From murals adorning the walls of town squares to quirky art displays gracing public parks, Henry County, Georgia, is a vibrant canvas for art enthusiasts. The county boasts a diverse array of art installations that showcase local talent, rich history, and community spirit.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the captivating public art destinations in Henry County.
Murals That Tell Stories
When you explore Henry County, it will be obvious that art plays an important role in the communities. Discover the various murals that adorn the cities, including the ones listed below.
Kindness Wall Mural: Located in McDonough, this mural was painted in honor of long-time Henry County Parks and Recreation employee Tim Coley, who passed away in 2023. This mural serves as a poignant reminder of the power of kindness and community. The mural was designed by local artist Vele Keyta Redding.
Snow Drift Shortening Mural: Nestled in Mayor’s Walk Park in Locust Grove, this mural invites visitors to admire its beauty while enjoying the park’s amenities, including paved public parking and restrooms. The mural is sometimes the backdrop for downtown events and pop-up musicians!
Hampton Train Mural: Celebrating Henry County’s rich history, this mural in Hampton pays homage to the county’s original train station and its significance in shaping the region’s development.
Connecting Community Mural: Part of the fast-growing Georgia Mural Trail, this artwork in Stockbridge reflects the evolving art scene in the area and invites visitors to explore the city’s vibrant art culture.
Community Gardens Mural: Created by local artist Steph Calvert, and commissioned by the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community well-being, this mural in Stockbridge highlights the beauty and importance of gardening and healthy food sources for Henry County residents.
Locust Grove Mural: Situated in Locust Grove City Park, this mural, painted by local artist Susie Aruffo, provides a picturesque backdrop for families and visitors to enjoy the park’s amenities, including a playground and picnic areas.
Skatepark Mural: Adorning the Hampton Skate Park at McBrayer Park, this mural adds an element of creativity and excitement to the skating environment, offering a unique blend of art and sport.
Stockbridge Traffic Boxes: Bringing color and a sense of whimsy to the normally mundane and ubiquitous traffic boxes, Steph Calvert has worked with the City of Stockbridge to paint unique designs on seven traffic boxes all over Stockbridge.
The Gardens at Nolan House: Featuring intricate plantings and serene woodland flora, this mural in McDonough complements the beauty of the gardens at Nolan House, paying homage to the county’s natural heritage.
Bushy Tail Art Trail
In addition to murals, Henry County offers the Bushy Tail Art Trail, a delightful outdoor art experience that features whimsical squirrel picnic tables scattered throughout the county. These charming displays – each uniquely designed by local artists – add a touch of fun and playfulness to public spaces, inviting visitors to embark on a scavenger hunt to discover them all. View the list, plan your route, and find all these tiny picnic tables for yourself!
Local Art Gallery
For those looking to delve deeper into Henry County’s art scene, the Local Art Gallery offers a virtual platform to explore and appreciate the works of talented local artists. Featuring a diverse collection of art mediums, the online gallery showcases the creativity and passion of Henry County’s artistic community. Click on each artist to view their biography and portfolio.
The goal of this virtual gallery is to provide art lovers with a glimpse into the county’s vibrant cultural landscape. The Local Art Gallery is just another project created by the Arts Consortium – a group of artists and art-related business owners who joined forces in 2019 to develop ways of enhancing the visitor experience through the facilitation of public art. Learn more about their mission here.
All in all, public art in Henry County, Georgia, is a reflection of the community’s creativity, history, and collective spirit. The region’s public art offerings provide residents and visitors alike with a visual feast that celebrates art in various forms. Explore the streets, parks, and virtual spaces of Henry County to uncover the hidden gems of its rich artistic heritage.