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Smyrna Public Art Committee - HR Training Room — Minutes

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May 02, 2025 
11:30 AM 
 
City of Smyrna 
Smyrna Public Art Committee Meeting 
2800 King Street SE 
HR Training Room 
 
Page 3 of 4 
 
reached out to the CSX professional who granted permission to paint a mural on the 
designated area and an agreement was made in writing. Carson Haynie said that she is 
not sure if the city will be able to pay for art on property that is not city-owned and 
maintained. Carson Haynie asked Robert Harrison to send her the letter from CSX in 
which Robert Harrison responded that he would try to find it and send it to her. Rickey N. 
Oglesby Jr. stated that he wants to take advantage of easy projects first, such as 
additional utility box projects.  
  
Carson Haynie brought up that a resident voiced desire to see art reflecting Smyrna 
history in the future. She showed the committee a few designs from an artist who was not 
selected for the fire hydrant project but had shared some of her other artwork with Carson 
Haynie. Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. appreciated the designs and said they would work well with 
the Williams Park area. Robert Harrison highlighted an artist who does well-executed 
historical art in surrounding cities and mentioned the covered bridge needs attention. 
Carson Haynie encouraged the committee to reach out to the Smyrna History Museum for 
more information on how history can be implemented into public art. Anna Talarico 
recommended as part of the procurement process regarding art projects involving Smyrna 
history, that artists be encouraged to do community research and interviews, so the art is 
accurate in historic accounts and community reflection. 
  
Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. said he would like to see art in Smyrna Parks. Robert Harrison 
proposed the idea of a beach scene on the steps at the reverse amphitheater. Richard 
Garland liked the idea and said it should be part of the potential Public Art Plan. 
  
Imani Thomas brought up the idea that the panels along Concord Linear Park could be a 
spot for a temporary art garden display. Richard Garland proposed the idea of a monarch 
butterfly garden with involvement from Keep Smyrna Beautiful, but it could be a major cost 
and may take 2-3 years to achieve. 
  
Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. said he will soon be submitting a SPLOST wish list for the Public 
Art Committee and requested the committee to send ideas to him via email within the next 
week or two. 
  
Richard Garland proposed an art project celebrating 250 years of U.S. Independence in 
2026. Anna Talarico proposed artwork in and around community structures and common 
areas and sand blaster designs in concrete areas. Richard Garland proposed the bike 
tunnels and pump track at North Cooper Lake Park, the fence at the community garden, 
and outfield fence at the city’s sports areas as potential locations for future public art 
projects. 
  
Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. said the utility boxes have held up well over the past two years and 
he would like to see more of them. Vanya Foote wants to identify a few utility boxes in 
each Ward. Carson Haynie said she would work with the Engineering Department to 
identify the utility boxes that the city owns. 
  
Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. summarized the project ideas that the committee should consider 
executing:  
 
• Retaining wall on Atlanta Road (CSX right-of-way) 
• Crosswalks by the Smyrna Library 
• Crosswalks at Bank and King Street (corner of veteran’s memorial) 
• Art in bike tunnels and community garden area at North Cooper Lake Park 
• Art in Tolleson Park