Public Art Committee
Public Art Committee
The Public Art Committee coordinates with the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, MARTA and private developers to explore how permanent and temporary public art can increase the quality of life for the residents and visitors to our neighborhood.
For more information contact Jeffry Loy at alloy73@mindspring.com
Afronauts by ELEY at Oakland City MARTA Station
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) public art program, Artbound, proudly presents “Afronauts,” a public installation by photographer and visual artist ELEY exploring movement, identity, and belonging within spaces of transition. The installation opened May 30, 2026 at Oakland Station in the Lee Street and Murphy Street tunnels.
Installed within a space defined by constant movement, “Afronauts” transforms the transit environment into a reflection on migration, discovery, and connection. Through portraiture, documentary photography, sound, and immersive visual storytelling, the installation follows individuals navigating unfamiliar environments while reflecting on universal questions surrounding safety, value, and belonging.
The presentation offers a first look at stories from “Afronauts,” an upcoming book currently in progress. Stylized portraiture introduces each explorer through custom costuming and diasporic visual language before leading viewers into layered documentary imagery and landscapes of transition that trace emotional journeys between departure and arrival.
Designed as a multi-sensory experience, the installation includes an accompanying soundscape blending music, atmospheric tones, and audio inspired by space, memory, and movement. Visitors may access the soundscape through a QR code on site. Headphones are encouraged.
Rooted in ELEY’s own experience leaving the American South in search of expanded perspective and independence, “Afronauts” reflects on the quiet courage required to create home while in motion.
Dill Avenue underpass (between Lee Street and Murphy Avenue SW)
City of Atlanta Arts & Culture selected artist Debbi Snax to create a neighborhood mural on the Murphy Ave side and along the Dill Ave tunnel walls to honor the Beacons and Visionaries to Elders and local business leaders, who have shaped our neighborhood.
The design features an immersive, colorful style inspired in part by classic "I Spy" children's books, celebrating South Atlanta's community identity, resilience, and history.
See Our Voice Photovoice Exhibition was displayed at Oakland City MARTA Station until April 2026
The exhibition featured images and narratives created by residents from Southwest Atlanta neighborhoods – Ashview Heights, Atlanta University Center, Capitol View and West End - who documented the strengths, challenges, and aspirations of their communities using disposable cameras and cell phones.
Curated and facilitated by Atlanta-based artist and social practitioner Krystle Chanel Terry, the project used Photovoice methodology to guide participants through workshops on storytelling, photography, and reflection.
Presented by the MARTA public art program, Artbound. These photos are a selection from the exhibition displayed at the Oakland City entrance side.
See Our Voice was first displayed at The B Complex in September 2024, following a series of community workshops.
Below is a sample of the images displayed.
