Things have changed, no matter the excitement many have felt over the past few weeks about the “Everybody Loves Tim Loves Tink The Underpass” Mural project. The railroad Norfolk Southern denied the project to paint murals below the underpass.
Tim Loves Tink
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, the words were written at some time in the 60s. When the railroad would paint over it, the words would reappear. It has become an icon of sorts for resilience and love.
The railroad gave in and finally left the words in place. It has remained a mystery of sorts for residents and those passing through. Whenever the railroad painted the underpass, they made certain the words were repainted as well to remain as long as possible.
“We don’t know who Tim is or if Tink loved him. We don’t know if they were actual people. The only evidence they existed is simply in the words,” Noah Hamil, Cornelia’s Main Street Director explained.
The decision
The decision was delivered Monday afternoon after Donald “Dee” Anderson, Cornelia’s City Manager, met with railway engineers. There is a crack that engineers have been looking at for 30 years or more. Since the underpass was built in 1920, the remarkable structure is over 100 years old. Painting over the crack could cause an inability to monitor it, which is the fear of having the murals.
“Of course, we were disappointed, but we are already looking at other options,” Audrey Davenport, lead artist and the murals project manager, told Now Habersham.
Georgia Council for the Arts
Anderson talked about the Grant that was awarded from the Georgia Council for the Arts that was to be used for the Tim Loves Tink project. The Grant was given for the beautification of Downtown Cornelia using murals – not for the Tim Loves Tink Underpass – although it could be used for it. Anderson said the Grant is still available.
Anderson remarked, “We are reaching out to privately owned businesses. There are so many great buildings and mural opportunities.”
Davenport emphasized the project has always been about LOVE and how “love stands the test of time”. The project has evolved into a love for downtown and everything about Cornelia. Davenport added, “We are continuing.”
Mural artist David McShane
And continuing, they are. On February 8th, David McShane, the famous mural artist and educator from Philadelphia will be in Cornelia for a day of discussion, education, and collaboration. He is here to talk about how municipalities work with artists and artists with municipalities. There are plans to visit the Piedmont University campus to engage with students and to have an exhibit for school-age students to display their artwork.
If you would like more information, please contact Cornelia’s Main Street Director Noah Hamil at 706-778-8585, ext. 209.
