The City of Dunwoody Economic Development Department showcased the potential of transforming vast parking lots into vibrant gathering places, thereby attracting people to the area for business retention and development.  For the first Activate the Asphalt event, Renasant Bank on Dunwoody Village Parkway allowed the City to use its underutilized back parking lot for a public art community involvement event.

A 31.4’x31.5’ maze was painted on the ground in the parking lot with an artistic design at the entrance and exit of the maze.  The project tied into Brave Nu’s Exploring Street Art in Atlanta, a six-week course held at Spruill Center for the Arts.

Rachel Griner, founder of Brave Nu, managed the design and execution of the maze. As part of the course, Brave Nu teaching assistant Tenesha Carter Johnson led the class in a public art workshop to design elements of the maze.  Students and the community participated in painting the maze.

Project Timeline 2023

November 7 - Art Commission considered the Activate the Asphalt Public Art Application.
November 9 – City of Dunwoody barricaded parking lot and placed picnic tables, lights, and signs on lot. 
November 11-17 - Prepped parking lot.
November 18 - Community Paint Day - Over 50 volunteers participated in 2-hour shifts.
February 1, 2024 - Project Ends