Friday, July 24, 2009

City of Atlanta Public Art Program Commissions Artist Louis Delsarte to Create Mural Celebrating the Life Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Louis Delsarte, renowned figurative expressionist from New York City has been commissioned to create the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Mural. The mural, commissioned by the City of Atlanta's Office of Cultural Affairs pays homage to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled to be installed on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Natatorium located at the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site in the Fall of 2009. The King mural spans 180 ft. of history and includes various periods in the life of Dr. King and the civil rights movement. The panels begin with the house on Auburn Avenue, travel through King's childhood, the Morehouse College years, his marriage, the marches and the movement and ends with the ultimate gift of freedom that we share as Americans.

Please join the City of Atlanta’s Public Art Program and artist Louis Delsarte in painting the mural during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Community Day on Saturday July 25, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Studioplex, 659 Auburn Avenue NE. One hour time slots are available: 10am-11am, 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm, 1pm-2pm. There will be a short program at 11:45am. A limited number of volunteers will be accepted. You must RSVP to participate. Call 404-817-6980 or email dmcduffie@atlantaga.gov and provide your name, phone number, email address, and preferred time slot.

This Percent for Art project is funded through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs’ Opportunity Bond which has been used to fund several Public Art projects around the City.

“Mr. Delsarte’s skill as an artist will be an asset for the National Historic District. This mural will emphasize and enhance the story of Dr. King in a very visible place,” said Camille Russell Love, Director, Office of Cultural Affairs.

This mural gives Mr. Delsarte the opportunity to pay homage to this great leader. This challenge has become his joy.

"This is the most incredible honor that I have been given since the beginning of my career. I want this mural to reflect the magnitude of King's sacrifices and his work as a civil rights leader,” said Louis Delsarte, Artist.

The artist had the pleasure of interviewing and interacting with members of the King family who provided pertinent details about the civil rights leader. His work is in several public collections including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Fine Art, the Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta, the National Gallery of Art in Bermuda and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

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