Cornelia is one step closer to realizing its vision for a Tim Loves Tink mural at the Wells Street Underpass. The Georgia Council for the Arts awarded the town a $5,000 grant for the project.
The Vibrant Communities Grant will go toward the design and creation of the community art project, which aims to enhance the overall look of downtown while preserving an iconic piece of Cornelia’s history.
A celebration of love
A graffitied love note saying “Tim Loves Tink” first appeared on the Wells Street underpass decades ago. Each time the city painted over it, someone painted it back. That went on for years until the city gave in and painted the phrase in big, bold, black letters on the underpass.
Cornelia is now working with local graphic designer and artist Audrey Davenport to turn those words and the blank underpass walls into a mural celebrating love. The city must complete the project by June 2024 according to the terms of the grant.
“Immediately, we are asking that businesses (in particular, and most specifically businesses in downtown Cornelia), schools, churches, and organizations participate in hosting pop-up activities as a way to generate buzz that will create opportunities for community participation, which this the main focus of this public art project,” says Davenport.
Organizers have booked an artist-led “make-it, take-it” event for late November. Davenport hopes more local artists will showcase their work through similar events hosted by local businesses and organizations.
“This promotes them and their work while giving the participants a learning experience as well,” she says.
Organizers are also asking the public to get involved by scanning a QR code placed on flyers throughout the community. This code leads you to a site where you can volunteer your stories – real or imagined – about Tim and Tink, submit artwork, purchase t-shirts, and volunteer to help.
A communitywide Tim Loves Tink event is being planned for February to coincide with what Davenport describes as “the love month.” She says they’re still looking for a major sponsor to help host that event.
About the grant
Cornelia was one of 58 applicants in 43 Georgia counties to receive a Vibrant Communities Grant. The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) awarded grants to those who had not previously received GCA funding for the 2024 grants cycle.
“We are excited to receive this funding to help with the cost of the proposed ‘Tim Loves Tink’ Mural Project,” says Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson.
Funding for the grants comes through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly.
