New Begginnings Senior Center - Public Art

The artwork for the New Beginnings Neighborhood Senior Center in Fairburn, Georgia was designed and created by artist Helen Helwig with assistance by artist Deborah Landry. Helen Helwig was selected as a finalist for this project by a Fulton County Public Art Program panel. Deborah Landry acted as Helen Helwig's assistant for this project through the Fulton County Public Art Program's Mentorhsip Program. She soon became a collaborator and partner.Deborah Landry was born with an appreciation for the natural world from which she draws inspiration for her artwork. Deborah has a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from the University of West Georgia. She believes that art should awaken the senses. She uses texture to compel viewers to make a closer examination of the art and to tempt them into interacting with it and touching it.

This art project also had a major community participation component. Many seniors participated in researching design elements and creating clay pieces for the mosaics. Many other volunteers contributed time, energy and assistance throughout the project.

The artwork for the New Beginnings Neighborhood Senior Center was installed in three locations: the lobby, the walking track and the multi-purpose room.The artwork for the lobby/reception area is entitled "Lone Star: A Tribute to Quilters". It was installed on the wall behind the reception desk and opposite the exterior entrance into the lobby. This clay quilt is 85" x 85" and approximately an inch in depth. The artwork was created from handmade clay tiles and glass gems. The shapes of the tiles (diamonds, squares and triangles) were derived from a traditional quilt pattern and assembled to create the appearance of a pieced quilt. A majority of the handmade clay tiles were created by members of the senior center during a clay fabrication workshop with the artist, FCPAP staff and volunteers. Other tiles were created by the artist and Deborah Landry (an emerging artist chosen to be part of the FCPAP mentor program). The blue and gold colors complement the color scheme of the lobby and its location creates a focal point for the room. The glass gems stitch a reflective line within the quilt and encourage the eye to follow the pattern that it outlines. The geometric shapes used in quilt patterns are directly related to the designs of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the architectural style of this new senior center.

Ten mosaic panels were created for the walls of the interior walking track. Seven of the panels are 17" wide by 31" high and 1" to 2" in depth. The remaining three panels are 24" wide by 36" high by 2" deep and form a tryptich on one wall. These mosaic panels are composed of handmade clay pieces, fused glass shapes and glass gems. Their designs are inspired by the stained glass artwork of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Praire Style architecture of the Senior Center. The Prairie Style was part of the Arts and Crafts Movement from the turn of the twentieth century. It was noted for its handmade craftsmanship and its goal of a harmonious environment. Frank Lloyd Wright exemplified this movement. He used geometric elements, natural light and an organic architectural style. The geometric pieces of these mixed media mosaic panels are arranged to create an abstract and colorful composition with references to the architectural features of the building (with special emphasis on the chevrons in the windows) and to the interior design color scheme.Some of the clay diamond shapes included in the panels were created by Fulton County Arts Council staff, senior center construction and architectural staff and local dignitaries. The handmade clay pieces have interesting textures and rich glazes. The glass pieces are colorful and reflective. The visual appearance of these mosaic panels will have subtle changes with time of day lighting effects. They will invite touching and close inspection as well as enhance the space from various perspectives.The titles for the 7 individual mosaic panels and the tryptich of panels are as follows: "And the Seasons They Go Round and Round", "Summer Sunset", "Imagine", "Springtime Georgia Green", "Peace Like A River", "Follow the Yellow Brick Road", "How Lovely is the Evening", and the tryptich is entitled "Harmony".

The artwork for the multi-purpose room is five mixed media montages composed of clay relief tiles and glass pieces. These montages were designed to reflect the Fairburn community. The theme illustrates historical, geographical, architectural and environmental images. The viewer will find familiar references to local buildings, flowers, farming, the railroad, trees, cattle, quilts, animals and birds. The design is arranged with reference to the architectural elements of the multi-purpose room and its earthy color scheme. Each of the five montages is 4' long by 2' high and 1" deep. The clay pieces will include interesting textures, relief sculpturing and rich surface applications. Each montage will invite touching and exploration as well as enhance the visual landscape of the multi-purpose room. Viewers will want to return often to enjoy and discover each panel. The public art intern, Deborah Landry, worked with a committee of seniors to research ideas and images for these montages. The artist, Helen Helwig, spent time at the local historical society to collect information for this artwork.The title for these five mosaic panels in the multi-purpose room is "Neighborhood Connections: We Are Family".

Artist Statement

Art is the core of my being. I embrace the idea that art is visual and can cross all boundaries, languages, cultures and communicate without words. As an artist, I believe we have the opportunity to be global communicators. Art opens the door for the communication to begin. My art reflects my diverse background and inquisitiveness to explore the human experience. My subjects are broad and are about beauty, psychology, environment and much more. It is easier to say everything. My art illuminates my personnel journey of enlightenment and bewilderment of being alive.

I’m inspired by the areas where art can be placed, not the need to fit existing objects into designated locations. When I see a site, I conceptually fill it in my mind’s eye. I focus on the space’s character and how best to use its potential. My goal is to have the viewer experience the space itself through the content I create. I employ textures and light, as well as ambient sounds and fragrances, to stimulate as many senses as possible. I want the viewer to be aware that something is happening within the space. Then I want the viewer to connect to the space and its contents. Finally, and most importantly, I want the viewer to internalize the entire encounter. Each of us has gaps within ourselves that are just waiting to be filled with new, enlightening experiences. I fill those inner, personal spaces with my external, art-filled spaces.