ATLANTA – State Representative Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) recently joined more than 50 residents, community stakeholders, city leaders and visitors on Saturday, May 30, to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the Virginia Avenue Mural Extension Project in Historic College Park.
“Art has a unique ability to connect people, strengthen communities and tell the stories that define us,” said Rep. Schofield. “Art can heal a community. The Virginia Avenue Mural Extension is more than a beautification project—it is a reflection of community pride, creativity and possibility. As Georgia continues to lead conversations around the role of arts in health and wellness, projects like this remind us that art can inspire hope, foster connection and create spaces where people feel seen and valued. I commend Councilwoman Dr. Jamelle McKenzie, artist Ashley Bella and all of the partners who helped make this vision a reality.”
Rep. Schofield highlights that the mural expansion along the Virginia Avenue Bridge corridor builds upon the original artwork completed in 2024 and seeks to reflect the City of College Park’s continued investment in public art, community beautification, placemaking and cultural engagement. She adds that the project was commissioned by Ward 1 Councilwoman Dr. Jamelle McKenzie as part of her effort to enhance the city’s visual landscape while celebrating the identity of the community. Rep. Schofield applauded the collaborative effort and emphasized the broader impact of public art on community well-being.
Among those attending the celebration were College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, Ward 3 Councilwoman Tracie Arnold, City Manager Michael Hicks, members of the College Park governing body, community stakeholders, residents, project partners and mural artist Ashley Bella, whose creative vision, Rep. Schofield noted, helped bring the mural extension to life.
Rep. Schofield further emphasized that the event also highlighted College Park’s growing commitment to innovation in public art through the launch of the city’s new ARTrail experience, an augmented reality platform developed under the leadership of Bill Ford and designed to bring local stories, artwork and cultural destinations to life through interactive technology.
Rep. Schofield invites residents and visitors to explore the completed mural and participate in the official launch of the ARTrail experience, further showcasing the city’s growing collection of public art, cultural destinations and community-centered experiences.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.
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