scad pop (paint our parks) public art initiative

I worked closely with SCAD leadership to develop — and bring to fruition — the SCAD POP public art initiative. SCAD POP invites our neighbors and friends in SCAD’s hometowns of Savannah and Atlanta, Ga., to enjoy the work of accomplished SCAD artists. Since launching in 2021, Paint Our Parks has beautified and enlivened 16 basketball courts and play spaces at city parks, schools and community youth centers with vibrant murals by SCAD alumni.

SCAD SERVE, the university’s community service program, has brought new life to playgrounds and basketball courts throughout Georgia with its SCAD POP initiative. Led by a team of alumni, students, staff and professors, the POP initiative provides a “pop” of color to basketball courts and parks with fresh murals, enhancing communities through the power of public art. 

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my role

• SCAD POP initiative concept, process and logistics development and execution
• Creative lead which included facilitating creative process, concept development, art direction with alumni and mural installation
• Identify community partners
• Community ambassador and liaison — guide community leaders and members through the concept development, review and approval process
• Manage paint ordering, delivery, supplies and mural installation
• Media and public relations coordination and promotion
• Design development of branded visual communication collateral

Community Partners

The SCAD POP initiative has worked with local partners including:

• Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
• Atlanta Public Schools
• City of Savannah
• Savannah Chatham County Public School System
• Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance
• Greenbriar Children’s Center

Awards

9th Annual Shorty Impact Awards

• Winner in Special Project
• Gold Honor in Arts & Culture
• Silver Honor in Youtube

The Anthem Awards

• SCAD POP Winner in Community Space:
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Education, Art & Culture

• SCAD POP Winner in Local Community Engagement:
  • Education, Art & Culture

client quote

Robert Witherspoon — Atlanta Public Art Program Manager

This SCAD SERVE mural project is a notable example of how the addition of public art to the surface of a basketball court can strengthen communities, improve park safety and inspire kids and adults to think positively about their environment. A great City deserves great public art and our partners at the Savannah College of Art understand that and their talented students and alumni created this wonderful mural that will inspire kids and encourage healthy lifestyles. By creating a mural on a basketball court, it is accessible to all.

Marci Collier Overstreet — Atlanta City Councilmember

The Paint Our Parks basketball court mural at Stone Hogan Park is more than a painting on a basketball court; it’s a tribute to the spirit of the community and fosters the essence of the game. We express our gratitude to Dominic Turner for his role and the activism to help bring this project to fruition and SCAD SERVE for creating this vibrant artwork that will help transcend the boundaries of the court and weave together elements of activism, culture and unity. As the ball bounces and the players move around, this mural will remind us that on the court and in life, success is not only measured by points scored, but by the bonds created and the shared moments of triumph. We celebrate the unveiling at Stone Hogan Park as an invitation to revel in the joy of the game, the essence of outdoors and the boundless energy that creates a unifying force in our communities. May this mural inspire all who engage with it to shoot for the stars both on and off the court, and to find the beauty in our recreational spaces.

Dr. Sara Womack — Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator for Atlanta Public School

Atlanta Public Schools is so appreciative of the collaboration with SCAD and their Paint Our Parks initiative. The renovation and beautification of an unused slab of concrete at Usher-Collier Elementary School will bring joy and learning opportunities to the students and staff. The vacant space will now house basketball games, hopscotch fun and four square matches in a colorful and cheerful setting. With today’s gloom, violence and desolation, this project becomes even more meaningful and brings hope to our future.