The Atlanta BeltLine’s Southwest Trail Shines with New Public Art
The Atlanta BeltLine’s Southwest Trail is now home to a new expression of color, hope, and community. For years, passersby near Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard were welcomed by singer and artist Suzy Schultz’s mural celebrating joy and expression. Today, that space has been transformed with The Light We Carry—a powerful new work honoring healing, resilience, and the collective spirit of the community.
Art That Reflects and Connects
The mural is the newest creation from Thriving Together Atlanta, a public art initiative dedicated to using the arts to foster dialogue and drive meaningful action around health and wellness in Atlanta’s neighborhoods. By blending creativity with community engagement, Thriving Together aims to spark conversations that lead to tangible, positive change.
This project was made possible through a collaboration between the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the National Black Arts Festival, and Out of Hand Theater, with generous support from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge. Together, these partners joined forces with the Atlanta BeltLine to bring the mural to life after months of outreach and planning that began earlier this summer.
Community Voices Shape the Vision
In July, the project team opened a public call for artists, drawing an impressive 40 submissions from across the region. After careful review, five finalists were selected to present their ideas to the community.
Soon after, residents gathered for a community day at Hammonds House Museum, where they met project partners, enjoyed a live performance by Out of Hand Theater, and viewed presentations from the finalist artists. The event culminated in a community vote that ultimately determined the design that would grace the neighborhood wall.
The Light We Carry: A Beacon of Healing and Unity
The result, The Light We Carry, is more than a mural—it’s a reflection of a community’s voice, energy, and shared commitment to growth and healing. Its vibrant imagery now welcomes BeltLine visitors with a message of connection and renewal, reminding everyone who passes that art has the power to both beautify and bring people together.
Learn more about the project and the partners who helped make it possible at beltline.org/blog/a-new-community-led-piece-for-the-atlanta-beltline.
