Public Art Flourishes in the Butterfly Garden Trail
Douglasville, Georgia – The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/ Douglas County (CAC) has launched it’s a new initiative to use public art to further establish the community as a dynamic center of creativity and a destination for visitors. The CAC is excited to release two (2) 
more public art benches to the community. One bench was installed at Deer Lick Park in the Butterfly Garden located across from the gymnasium, painted by renowned artist, Ann Cockerill. The second bench was installed at the Douglas County Library in the Butterfly Garden, painted by local artist Grete Carder. Funding for these projects is made possible by Dawn Foundation.
The picturesque bench at Deer Lick was hand-painted by renowned artist, Ann Cockerill. She discovered the world of painting at the age of 4 and now owns the Red Cockerill Gallery located in Austell, GA. Ann was commissioned by the State of Georgia to paint Oglethorpe, Jefferson, Washington, and Lafayette’s life-size portraits for the newly remodeled “Old Capital” in Milledgeville. Her painting of Kennesaw Mountain was included in the “Spirit of America Exhibition from Winslow Homer to Andrew Wyeth,” and toured the nation’s museums. Ms. Cockerill was eager to be part of such a great public art initiative when given the opportunity.
Local artist, Grete Carder, painted the beautiful bench residing outside of the Douglas County Library. Grete is known for her colorful artwork, community involvement, and fun-loving attitude. Having studied surface design and graphic design, Grete’s artwork exudes bold color and contrasting designs inspired by nature’s color arrangements and patterns. Grete enjoys connecting with people, teaching, and encouraging them to experiment in different art mediums. She loves to see people get their hands dirty and step out of their comfort zone. In 2004, Grete established her creative endeavors as GRCarder Designs, LLC. She has owned and operated a small local art gallery and gift shop. Currently, Grete creates acrylic paintings, mixed media designs, and handmade beaded jewelry. Grete, along with with 2 other business owners, organizes an annual music & art festival for their community.
The first public art bench was unveiled and installed at the CAC’s ribbon cutting in September 2018. The bench now resides in front of the arts center building and was inspired by the CAC’s Butterfly Garden that is maintained by the Douglas County Master Gardeners and the Ama-Kanasta Garden Club. The purpose of public art is not only to enrich the community and improve our quality of life through its ability to enrich an environment but also to ignite the imagination, encourage thought and to prompt discourse. Public art benefits the community through placemaking, bringing people together, and can be used as a tool in economic development. Public art can also strengthen personal connections to one’s community. Public art is freely accessible to enjoy.
Funding for these projects is made possible by Dawn Foundation. Dawn Foods is a local Douglasville company that has been in the area for over 20 years. Dawn Foods started in Michigan as a family bakery and the Jones’ family continues to guide the company. From volunteering their time and talents to providing financial support, the Dawn Foods Foundation invests in the communities where they have facilities and offices. With a focus on essential, health, education and community improvements, they support their team members in their efforts to give back. Baking is 2 parts art and 2 parts science and they want to support the future generations of great artists, scientists and everything in between.
The Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/ Douglas County, located at 8652 Campbellton Street in historic downtown Douglasville, Georgia, is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm. For directions, more information, or to make your reservations, visit www.artsdouglas.org or contact the Cultural Arts Council at 770-949-2787.
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The mission of the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County is to nurture, guide and stimulate the enjoyment of and participation in the arts among Douglas County residents by providing an atmosphere conducive to the arts. The programs and activities of the Cultural Arts Council are supported in part by the City of Douglasville and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.
CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL DOUGLASVILLE/DOUGLAS COUNTY
P.O. Box 2018
Douglasville, Georgia 30133
Phone 770.949.2787 Fax 770.949.5946
www.artsdouglas.org
