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ArtSpot Johns Creek
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PERMANENT PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION
Native American Public Art Project and Sculpture
History of the project
Once upon a time, Newtown Park Community Foundation (a nonprofit that dissolved several years ago), collaborated with the 2015 Leadership Johns Creek class, Team Half-Ton, to fundraise for, and commission, a Native American sculpture for Newtown Park. The goal of the project was to provide the city residents with a major public work of art that recognized the long history and culture of the people who lived on these lands long before European explorers arrived. A work of art would provide visual interest and a chronological context as well as be aesthetically, historically and culturally enriching for everyone. Unfortunately, the original project never came to fruition because the identified location in the park could not support a major sculpture. Without an alternative site identified, the project came to a halt. Fast forward four years and in 2019 the idea and dream for this project was embraced by Johns Creek Beautification The Native American sculpture is now the next major public art project for Johns Creek Beautification. Since 2019, monies have been raised for the sculpture through the Secret Gardens of the Johns Creek Community tours and donations made to JCB.
Currently, there are no major public memorials or commemorative works of art in Johns Creek that recognize the long history and diverse culture of the people who lived here. The artwork would commemorate the significant history of all native people rather than just the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokees were the last Native Americans who lived and farmed here prior to their forced removal after the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830. Nearby communities have installed memorials to the Cherokees including the City of Roswell at Riverside Park and Forsyth County at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Capturing a broader history of the First Americans of this area is an important focus for this project even though the historical record is difficult to verify.
Currently, there are no major public memorials or commemorative works of art in Johns Creek that recognize the long history and diverse culture of the people who lived here. The artwork would commemorate the significant history of all native people rather than just the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokees were the last Native Americans who lived and farmed here prior to their forced removal after the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830. Nearby communities have installed memorials to the Cherokees including the City of Roswell at Riverside Park and Forsyth County at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Capturing a broader history of the First Americans of this area is an important focus for this project even though the historical record is difficult to verify.
History of this area
A brief historical summary and general consensus among historians and scholars:
- The first people, the Paleoindians, reached the Southeast some 14,000 years ago (during the final glacial period – Pleistocene).
- The Paleoindians were hunters and gatherers.
- The Archaic period followed (8000 BCE to 1000 BCE) and towards the end of this era plant cultivation began. (The European Bronze Age was approximately 3000 BCE to 1000 BCE)
- The Woodland period (1000 BCE to 1000 CE) saw advances in pottery, the bow and arrow, and more complex societies.
- The Mississippian Period (1000 CE – 1500 CE) marked the change to a more agrarian society and a drastic change in the cultures of tribes.
- The Historic Period (1500 CE– present) consisted of many distinct tribes and cultures with the Creeks and Cherokees being the most prominent.
Goal
Commissioning a major public art sculpture will serve as an important reminder of the historical significance of Native American culture and heritage in our city and region, honoring their contributions and their 14,000 year legacy on the land which is now Johns Creek. The desired location for such a work of art would be next to, or near Johns Creek City Hall, because the sculpture would serve as a symbol of unity and respect for indigenous peoples, showcasing our commitment to diversity and inclusivity as we move forward as a new city while honoring the people who came before us and who called this area home. Diversity remains a proud founding characteristic of this city; something to be celebrated as part of our past and present. Placing the sculpture in the middle of a stone plaza would be most desirable, giving residents and businesses an opportunity to have their names inscribed in the plaza’s stone pavers. What a meaningful and tangible way to mark the beginning of our new city for all members of our community. In the future, this plaza would become the anchor and center piece for additional works of art, both permanent and temporary pieces, that would reflect the multicultural dimensions of our current residents and our linkage to the past as well as to each other.
An important goal of this project is to have additional educational signage near the sculpture encouraging our residents and visitors of all ages to learn about the people who have always valued and appreciated this area, just as we do now. The plaza would also serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
An important goal of this project is to have additional educational signage near the sculpture encouraging our residents and visitors of all ages to learn about the people who have always valued and appreciated this area, just as we do now. The plaza would also serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Steps in the Process
So far, JCB has raised approximately $50,000 for this public art piece. We anticipate that we will need to raise a total of $150,000 in order to commission a major work of art. Once the funds have been acquired, a national call for artists will be made through several channels. JCB is committed to having a Native American artist design and create the artwork. Stone would be the desired medium, but we are open to other mediums that can withstand the elements associated with a permanent outdoor setting.
Fundraising
JCB will continue to fundraise through community events and donations until the goal of $150,000 is reached. We welcome your participation and your financial support for this unique artistic addition to our city. Please join us in building a local landmark that will be admired and enjoyed now and for many years to come.