Lilburn to Transform Old Town Building with Mural

From a City of Lilburn press release

The Lilburn City Council has commissioned a local artist to paint a mural on the Cofer Electric building at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Main Street in Old Town.

At Monday’s regular meeting, the Council approved the painting and design of a startlingly life-like bridge scene.

“I think it is important to develop artwork that generates interest in our city. As we place artwork throughout our city, all of this begins to come together to change the image of Lilburn,” Mayor Johnny Crist said.

Work on the Cofer mural could begin as early as January, local artist Sonny Franks said. A full-sized rendering of the mural will be projected onto the building during the Lilburn Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. Dec. 1.

“It isn’t just a mural,” said Franks, who is part of a group of artists that travels the country painting murals. “This is really the beginning of something a lot bigger.”

Franks and Crist are working to form an art association in Lilburn that will commission works of public art, support local artists of all kinds, and create studio space in Old Town.

The $10,000 maximum cost of the mural is funded through the city’s Public Art Fund; businesses constructing a building valued at more than $750,000 contribute to the fund in lieu of placing a work of art in their commercial development.

Those interested in participating in a city art association may contact Sonny Franks, signcreations@comcast.net, 770-923-9933.

— Nikki Young