A Canvas on the Pitch
Create Dunwoody is turning the streets of Dunwoody into a vibrant gallery as part of a Soccer Ball Art Exhibit that invites residents to transform ordinary soccer balls into works of art. The initiative coincides with the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring the sport’s spotlight to Atlanta, and aims to fuse creativity with community spirit.
Three display walls — located at Politan Row on Ashford Lane, at CT Cantina & Taqueria on Campus 244, and at Big Play — will showcase the decorated balls. Participants can drop their creations into collection boxes beside each wall, while a series of pop‑up workshops offers guided design sessions, including a session on High Street scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a modest $8 fee.
The historical inspiration behind the project can be traced to the Adidas Telstar, the iconic 32‑panel ball that debuted at the 1970 World Cup and was engineered for visibility on the monochrome televisions of its era. While modern balls differ in design, the exhibit pays homage to that legacy by encouraging participants to experiment with bold patterns and colors.
Rosemary Watts, executive director of Create Dunwoody, says the exhibit is less about competition and more about “celebrating creativity and community engagement.” Her words underscore the organization’s mission to provide a platform where art and sport intersect for the benefit of residents.
After the submission deadline, a selection of balls will be featured on the Art Walls and on the exhibit’s dedicated webpage. Community voting will soon commence, and winners will be announced during watch parties tied to World Cup matches, with prize packages ranging from cocktail soirées and hotel stays to restaurant gift cards, Mathnasium scholarships, and Rush Union awards.
A portion of the decorated balls will be donated to local nonprofits and schools, ensuring that the artistic impact extends beyond the gallery walls. The project is made possible through the support of partners such as Rush Union, Campus 244, Ashford Lane, High Street, Big Play, and the craftsmanship of local carpenter Keith Grant, who built the display structures.
Organizers invite anyone interested to learn more and submit their designs at https://www.createdunwoody.org/soccerart, emphasizing that the event is open to all ages and skill levels.