On August 28th, Sugarloaf CID and the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning hosted the Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the Mural, Synchronicity. Located at the I-85 and Sugarloaf Parkway underpass, this mural represents over two years of work from all of the stakeholders involved: the Sugarloaf CID Board Members and staff; lead artist Krista Jones (AKA Jonesy); project partner, the Hudgens Center; and Gwinnett DOT. Board Chairman, Brand Morgan, welcomed everyone to the event, including elected officials, Hudgens Center Board Members, Gwinnett County staff, project sponsors and their representatives, public art proponents from the community, and many others who support the work of the CID. Next, Gwinnett County District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden expressed his gratitude for the partnership between Sugarloaf CID and Gwinnett County, particularly in the early phase of the project to replace hundreds of outdated lights at the underpass prior to mural installation.
CID Project Manager, Daisy Mills, introduced the mural video which helped guests understand the breadth and scope of the mural installation process. Laura Ballance, Executive Director of the Hudgens Center, also expressed her gratitude for the partnership with Sugarloaf CID and relationship with lead artist Jonesy, which began years ago when Jonesy painted a mural outside of the Hudgens Center. The last speaker, Executive Director of the CID, Alyssa Davis, thanked everyone for attending.
Finally, Jonesy cut the ribbon in front of a mural-inspired backdrop, with the assistance of: Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Stan Hall; Explore Gwinnett COO Lisa Anders; Gwinnett County Commissioner Kirkland Carden; Hudgens Center Executive Director Laura Ballance; and CID Board Chairman Brand Morgan.
Thank you to our project partner, The Hudgens Center, and project sponsors, Gwinnett Creativity Fund (through Explore Gwinnett and Gwinnett County), 12Stone Church, and GA Power.