Chamblee public arts staff report new bilingual signs, ChalkWalk metrics and December sculpture unveiling

At the Chamblee Public Arts Commission meeting on Oct. 23, Public Arts Manager Tanisha reported progress on a budgeted signage line item, results from this year's ChalkWalk event and the date for a Dresden Park sculpture ribbon-cutting.

Tanisha said the commission's signage budget funded labels that have appeared around town and that two additional signs are in proofing: a bilingual (English and Spanish) plaque for the William Massey sculpture in Dresden Park and a single explanatory sign for the Babe Walls Mural Festival that will sit near the tunnel and direct viewers to murals on both wall and column surfaces.

The signage update was followed by a recap of this year's ChalkWalk. Tanisha said the commission's Instagram page had 64,000 views and 452 profile visits in the 30 days leading up to the event, and the highest-performing post reached 7,800 views without paid advertising. She summarized separate vendor and attendee surveys: about half of attendees were return visitors and half were new; 58% of vendors were returning; vendors rated the event 4.3 out of 5 on average and praised communication and low booth prices; the lowest scores were parking and load-in/out; and 76% of vendors reported seeing event marketing online.

Tanisha also announced a Dresden Park schedule: a ribbon-cutting is planned for Dec. 13 with a 1 p.m. ribbon-cutting and a 2 p.m. sculpture unveiling. She said a food vendor at the site is expected to be open and that staff are still confirming whether additional speakers or vendors will be included.

On budget matters, Tanisha said the commission's annual allocation was previously discussed and that a slight increase tied to hotel/motel revenue prompted adjustments to projected ChalkWalk spending. She noted one matching mural grant has already been submitted from a business located in a qualified census tract and reminded commissioners that, after the commission recommends grants, final approval of expenditures and contracts must go to the City Council. As Tanisha put it, "The PAC can't approve the expenditure of funds. They can recommend to council just as with every other department when it comes to expenditures." Elmer, a city staff member who advised on process, confirmed that the commission's role is advisory on funding and that final contractual approval rests with council and the city manager.

The commission also discussed upcoming seat openings and officer nominations. Tanisha told commissioners whose terms expire in December (Tom, Kelsey and Paulina) that they must reapply if they wish to serve another term and reminded the group that City Council makes the formal appointments, typically at the January council meeting. Tom announced he will resign after this year.

The commission closed the item by reminding members there is no meeting in November because of the Thanksgiving holiday and that the December meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 4. Tanisha asked commissioners to indicate their intentions about serving in 2026 by Nov. 15 to allow staff time to post applications and process potential reappointments.

Ending: The commission did not take a formal vote on policy changes at this meeting; the actions reported were informational updates, scheduling items and reminders about application and appointment timing.