Native American
Public Art Project and Sculpture

Native American Public Art Project and Sculpture

A Landmark Public Art Project for Johns Creek

This project seeks to create more than a sculpture—it establishes a place of meaning within Johns Creek where history, culture, and community come together. This space will invite reflection, learning, and connection, honoring the deep legacy of the Indigenous peoples who first called this land home.

Project Background

The vision for a Native American heritage sculpture in Johns Creek began several years ago, when the Newtown Park Community Foundation (a nonprofit organization no longer in existence) partnered with the 2015 Leadership Johns Creek class (Team Half-Ton) to fundraise for a meaningful public artwork. The goal was to create a lasting tribute to the people who lived on this land long before European settlement—offering residents a powerful connection to history through art.

While initial plans were halted due to site limitations, the vision did not fade. In 2019, Johns Creek Beautification embraced the project, reviving and expanding its purpose. Since then, funds have been raised through community efforts such as the Secret Gardens of the Johns Creek Community tour and local donations.

Goal

To commission and gift a significant public sculpture to the City of Johns Creek that honors the Indigenous peoples who first inhabited this region for over 14,000 years and shares the history of their enduring cultural legacy for generations to come.

Project Vision

Create a lasting cultural, educational, and civic landmark that recognizes and honors over 14,000 years of Indigenous history in this region
Create a meaningful destination where residents and visitors can engage with the deeper story of the land and its original inhabitants
Design a welcoming gathering space, framed by natural rock seating and thoughtful surroundings, that encourages reflection, learning, and human connection
Foster a shared sense of place and identity by connecting the community to both its history and its future

Why This Project Matters

Currently, Johns Creek has no major public memorial recognizing the rich and diverse Native American history of this region. This project seeks to change that.

While recognizing the Cherokee people as the last to inhabit and farm this land prior to their forced removal following the Indian Removal Act of 1830, this project also honors the broader story of the Indigenous peoples who lived here across thousands of years. Nearby communities have installed Cherokee-focused memorials, but Johns Creek has a unique opportunity to tell a more expansive and inclusive story—one that reflects the full depth of Indigenous presence in this region.

A Legacy Spanning Millennia

The human history of this land stretches back approximately 14,000 years:

Paleoindian Period (c. 12,000 BCE) – Nomadic hunters and gatherers first arrive
Archaic Period (8000–1000 BCE) – Early plant cultivation begins
Woodland Period (1000 BCE–1000 CE) – Advancements in tools, pottery, and social structure
Mississippian Period (1000–1500 CE) – Agricultural societies flourish
Historic Period (1500 CE–present) – Distinct tribal cultures emerge, including the Creek and Cherokee

This project aims to honor the full continuum of human history in this region—not just a single moment in time.

Education & Community Impact

Interpretive signage will accompany the sculpture, inviting visitors of all ages to learn about the Indigenous peoples who lived here and their enduring connection to the land. This will not just be a monument—it will be an experience of reflection, learning, and connection.

How You Can Help

Fundraising

JCB will continue to fundraise through community events and donations. We invite you to be part of bringing this vision to life—through participation, partnership, or financial support. Join us in creating a meaningful landmark that honors the past, enriches the present, and inspires future generations.

DONATE HERE