A Soccer‑Inspired Public Artwork Takes Shape in Marietta
The Gateway Marietta Community Improvement District, in partnership with the City of Marietta, will host a community art event on June 4 that turns a four‑foot‑tall, three‑dimensional soccer ball into a permanent public installation. The piece is designed to capture the diversity and energy of the local neighborhood and will be displayed at the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex.
Local schools, businesses and civic organizations will each paint a section of the sculpture, allowing dozens of participants to leave their mark on the work. The collaborative process begins with a kickoff gathering and then proceeds through scheduled painting sessions that will fill the day with color and creativity.
Mark Lawson, chairman of the board of the Gateway Marietta CID, said soccer has an incredible ability to bring communities together, highlighting how the project uses sport as a catalyst for connection and shared expression.
Mayor Steve Tumlin added that he is proud to see the Franklin Gateway corridor continue to grow, noting that the artwork exemplifies the city’s broader strategy of placemaking, beautification and community engagement.
Residents and visitors are invited to attend the event and watch the ball take shape throughout the day, offering a unique opportunity to witness art in the making and to celebrate the spirit of togetherness that the installation represents.
A Lasting Symbol for the Community
When the final brushstroke is applied, the soccer ball will remain a permanent fixture at the sports complex, serving as a visual reminder of the collaborative effort that brought it to life. City officials say the artwork will continue to inspire future projects that blend public art with community identity.