Artfully Festive. It’s what the City of Sugar Hill strives for through our Sugar Rush Arts Festival, Arts Commission and Art Gallery. The city showcases its artfully festive ways using several mediums like photography on the city’s social media channels, live musical performances like Sugar Hill Live and Sugar Hill Live On Stage, and public art installations.
The Sugar Hill Arts Commission is a group of artists and art lovers set on a mission to encourage, promote, and expand public interest in the arts in Sugar Hill. Carefully selected by the city’s Arts Commission, art installations are placed throughout the downtown area. The purpose is to enhance the quality of life while creating a colorful and unique community where individuals can come together for shared experiences and to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.
In 2016, the volunteer-based group brought in two local artists to complete one of the largest public pieces ever created in Sugar Hill, two beautiful murals both located at the Suite Spot, formerly City Hall. On one side of the building, the mural is an ode to Sugar Hill, representing the rich history of the city with images like a wagon with a missing wheel, the oldest home in Sugar Hill, and our secret claim to fame – gold mining. And, on the opposite side of the building is the Sweet Life mural because just as the artwork says, being in Sugar Hill really is living the sweet life.
Across the street from the murals located at the E Center is a not-so-random old machine. Next time, stop and take a look at the Art-o-mat, a rehabilitated cigarette machine that sells original artwork from artists across the country for only $5.
As you continue your stroll through downtown, dive further into the world of artistry and immerse yourself in classic and contemporary art at Sugar Hill’s Art Gallery. The bright and airy space casts a spotlight on an eclectic mix of changeable featured works and travelling exhibitions from local and non-local artists. Located at The Local on West Broad St. the Sugar Hill Art Gallery and the Sugar Hill History Museum are both free and open to the public.
Want to get involved?
The Sugar Hill Art Gallery is seeking Black artists for an exhibition on August 15 – September 21. The submission deadline is Sunday, June 19 and must be original work. Stay tuned for other opportunities like hosting an exhibition at the Art Gallery or painting live at the city’s annual Sugar Rush Arts Festival.
The Sugar Hill Arts Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. All meetings are held at the Sugar Hill Art Gallery. The Sugar Hill Art Gallery and History Museum is closed on Mondays and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday noon – 6 p.m. The Art Gallery and History Museum is run mainly by volunteers, to make sure it’s open before you arrive, please call 678-541-6125.