After three months hiatus Florida artists Felici Asteinza and Joey Fillastre returned to Decatur recently to finish the MARTA overpass mural on the city’s west side.
Work on the project began in early November but was suspended in late December due to rain, cold weather and the artists’ other commitments, including a residency program at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Asteinza and Fillastre need to finish by April 16 because they have a subsequent commission in Columbia, S.C.
When completed, the mural will cover both sides and the support beams of the bridge at West Trinity Place and Atlanta Avenue. Built in the late 1970s, the it spans a district that for much of the 20th century was a thriving African-American business/residential district.
Total cost for the mural is $30,000, partially funded by a $15,000 grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Further, Decatur’s Active Living was awarded a KaBoom! Play Everywhere grant to fund additional artwork beneath the overpass. Using similar motifs Asteinza and Fillastre will design a hopscotch court, a four-square court, a bench and other touches that will brighten the area considerably.
A community celebration is scheduled for the site, 4-6 p.m. April 23.
About the Author
