It is a memory of sorts, a mark of distinction, which Cornelia has carried for years. How many years, no one knows. A mystery that those who live in the area understand and those who visit long to know. While no one knows who Tim was or if Tink ever loved him, it symbolizes the “test of time.” The mural leaves an imprint for years to come of Cornelia’s adoration for Tim and his love for Tink.
The project began over a year ago with an idea to add the beauty of murals to Cornelia.
RELATED Cornelia loves ‘Tim Loves Tink’ mural project
Community involvement
Those who pass by the building honk their horns or call from the window of their car in a celebratory manner about the mural which now is complete in downtown Cornelia. Judge Steve and Susan Campbell offered their building to house the mural of the famed Tim Loves Tink Underpass. Thursday, May 30th, will be the Dedication Celebration of the Mural from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“It has been a labor of love,” expressed Audrey Davenport, CEO of Soque Street, LLC [Creative Community Development] and head of the project to paint murals in downtown Cornelia. “We hope the city of Cornelia will treasure this mural for years to come.”
Artists join to help
Davenport has been working on the project since its inception. “I feel a little bit too tired to feel completely happy, but I’m excited. The biggest part for me is everyone’s reactions,” Davenport said about the mural project coming to completion.
“I didn’t even think about that part when I considered community engagement. The people driving by, stopping by, giving the thumbs up, has been a huge part of this project.”
Emily Pahuamha, a 2023 Habersham Central High School graduate, spent the year at Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts, studying art, film, and photography.
Her summer plans will carry her to Washington, DC, where she will assist in painting a mural with a well-known artist. Emily offered her help in completing the mural.
“The mural brings color to Cornelia,” Emily said with a smile. “I saw it when I first came to town and just loved it.”
The journey to completion
Davenport loves that the project is done and that it was done in the correct amount of time. People have helped in different ways along the journey to completion.
It hasn’t turned out exactly as Davenport wanted it to. Initially, the mural was to be painted on the walls of the underpass, which houses the words “Tim Loves Tink.” Railroad engineers, however, felt it would cause a safety issue because of a crack in the wall, which they have been watching closely for 30 years.
There were logistical problems such as projecting the image at night onto the wall, the use of the bucket truck, and having to draw parts of it by hand.
Annabelle Jackson, Tallulah Falls Class of 2024, has actively participated in this project. She will be heading to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta this Fall.
“Art brightens up areas and brings people together,” Annabelle said. She is responsible for painting the fire hydrants in the downtown area. Annabelle’s love for art is deep and she appreciates how the sight of art can change people’s outlooks on life.
“I know things change,” Davenport added. “Some of the murals I did years ago are covered up now. I hope this one will be around for a long time because it is the first one.”
The dedication celebration of the beautiful Tim Loves Tink Mural will be held in downtown Cornelia, on Thursday, May 30th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
