Alpharetta Arts Center Gets A New Look

If you’ve driven down Broadwell Road in the historic Crabapple community lately you may have noticed an extra splash of color. That’s because staff at the Alpharetta Arts Center have decided that their building needs a new look.

Creative director Nancy Suttles says that most people aren’t even aware that there is an art center nestled inside the unassuming white and brick building located on 12624 Broadwell Road, which also houses the Alpharetta Municipal Court and North Fulton Senior Services.

She and other colleagues have found a great way to remedy that with a mural that she refers to as the “Secret Garden.” Located on the outside wall of the Alpharetta Arts Center this enchanting mural features a sun surrounded by flowers and critters, each one more colorful than the next.

“The mural is one way we are drawing attention to our center in hopes that "Mr. Sun" will shine for all to see and draw them into the building to learn more about what we have to offer,” says Suttles.

The mural has been part of the summer youth art program and you’ll see kids of all ages adding their own personal touches each Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The lead artist on this project is Christopher McCarthy of Woodstock. A recent graduate of Etowah High School, Chris will be attending the Maryland Institute College of Art this fall.

McCarthy is enjoying his summer at the center and especially loves working with the kids and witnessing their lack of inhibitions.

“Kids have no problem being strange and that’s great. Sometimes it’s reflected in what they paint,” explains Chris.

Fellow staffers agree that the kids are what it’s all about. Jessica Christianson expplains,

“There’s this whole imaginary world that they come up with. Seriously, you give them a blank piece of paper and they come up with this huge story in their head and it’s fun to find out what it is.”

“They have no boundaries, that’s what I love about kids. Some of the stuff they come up with is so inspiring,” adds staff member Emily Brett.

Every kid at the center has had the opportunity to participate in the mural and Nancy says they even come back to check up on their work. “They know what they’ve done and they come back looking for it. Especially the little ones. They know where their flower is.”

Suttles says that the most important aspect of this project is that it is a shared experience for all ages. “Anyone who wants to paint on the mural is welcome, just stop by and pick up a paint."

The project has been ongoing for five weeks now and will be complete this week. For more information on this project or any other programs offered by the Alpharetta Arts Center, contact Nancy Suttles at nsuttles@mindsprings.com.

The underlying theme for the mural is: "Art is a gift that must be shared." So be sure to stop by and enjoy for yourself if you’re in the area.