This lion sculpture is part of sculptures curated by Mellow Mushroom Pizza.

Art on the Beltline is a community affair. Local businesses, organizations, individuals, and many more commission Beltline art. This sculpture is part of Atlanta-founded Mellow Mushroom’s Beltline art contribution. Curbed Atlanta reports, the section Beltline between Edgewood and DeKalb, “features an eclectic collection of large metal sculptures curated by one of the original founders of Mellow Mushroom, … Banks Weinstein has spent years traveling the world and collecting unique memorabilia to serve as points of distinction for each Mellow Mushroom restaurant.” The Lion sits nexts to other sculptures fashioned from found materials. The works are detailed, huge, colorful, and even humorous in some cases.

This lion is one example of the fact that the community supports Beltline art. The diversity of organizations and artists creates space for a variety of aesthetics. Beltline art captures Atlanta’s history, natural beauty, and current place as a global citizen. To talk about art on the Beltline and not recognize the collaborative commitment the effort takes is to miss a huge opportunity to lift up this unique public gift.

A Note on my Atlanta Beltline Writing Project

I am practicing paying attention. I am practicing noticing beauty. I am practicing getting in touch with my artist self. I am practicing connecting with the outdoors. I am practicing my inner Mary Oliver. I live in Atlanta, “the city in a forest.” I live on the Atlanta Beltline, an interurban trail that graces the city. The Beltline is part arboretum, part art gallery, part park. It connects shops and restaurants and homes with people of all descriptions. I walk on the Beltline 4 or 5 times a week. I have spent the last year appreciating all that it is. I have personally photographed the images I will share. My hope is to write about it — its art, trees, landmarks, etc.— for the next few weeks as spring unfolds