AJC
Atlanta Forward: Quality of Life
September 6, 2012 Atlanta: Kenneth Simpson of Starbrite window cleaning climbed one of the 54 columns at the corner of Glen Iris Drive and Highland Avenue in Atlanta on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 where he and a colleague (not pictured) were stripping the paint away from the art project. The project, that is entitled "54 Columns" was erected in 1999 by artist, Sol LeWitt - has 54 columns ranging from 10 to 20 feet high in a 112 foot X 176 foot triangular layout that integrates art and architecture making a geometric reference to the forms reflecting a skyline of an urban environment. Simpson has been spraying a stripping solution across the painted surfaces and then pressure washes them exposing the bare surface. It is his understanding that the columns would then be repainted at a later time as part of a conservation project underway by the Fulton County Public Art Program. The Fulton County Public Art Program was contacted about what the future plans of the project might be - but they did not return AJC phone call inquiries. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Today’s moderator: Tom Sabulis
A 20-year veteran of the AJC, Tom Sabulis has covered news, politics and the arts during a career that has taken him to newspapers across the country. Since 2008, he has coordinated many of the newspaper’s pro/con debates and first-person guest columns.
Fulton County has long been a leader in arts funding in Georgia, but that funding seems to be in jeopardy every budget cycle. Today, a veteran theater leader calls for a sustainable source of revenue so that the arts are not put on the chopping block each year. In response, the Fulton County chairman says officials do recognize the importance of the arts.
Today's columnists:
- Time for sustainable arts funding by Robert J. Farley
- Restoring funding remains a priority by John Eaves
- Response to recent conversation from our readers
