John T.
Yelp
Well, this was an unexpected surprise. It had been a couple of years since I'd last been in Atlanta. And, it had been a LONG time since I did I deep dive into Atlanta. The Atlanta that I'd always known was a driving, parking lot of congestion-sort of metro. So... it's a city experienced in one's car.
Imagine my surprise to discover efforts of improving the city's walkability. Imagine my surprise to discover that the greenways are being linked with all manner of housing, dining and activities all around. Imagine my surprise to discover the importance and function of art to all of this. Sculpture art. Architectural art. Natural art. And, street art. I don't know when the lexicon changed from graffiti to street art but I like it. The former word is loaded with bias. It's seen as less than due to where - and by whom - said art originates. But, other than those things, what sets that art apart from others? Not a whole lot, I'd argue. And the Krog Street Tunnel is a place where artists (professional, street and otherwise) can lean into their art, tell their story, communicate their mission, and connect people.
I came early enough in the day (and, on a week day) that I wasn't overrun by tourists, locals, bikers, runners, or cars. I had daylight and could take my time going through a lot of what I saw. Plus, I was with a fantastic local who gave me the skinny on some of the recurring themes and words I saw. I likened the viaduct to a small, curated outdoor gallery and I have the pictures to prove it.
I don't know when you started doing things like this, Atlanta, but I like it. I like it a lot. Now, I'm on the lookout for tiny doors and protracted, written, public conversations. (non-sarcastic) Thank you.