Mural surge in Gwinnett County hopes to be uniting force

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Through all the traffic, under overpasses, it can be easy to overlook the work of art that lies right under Interstate 85 in Gwinnett County. Alyssa Davis, executive director of the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District, said after years of planning, teamwork and talent brought the stretch of Sugarloaf Parkway to life by installing the Synchronicity mural.

“It’s actually one of the largest underpass murals in the country, so when you pass through here, you’re not going to miss it,” Davis said. “Murals are a way we show pride in our community. The Sugarloaf CID installed the Synchronicity mural because we wanted to bring art to a place where thousands of people are traveling everyday.”

The Sugarloaf CID worked with the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Transportation, and spent years of planning and coordination to execute the mural. Davis said it took a few months to actually paint, with the first side of the mural being completed in 2024 and the South wall being completed earlier this year.

The Sugarloaf CID is known as an arts, business and entertainment district, and Davis said it holds 7% of Gwinnett County’s jobs. Artist Krista Jones, better known as Jonesy, made the 21,000-square ft. mural to give neighbors and commuters a sense of place.

A few miles South on Jimmy Carter Boulevard, a namesake mural greets drivers. The work of art was recently completed to celebrate President Carter’s 100th birthday – a radiant rainbow in the middle of an industrial landscape. 

Robert Michener, the executive director of Gateway85 CID, said more murals will go up in Gwinnett County, with communities tapping into more grant funding along with funds paid by the businesses in that specific district for safety, security and beautification. 

“They’re super bright, vibrant, eye-catching for sure,” Michener said. “It used to be a concrete jungle honestly, lots of lanes and traffic. What the CID is trying to do is create a vibrant, colorful place. To me, there’s no better investment than civic pride. I think it would be foolish to say it’s a waste of money. We’re in an area that lacks art, and bringing any kind of art to this area is a good thing.”

In one of the most diverse communities in the state, Michener said showcasing the culture truly makes people feel welcome in the area. Davis, meantime, said art cannot only inspire but bring communities together. 

“This project really ties our community together,” Davis said. “The goal of this artists’ design is to transform sterile urban spaces into moments of joy and connection.”