regional NEIGHBORS

Public art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community. It is now a well-accepted principle of urban design that public art contributes to a community’s identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

In February 2020, Thomasville Center for the Arts took a public art Wildlife mural and pole wrap exhibition on the road, to pass along a selection of 8 murals and 8 flora wraps to the Metcalfe, Cairo, and Pelham, Ga, communities. Each town created their own version of a “public art walk” in their downtown, and built interest around their area, using art as a backdrop.

Since then, Cairo, Ga. has commissioned Tracy Foutz-Hunt, one of our THOM Collective members to paint a permanent mural that honors the History Museum, located in the historic train station.

About the Artist

Tracy Foutz-Hunt grew up in Roanoke, Virginia in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains. She has been interested in drawing and painting since childhood. She paints in a realistic style, always striving to accomplish what great artists have accomplished in the past — making every day object and experiences look unusual. She’s always looking for the odd, interesting angle, landscape, or even just part of an object for a subject for her paintings. Tracy is a signature member of the Georgia Watercolor Society, has paintings in private collections across the country, and has had the honor of exhibiting in the Georgia Governor’s Office at the Capitol in Atlanta. Tracy currently lives in Cairo, Georgia.

Want to learn how public art is shaping rural communities? 

Contact Darlene Crosby-Taylor at dtaylor@thomasvillearts.org, and stay up-to-date on activities and events surrounding this traveling exhibition.

Past Projects