It was a day of creativity where art finds its way into the heart and brings people together. There were paintbrushes, colors, volunteers, and smiles. Saturday, April 13, Cornelia hosted an art event for the community to come out and paint at the site of the new mural.
Community involvement
Habersham Central students Jaciyah Rucker, Jahzion Rucker, and Ebonie King wanted to be involved and help in the community. Jahzion said, “It’s been a great opportunity to come out and serve the community and watch all the kids and families gather around and paint and have a fun time and be as one.”
Audrey Davenport, CEO of Soque Street, LLC [Creative Community Development], and head of the project to paint murals in downtown Cornelia, felt the day was overall a success.
“I wish that more people would’ve been able to come out and participate, but it was a good day,” she said.
The grant
The Georgia Council for the Arts awarded the City of Cornelia a $5,000 grant to be used for the “Tim Loves Tink” project. The Grant is for the beautification of Downtown Cornelia using murals. One of the grant’s requirements is community involvement, which Davenport believes has been accomplished.
The project has always been about “love stands the test of time,” which is Davenport said is indicative of the Tim Loves Tink symbol on the underpass.
It is an urban legend of sorts. Little is known about the words written on top of the underpass in Cornelia, which have become quite famous for all those who live in the Northeast Georgia area.
The story goes that the words were written sometime in the 1960s. When the railroad painted over them, the words would reappear. Eventually, the city painted the words on the underpass, adopting it as a sort of historical landmark.
While many may argue over the origins and true intent of this public profession of adoration, ‘Tim Loves Tink’, has become an icon of sorts for resilience and love.
Tim Loves Tink
The mystery of Tim Loves Tink may be more appealing than the reality. Only a few people claim to know who Tim is or if Tink loved him and most of them aren’t talking. Some, however, say it isn’t the love story many imagine. Still, Davenport said she isn’t sure if it matters who they are. The message is the citizens’ love for the community and the expression of that love for one another and the city of Cornelia.
Judge Steve Campbell, who has served as attorney for the city of Cornelia since 1995, owns the building where the mural will be painted.
“I love this! We’ve had great people involved. Audrey has done a phenomenal job in putting all this together,” Campbell said.
Campbell is excited about all the changes and growth in Cornelia. He looks forward to seeing how the mural evolves and what it brings as an addition to Cornelia.
“The goal is to have the mural completed by May 31st,” Davenport added. “Cornelia loves ‘Tim Loves Tink.’ Today was just another example of how the Cornelia community supports one another. It is all about love.”
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