Public Art in the City of Decatur

An extensive collection of art works are on display around the City, ranging from the familiar sculptures installed around the square to pieces purchased at Decatur Arts Festivals. These works are on display in various buildings and offices, and are featured in Art Walk events to make them as accessible as possible. The collection is currently being cataloged and photographed. A complete set of images and descriptions will be available for viewing here soon.

These sculptures can currently be seen in locations around the square:

Celebration By Gary Price A quote from the artist inscribed on the base of this sculpture defines its meaning: "Imagine a world without limits, without boundaries, without prejudice and blame. Imagine an existence full of self-confidence, self-esteem and not only tolerance but love for others regardless of color, socio-economic or any other standing. To me that is what the future holds. That is what children represent and that is the type of world I would like to help others imagine can come to pass." The inscription also applies to Elizabeth Wilson, Mayor Emerita, and her vision for our community. The Decatur citizens purchased this sculpture to honor her and commemorate her retirement from the Decatur City Commission. It was dedicated in May 2000. With her election in 1983, Elizabeth Wilson became the first African-American to serve on the City Commission. In 1993, she became the first African-American mayor, a position she held until 1998. She retired from the Commission in 1999. A civil rights activist, community health center advocate, neighborhood leader, public servant, mother, grandmother and friend, Elizabeth Wilson is a quiet, dedicated trailblazer who forever changed this City with her gentle but firm determination to create a better community for all citizens. Her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.	(Left to right) Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson, her granddaughter, Rosalyn Carter and Mayor Bill Floyd at the sculpture dedication in May, 2000.
Valentine By George Lundeen This bronze sculpture, located in front of the Old Courthouse, reflects the enduring love shared by two people. The artist completed a sculpture of this couple early in their life together and revisited them years later for this piece. The sculpture is on permanent loan from Wesley Woods Center, the geriatric services component of Emory Health Care. The City of Decatur gratefully acknowledges the Center's generosity and dedicates this sculpture to the anonymous donor who made it possible.
Thomas Jefferson By George Lundeen This statue of Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence, also sits in front of the Old Courthouse. It was dedicated by the City of Decatur on Oct. 23, 2000, to the memory of U.S. Senator Paul D. Coverdell (Jan. 20, 1939-July 18, 2000). Senator Coverdell devoted his life and career to the principles of liberty set forth by Thomas Jefferson. "A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouths of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government." - Thomas Jefferson "Freedom is the genesis of all American glory." - U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell
Commodore Stephen Decatur 1779-1820 The City of Decatur was named in honor of Commodore Decatur, an early 19th century U.S. naval hero. This bust of the Commodore was presented to the City by the Decatur Lions Club. It can be seen on the Roy A. Blount Plaza (also known as the MARTA Plaza) near the Old Courthouse.

 Roy A. Blount Plaza
A pleasant gathering place and walkthrough to downtown Decatur, the plaza is also the scene of community events during the year. It is dedicated to the memory of a great builder of homes and schools, who also was instrumental in the development of the rapid transit system that runs beneath the plaza.

Roy A. Blount
1913-1974

Chairman, Decatur Board of Education	1962-1965
Chairman, MARTA Board of Directors	1971-1972
President, Decatur Federal Savings And Loan Association	1960-1974

Stephen DeCowtur
Many people enjoyed the small herd of cows that found their way to Decatur as part of Cow Parade Atlanta in 2003. One of them – Stephen DeCowtur, created by artist Jill Lampe – can be found "grazing" in the tranquil setting of the Decatur Cemetery, thanks to the sponsorship of Decatur First Bank.