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Arts & Entertainment

Thrasher Park Mosaic Officially Unveiled

The newest addition to the city art scene officially introduced.

A new mosaic was officially unveiled before the Elton John cover band "Almost Elton John" performed last Friday in Thrasher Park to a packed crowd.

Mayor Bucky Johnson gave a speech and dedication on the park's stage with the Norcross Arts Alliance and the mosaic's artists, Jennifer Freeman and Anne Labaire. 

"It's something both young and old will love and enjoy," said Mayor Bucky Johnson during the unveiling. "It represents the essence of Norcross."

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During Friday's festivities, people paused to admire the mosaic, which is located at the entrance to the park before the playground. Even children were jumping and playing on it, although that may have been because a bubble machine was set up in front of it. 

The mosaic is just filled with colors, depicting pieces of nature and a focal point of a heart guitar in the middle. Labaire, the creation's designer, explained the guitar represents music and love. 

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"It's about inspiration," Labaire explained. "Does love inspire music?"

Downtown Manager Tixie Fowler said getting the piece of art in the community was all about the city and community working together.

"The city said, 'Yes, we want to bring [artwork] in,'" said Fowler, "and Norcross Arts Alliance put out a call to artists. The artists then got input from the community, and then came up with these designs.

"It's really the collaboration that's pretty unique," she added. "Usually we don't get that much collaboration with citizens and the artists and the city."

Fowler also said the mosaic was a part of the community's Imagination Proclamation, which was created to recognize and brings the arts to Norcross. In addition to the Lionheart Theatre Comapny, Kudzu Art Zone and the artwork being featured in downtown businesses, the mosaic "is just the newest piece in the ongoing artistic expression," she said.

And Labaire and Freeman are proud of their work, too. 

"I'm very pleased with both the design and the way the actual mosaic came out," said Freeman, who created the mosaic. "It's very whimsical, colorful and very pretty."

"It will always be in Norcross," said Labaire of the mosaic. "And I love it! Just to be a part of this city is a wonderful thing. I'm honored." 

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