of Augusta, the mural transformed a highly visible downtown wall into a landmark celebrating one of Augusta’s most internationally recognized cultural figures.

The project demonstrated the ability of public art to contribute simultaneously to cultural identity, tourism, pedestrian activity, and downtown economic development.

Underpass Murals in Harrisburg Neighborhood

Completed in 2022, the two “Harrisburg Biome” underpass murals, by local artists Wes and Colleen Stewart, add vibrant public art to the Harrisburg community while transforming previously overlooked spaces into welcoming visual landmarks. The installations celebrate the neighborhood’s identity and connection to its surrounding environment, using creative imagery to enhance the pedestrian experience and bring greater visibility to the area. These murals are another example of how public art can strengthen community pride, improve shared spaces, and make art more accessible throughout Augusta.

Storefront MDF Murals

Starting in 2021, the Greater Augusta Arts Council partnered with the Downtown Development Authority to bring two storefront murals to the corner of 8th and Broad Streets, featuring local artists Jacki Mayo Van Dyke and Jason Craig. Titled “Astronaut – Can’t Stop” and “Diver – Won’t Stop,” the murals bring bold, imaginative artwork and vibrant color to an otherwise boarded-up storefront. Since their installation, this corner has become a growing hub for public art, attracting additional mural installations, including “Keep Downtown Augusta Funky” and “Ours.” The project demonstrates how public art can transform underutilized spaces, support local artists, and contribute to a more vibrant and welcoming downtown Augusta.

Fifth Street Mural Project & Festival

In 2024, the City and Greater Augusta Arts Council expanded Augusta’s mural inventory through the Fifth Street Bridge Mural Project.

Thirty-six artists were selected from more than 200 applicants to create individual murals on the bridge abutment. The completed installation contains more than 30 original murals and demonstrates a different approach to public art: rather than commissioning a single large mural, the project created a collective outdoor gallery featuring a wide range of local artistic voices. Ending in a block-party style celebration with artists live creating, arts vendors, food trucks and music.

The project also created opportunities for artists to work alongside one another, share techniques, build professional relationships, and introduce new audiences to local muralists. Artists worked alongside one another over a 2 week period which with a block-party style celebration and ribbon cutting with artists live creating, arts vendors, food trucks and music.

East Augusta Crosswalk Murals

In 2023, Augusta completed its first crosswalk mural project at the intersection of East Boundary and Telfair Streets.

The project was developed through community conversations led by local artist Raymond Sturkey, with residents helping determine how the neighborhood should be represented. The resulting artwork incorporates the themes of Peace, Love, and Togetherness.

The project demonstrated how public art can be incorporated directly into public infrastructure while simultaneously addressing community identity, pedestrian experience, and neighborhood engagement.

Hal Powell Crosswalk Mural

The 2023 Hal Powell Apartments Crosswalk Mural was a collaborative community beautification project involving the City of Augusta, local artists, and the Hal Powell Apartments senior community. Designed by local artist Cyndy Epps, the vibrant crosswalk mural along Broad Street connects residents to Lake Olmsted Park while encouraging pedestrian activity and creating a more welcoming, visually engaging streetscape. The project demonstrates how public art can serve a practical purpose while strengthening community connections and improving the accessibility and appearance of shared public spaces.

Community Mural – “Ours”

In 2025, the Greater Augusta Arts Council and Destination Augusta partnered through the Promenade & Paint | Augusta’s Public Art experience to create the community mural “Ours”, designed by local artist Baruti Tucker.

More than 100 artists and community participants contributed to the completed mural, which is located in Downtown Augusta.

“Ours” demonstrates the continued evolution of Augusta’s mural program toward participatory public art. Rather than simply commissioning an artist to create a finished work, the project invited residents and visitors to become part of the artistic process.

Black Caddies Sculptural Mural Monument

Part sculpture and part mural, the Black Caddies Monument, installed in 2025 at the Sand Hills Community Center honors Augusta’s African American champion caddies who helped shape Masters Tournament history from 1932–1982. Designed by Augusta based sculptor Ed Durant and featuring a mural by local artist Baruti Tucker, the 25-foot golf tee installation celebrates the skill, legacy, and often-overlooked contributions of these men. The project was made possible through a collaboration involving the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Augusta-Richmond County Commission, former Commissioner William “Bill” Fennoy, Augusta Recreation and Parks, Augusta Engineering, the Sand Hills Neighborhood Association, local golf historians Dr. Russell K. Brown and Ramona Harriet, and numerous community sponsors and families. This landmark installation preserves an important part of Augusta’s African American and golf history while ensuring the stories of these pioneering men are recognized by future generations.

Choice Neighborhoods – Allen Homes Murals

In 2026, public art was incorporated into the City of Augusta’s Choice Neighborhoods Allen Homes Project. The Greater Augusta Arts Council coordinated two original murals by local artists Destinee Love and Emily Bender, with designs informed by resident input and reviewed by the Public Art Advisory Panel. The Murals are created to be “mobile” meaning that when Allen Homes residents are relocated, the murals can be moved with them.

The project demonstrates the continued integration of public art into neighborhood revitalization and placemaking initiatives.

Murals in Motion and Augmented Reality

The City’s mural program is also beginning to expand into digital and technology-based public art through Murals in Motion, a partnership with the Augusta University Department of Art and Design.

The project provides Augusta University students with opportunities to work directly with established muralists and artists in the community, giving students practical experience in public art while strengthening connections between higher education and Augusta’s growing mural and public art programs.

A key component of Murals in Motion is the use of augmented reality to bring murals to life digitally.

Through this approach, physical murals can become entry points into additional digital experiences. Viewers may be able to use their mobile devices to encounter animation, movement, storytelling, or other digital components layered onto the physical artwork.

This initiative directly supports the 2017 Master Plan’s recommendation for interactive and innovative installations, while creating educational and professional-development opportunities for Augusta University students.

Murals in Motion also represents an important next step in the development of Augusta’s mural trails by demonstrating that public art does not have to end at the physical wall. Digital technology can extend the story, experience, and accessibility of a mural while allowing the original artwork to remain intact.

It All Flows into the Savannah – Storm Drain Murals

The It All Flows into the Savannah storm-drain mural program is another strong example of the City’s efforts to integrate public art into everyday infrastructure.

The project began in 2021 through support from City of Augusta Engineering Storm Water Services, a Georgia Council for the Arts grant, and Sherwin-Williams. The program was later expanded through partnerships with the Richmond County Board of Education and Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park.

Beginning in 2022, approximately five to seven Richmond County schools have participated annually, working with local artists and Phinizy’s education program to develop artwork connected to the Savannah River watershed.

The project combines public art, environmental education, STEM/STEAM learning, and community participation. It also demonstrates one of the Master Plan’s central concepts: public art can be incorporated into existing public infrastructure rather than requiring a new stand-alone structure.

The program has resulted in a growing collection of storm-drain murals throughout Augusta and has introduced hundreds of students to the process of creating public artwork in their own communities.

To date, 39 Storm Drain Murals have been created, with hopefully 6 additional creations by Spring 2027. This project sees hundreds of local area students, grades k-12, gaining experience in creating public art while working with local muralists. The program educates children and their families learning the importance of water conservation and the impact pollution has on our ecosystem. The murals remain as a lasting teaching tool for future students to learn from.

 

VI. Public Art in Civic and Municipal Spaces

The 2017 Master Plan specifically recommended establishing a program for placing locally created artwork inside public facilities and identified municipal buildings, libraries, schools, recreation facilities, and other civic spaces as important opportunities for public art.

Augusta had already begun addressing this recommendation prior to the Master Plan through the establishment of City Gallery in 2016.

Located in the ground level lobby of the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building, City Gallery has served as a dedicated exhibition space for locally created artwork since 2016. The gallery presents approximately six to eight exhibitions each year, providing City employees, residents, visitors, and members of the public with regular opportunities to encounter artwork created by artists from the Augusta River Region.

City Gallery has therefore served as an ongoing civic-art initiative both before and after the adoption of the Master Plan. Rather than being a temporary response to the plan, it represents an established program that continues to fulfill one of its recommendations.

In addition to the rotating exhibitions, the Municipal Building also contains two permanent sculptural installations created by local sculptor Wesley Stewart. These works further integrate locally created art into a civic environment and demonstrate the City’s commitment to making public art part of everyday public spaces.

Together, City Gallery and the permanent sculptural installations demonstrate that public art in Augusta is not limited to outdoor sculpture and murals. Civic buildings can also function as accessible exhibition and cultural spaces.

In addition to the City Gallery, the Arts Council, starting in 2019 began managing the Augusta & Co. Gallery at 1010 Broad Street. Augusta and Co. acts as the storefront visitors and experience center for Augusta, GA managed by Destination Augusta. This collaborative gallery sees 4 exhibitions a year of works created by artists local to Augusta’s River Region. While Destination Augusta / Convention and Visitors Bureau is not a public entity, it operates as an NGO, Non-Profit and the official destination marketing and management organization under a contract with the City of Augusta. This further provides opportunities for residents and visitors to Augusta, GA to experience arts and culture from within our community.

 

VII. Public Art in Parks and Natural Spaces

The Master Plan identified parks, green spaces, trails, and areas outside the downtown core as important opportunities for future public art.

Augusta has made significant progress in this area, particularly through partnerships with Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park and Pendleton King Park.

Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park

Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park have developed into an increasingly important public art destination where sculpture is integrated into the natural environment. The park currently features five sculptures along its growing public art trail, creating opportunities for visitors to experience artwork alongside the wetlands, wildlife, and natural landscape.

With the 2022 installation of “Eco-Friendly” by David Sheldon, an installation that explores water conservation, ecosystem balance, and Phinizy’s environmental identity; each subsequent year has seen new installations, including “Chompy the Alligator” by Kirk Seese (2023), which brings one of the region’s iconic native species into the park’s artistic landscape; and “Herons Duet” by Przemyslaw “PK” Kordys (2024), an approximately eight-foot sculpture depicting two herons located near Sunrise Pond. Kordys later expanded his presence at Phinizy with “School of Fish” (2025), a ceramic-based installation featuring ten fish representing species found within Phinizy’s ecosystems. The work was created with artists from Da Vinci Studios and extensive community participation, including ceramic tiles hand-painted by local students and community members through workshops with the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, local libraries, and the Richmond County Public Library.

The fifth sculpture, “Follow Your Path” by Wesley L. Stewart and Colleen Beyer-Stewart of September Art Studios, was installed in 2026 at the entrance to the Butler Creek Trail. The steel sculpture features more than nine panels depicting native flora and fauna, including passionflower, trumpet creeper, box turtle, crappie, bass, great blue heron, dragonfly, and alligator. Its placement creates a welcoming landmark for visitors while reinforcing the connection between public art, environmental education, and the natural landscape.

Together, these five sculptures demonstrate the Master Plan’s vision for sculpture trails that extend beyond the downtown environment and connect public art with Augusta’s natural landscape and environmental identity. The trail is also continuing to expand: “Snappy,” a proposed common snapping turtle sculpture, is currently in development and is intended to become the sixth permanent sculptural installation at Phinizy, with installation planned for no later than February 28, 2027.

Pendleton King Park

Pendleton King Park has recently become another important destination for public sculpture, with four new sculptures welcoming visitors to the park and establishing the foundation for a future sculpture trail. The installations connect public art with the park’s historic gardens, native plant life, and bird sanctuary, reinforcing the Master Plan’s vision of integrating sculpture into Augusta’s parks and natural spaces.

The installation includes “Hydrangeas,” a series of three steel sculptures by local artists Wesley L. Stewart and Colleen Beyer-Stewart of September Art Studios. Hand-painted to resemble the blooming hydrangeas found throughout the park’s gardens, the sculptures create a colorful and welcoming entrance while reflecting Pendleton King Park’s long-standing relationship with gardens and flowering plants. The project was commissioned by the Greater Augusta Arts Council, funded through a grant from the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, and completed in partnership with the Pendleton King Park Foundation & Board.

The newest addition, “Morning Interlude” by Aisling Millar McDonald, further expands the installation’s connection to the natural environment. The sculpture incorporates a native bird perched among blooming flowers, drawing inspiration from Pendleton King Park’s bird sanctuary and gardens. McDonald, a Florida-based sculptor and Adjunct Professor of Art at the University of North Florida, previously participated in Augusta’s 2024–2025 Sculpture Trail.

Together, “Hydrangeas” and “Morning Interlude” represent the next chapter of public art development at Pendleton King Park. The installations demonstrate how sculpture can enhance existing natural and recreational spaces while creating destinations for visitors to explore. They also advance the 2017 Public Art Master Plan’s recommendation to develop sculpture trails throughout Augusta and to expand public art beyond the downtown core into parks, neighborhoods, and other community spaces.

There are plans to further expand the sculptural installations within the Park.

 

VIII. Forever Flowers Initiative

In 2026, the City expanded its public art presence through Forever Flowers, an initiative that celebrates Augusta’s native and regional flora through large-scale sculptural work. Funded through the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute and the Dennis B. Skelley Accessible Public Art Fund, the initiative uses public sculpture to interpret the natural beauty of the Augusta landscape while creating lasting works of art in highly visible community spaces.

One of the initiative’s newest installations is “Together We Bloom,” an 11-foot public sculpture by Georgia-based artist Huelani Mei of Hue Designs, located at the entrance to the Salvation Army Kroc Center at Pearl Avenue and Broad Street. Inspired by native wildflowers, the sculpture functions both as public artwork and as a gateway marker for the facility. Its themes of growth, strength, community, and accessibility reflect the role of public art in creating welcoming and recognizable spaces throughout Augusta.

“Together We Bloom” joins other works developed through the Forever Flowers initiative, including “Spider Lilies” and “Irises” by Wesley L. Stewart and Colleen Beyer-Stewart, located along the Augusta Canal and Savannah River. Together, these sculptures create a growing collection of floral-inspired public art that highlights the distinctive plant life and natural character of Augusta while bringing artwork into parks, trails, gateways, and community spaces.

A series of two additional native flower themed sculptures, in line with this initiative, have been secured. We are now in the contracting phase for the artist to install at the Ann Boardman Park located at the Kroc Center, with an early summer 2027 installation date.

The Forever Flowers initiative demonstrates the potential for public art to do more than beautify shared spaces. By drawing inspiration from Augusta’s natural environment, these sculptures create a visual connection between the City’s landscape, its communities, and its public art collection. The initiative also advances the 2017 Public Art Master Plan’s vision of expanding public art throughout Augusta and integrating sculpture into parks, trails, gateways, and other highly visible public spaces.

 

IX. Circuit Tree – Augusta University Cyber Center

The Circuit Tree, created by artist Kirk Sease, was unveiled at the Augusta University Cyber Center in 2024 through a partnership involving Augusta University, the Cyber Center, the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, and the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

The installation represents the intersection of art, technology, education, and Augusta’s identity as a growing technology and cyber community.

The project also demonstrates the value of partnerships between the City, local institutions, universities, artists, and private or nonprofit organizations in expanding public art opportunities.

 

X. Art the Box and Thematic Public Art

The Art the Box program predates the 2017 Master Plan but remains an important foundation for understanding the City’s public art development.

Beginning in 2015, the program transformed traffic signal control cabinets into works of art created by local artists. The initiative demonstrated that public art could be integrated into ordinary municipal infrastructure while creating opportunities for local artists and adding visual interest throughout the City.

The 2017 Master Plan specifically identified Art the Box as a model for future themed public art programs.

Since then, the City’s public art program has continued to build on this approach by incorporating artwork into storm drains, crosswalks, bridges, public seating, sidewalks, utility infrastructure, and other public spaces.

Art the Box therefore represents both an early accomplishment and a continuing model for the Master Plan’s recommendation to create cost-effective, distributed public art programs tied to a recognizable theme.

 

XI. Public Art, Community Participation, and Education

One of the most significant developments since the adoption of the Master Plan has been the increased role of community participation in the creation of public artwork.

Projects such as:

• It All Flows Into the Savannah;
• East Augusta Crosswalk Murals;
• Ours;
• Allen Homes;
• School of Fish; and
• Murals in Motion

have all incorporated some level of community engagement, education, student participation, or collaboration.

These projects demonstrate that the City’s public art program is not simply about placing artwork in public spaces. It is increasingly about creating opportunities for people to participate in the cultural life of their own neighborhoods.

This approach is consistent with the Master Plan’s original emphasis on public input and community involvement in determining the types, themes, and locations of future public art.

 

XII. Building a Permanent Public Art Collection

Another significant accomplishment since 2017 has been the City’s progress toward developing a permanent public art collection.

The Augusta Sculpture Trail has established a model in which sculptures are initially leased for temporary exhibition and then made available for purchase. A number of works from previous trail iterations have been acquired and permanently installed in Augusta.

While not technically City property, the Public Art collection has also been expanded through individual commissions and installations outside the Sculpture Trail, including projects at Phinizy, Pendleton King Park, the Kroc Center, Augusta University, and other publicly accessible spaces.

This approach allows the City to build its collection incrementally while giving residents an opportunity to experience new artwork before permanent acquisitions are made.

The result is an evolving public art collection that reflects a variety of artists, media, communities, and themes rather than relying solely on traditional monumental sculpture.

 

XIII. Progress Beyond Downtown

The 2017 Master Plan specifically recognized the need for public art development outside of Downtown Augusta and identified neighborhoods, parks, gateways, and other underserved areas as future opportunities.

Since the adoption of the plan, Augusta’s public art footprint has expanded significantly beyond the downtown core.

South Augusta Roundabout Roger Finch Sculpture

The Roger Finch Sculpture Installation at the North Leg Road and Milledgeville Road Roundabout brought two vibrant sculptures by the late local artist Roger Finch into Augusta’s public art collection. Originally donated to the City by Nelson Danish, the sculptures were restored to their original color palette by local artists Colleen and Wesley Stewart before installation. The project was made possible through a partnership between the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Public Art Advisory Council, Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Metal Specialists of Augusta, and Augusta Traffic Engineering, which assisted with installation and traffic control. This collaboration transformed a busy South Augusta traffic circle into a colorful public art destination while preserving and celebrating the creative legacy of a beloved local artist.

Beacon Station

The Beacon Station Sculpture, completed in 2019 by local artist Wesley Stewart, is a large-scale public art installation located at the corner of McCauley Street and Wrightsboro Road, at the entrance to Beacon Station Apartments. Developed through a partnership between the Greater Augusta Arts Council and CV Foundry Apartments, LLC, the sculpture draws inspiration from Augusta’s rich industrial, cultural, and artistic history. Incorporating elements that represent the city’s textile mills, railroad heritage, Augusta Canal, music, craftsmanship, and waterways, the installation culminates in a beacon of light symbolizing Augusta’s bright future and continued growth. The sculpture serves as a visual landmark celebrating the city’s past while welcoming residents and visitors to this evolving part of Augusta.

Further Examples include:

• Golden Blocks murals and installations in the Laney-Walker/Bethlehem neighborhoods;
• East Augusta crosswalk murals;
• Allen Homes murals;
• Phinizy Nature Park installations;
• Pendleton King Park sculptures;
• Augusta University Cyber Center installation
• Together We Bloom and Forever Flowers at the Kroc Center;
• It All Flows into the Savannah storm-drain murals throughout Richmond County;
• Augusta University installations; and
• public art incorporated into neighborhood and community revitalization projects.

This geographic expansion represents one of the most important ways in which the City’s public art program has evolved since 2017.

Public art is increasingly being used not only to enhance established cultural destinations, but also to help communities tell their own stories and create a greater sense of identity and place.

 

XIV. Where the Master Plan Still Has Work to Do

While significant progress has been made, several of the 2017 Master Plan’s longer-term recommendations remain opportunities for continued development.

Sculpture Gardens

The Master Plan envisioned a dedicated sculpture garden as a major public art destination. While Augusta has successfully established multiple sculpture trails and sculpture installations in parks and public spaces, the development of a dedicated municipal sculpture garden remains an opportunity for the future.

Currently, the only designated publicly accessible Sculpture Garden is the 523 Gallery Sculpture Garden which was developed by the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute (GRI), who is an active partner and funder in our public art initiatives. Their space provides an inclusive outdoor space where visitors of all abilities can experience and enjoy sculpture. Featuring installations by artists Dennis Skelley, Tommy Lyles, Lyman Whitaker, and Colleen Beyer-Stewart, the garden’s sculptures were installed between 2015 and 2021. The 523 Gallery has also become a destination for public murals, in addition to their substantial collection of visual artworks created by individuals with disabilities. The space reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to the arts, celebrating diverse artistic talent, and creating opportunities for the community to experience public art in a welcoming and accessible environment.

Monumental Gateway Installations

One of the significant recommendations of the 2017 Public Art Master Plan was the development of monumental sculptures at key gateways into Augusta, using public art to create recognizable points of arrival and strengthen the City’s visual identity. The Master Plan specifically identified existing SPLOST 7 funding for monumental gateway sculptures, providing an opportunity to bring this recommendation into long-term capital planning.

That recommendation is now moving into implementation. Augusta’s first Gateway Sculpture, located at Sand Bar Ferry Road and I-520, after experiencing delays is now scheduled for installation before the end of 2027. The project was awarded to Augusta-based artists Wesley L. Stewart and Colleen Beyer-Stewart of September Art Studios and is funded through SPLOST 7, with $225,000 allocated to the Sand Bar Ferry sculpture as part of a $750,000 allocation for three gateway sculptures.

The Gateway Sculpture Initiative is envisioned as a larger network extending beyond the first installation. Following the Sand Bar Ferry project, the City plans to add two additional monumental sculptures at major gateways into Augusta, creating three prominent gateway landmarks. These will be complemented by approximately five to seven smaller sculptures at lesser gateways, extending the visual language of public art throughout the City’s major points of entry.

Together, these projects represent an important expansion of Augusta’s public art infrastructure. Rather than concentrating monumental public art within the downtown core, the gateway initiative uses sculpture to announce arrival, establish a stronger sense of place, and connect visitors and residents to Augusta before they reach the City’s central districts. The initiative directly advances the 2017 Master Plan’s recommendation to use monumental public art at gateways while establishing a framework for a more comprehensive citywide network of gateway artwork.

The next two RFQs / RFPs are in the review process by procurement, to be posted concurrently.

Interactive and Kinetic Public Art

Augusta has made meaningful progress toward the Master Plan’s recommendation for interactive and innovative public art through projects such as Bots on Broad, Murals in Motion, digital public-art tours, and participatory murals.

Continued investment in kinetic, interactive, technologically driven, and functional public art would further advance this recommendation.

Arts District and Designated Arts Spaces

The Master Plan envisioned the potential development of a more formally designated arts district or multi-use arts space incorporating studios, galleries, performance areas, events, and public art.

Augusta has continued to strengthen its arts ecosystem through galleries, public art trails, murals, festivals, and partnerships, but a comprehensive municipal arts district or dedicated multi-use public art facility remains an opportunity for future planning.

 

XV. Current Projects and the Next Phase of Development

The City’s public art program is not static. Several initiatives currently underway demonstrate that the work established through the Master Plan is continuing to evolve.

Bots on Broad is moving beyond its first phase, with the Tommy Bot Bench currently in development and additional phases being explored.

The Augusta Sculpture Trail continues its two-year cycle, with the 2025–2026 installation currently in place and the next ten-sculpture cycle being developed for 2027–2028.

At Phinizy, additional public art opportunities are being developed, including the proposed “Snappy” snapping turtle sculpture. This project should be considered an active/in-progress initiative rather than a completed installation.

Murals in Motion continues to explore the intersection of public art, augmented reality, higher education, and digital storytelling.

Forever Flowers initiative with two additional sculptures added to the new Ann Boardman Park at the Kroc Center.

Additional neighborhood mural and placemaking projects continue to create opportunities for local artists to work directly with residents and community organizations.

These initiatives demonstrate that the Master Plan has evolved from a static document into an ongoing framework for identifying opportunities, developing partnerships, and expanding Augusta’s public art infrastructure.

 

XVI. Conclusion

Nearly a decade after the adoption of the 2017 Public Art Master Plan, Augusta has made substantial progress toward establishing a more visible, diverse, accessible, and geographically distributed public art program.

The City has moved from a relatively small collection of individual public artworks toward a coordinated public art system that includes:

• A growing Augusta Sculpture Trail;
• An emerging network of interactive sculpture trails such as Bots on Broad;
• A growing permanent public art collection;
• Major neighborhood mural initiatives;
• The Golden Blocks historic and cultural public art project;
• The James Brown “Spirit of Funk” mural;
• The Fifth Street Bridge mural project;
• East Augusta crosswalk murals;
• Community-created murals;
• Storm-drain murals incorporating environmental education;
• Public art in parks and natural spaces;
• Public art within municipal and civic buildings;
• Sculpture at the Kroc Center and Augusta University;
• Community and student participation;
• Partnerships with local universities and educational institutions; and
• Emerging technology-based initiatives such as augmented-reality public art.

Perhaps most importantly, the City’s public art program has expanded the understanding of what public art can accomplish.

Public art is now being used to celebrate Augusta’s history, support local artists, activate neighborhoods, enhance public infrastructure, encourage tourism, educate students, improve the pedestrian experience, create community gathering spaces, connect people with nature, and strengthen the identity of individual neighborhoods and the City as a whole.

The 2017 Master Plan called for public art to become an integral part of Augusta’s civic environment. The projects completed over the past nine, almost 10 years demonstrate meaningful progress toward that goal.

The next phase of Augusta’s public art development should build upon this foundation by continuing to expand geographically, investing in permanent and monumental works, developing sculpture gardens and additional trails, incorporating emerging technologies, strengthening neighborhood partnerships, and creating sustainable mechanisms for the ongoing acquisition, maintenance, and preservation of public art.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council, as the City of Augusta’s Public Art Agency, remains positioned to continue this work in partnership with the City Commission, City departments, the Public Art Advisory Panel, local artists, educational institutions, community organizations, businesses, and residents.

Together, these efforts are helping establish Augusta as a community where public art is not simply something to visit, but something that is woven into the places where people live, work, learn, gather, and experience the City every day.