The Downtown Art Walk is the start of an ongoing initiative by the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to bring more public art into the district. Downtown is a hub for the arts in Bartow County with opportunities to see music, theatre, comedy, dance, architecture, and visual art all within a few close blocks. That said, the goal of this endeavor is to create more opportunities to engage with art on a day-to-day basis simply by walking through downtown. Not only does this enhance the experience of being downtown but it helps bring art to the forefront and makes it easily, and equally, available to anyone in the community.
Pathways to Freedom: a story in every stitch
Przemyslaw Kordys, 2018, steel, composite
GIFT FROM AFRICAN AMERICAN QUILT DOCUMENTATION PROJECT OF BARTOW COUNTY TO THE CITY OF CARTERSVILLE
According to oral traditions about the Underground Railroad, quilts were sometimes used as a way to leave messages for slaves as they fled towards freedom. For the descendants of slaves this sculpture stands as a memorial to their forebearers. It also symbolizes the importance of freedom, dignity, and sovereignty for all humans. The quilt squares tell a story of courage; for those who escaped and for those who aided in the commission of their “crime”. These individuals were the pioneers of emancipation and they helped forge new Pathways to Freedom.
Mesa Man
Eric Strauss, 1995, stainless steel
ON LOAN FROM BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM
Created in the mid-1990’s for an exhibition at City Hall East in Atlanta, Mesa Man has evolved over time. Strauss designed this figurative piece as a diversion from his older work; it has been added to over time. Imagine standing on top of a Southwestern mesa, arms outstretched, gazing up at the moonlit sky, and you will know what it is like to be Mesa Man.
Element of Reason
Eric Strauss, 1995, stainless steel, bronze, marble
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Born out of Strauss’s early career, Element of Reason was the final piece created in his “Earth, Moon, Sun” series, which spanned from 1987 through 1995. Reflecting upon childhood memories of time spent deep in the mountains exploring nature, and appreciating life, is what led to his spiritual creations in steel. Whether you’re reaching for the stars, or heaven above, there is an Element of Reason.
About the Artists
Eric Strauss
Eric is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and has been forging and fabricating sculptures for the last 30 years. While he started his career in stainless steel and assembly work his specialty now tends towards heavy forged work. He is a member of ABANA and the Southern Blacksmith Association. Eric has pieces at the Booth Western Art Museum, Gibbs Garden, Cartecay Vineyards, and in many private collections around the country.
Przemyslaw Kordys
Przyemyslaw, or PK to his friends, was born in Poland and received his degree from the Academy of Fine Art in Gdansk, Poland. He moved to America in 2002 and became a citizen in 2011. His sculptures are created in a variety of materials – metal, composites, and ceramics – and are featured in places like the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, I.D.E.A. Gallery, and Missouri State University.
Are you an Artist?
Interested in bringing more public art to the area?
Do you have an idea that you want to share?
You can join the effort by contacting the Downtown Development Authority through our website or any of our social media platforms. You can also visit us in person at the downtown Welcome Center, which is housed in the old train depot.
Let’s get more art in Bartow!