The City of Suwanee is thrilled to share the story behind Suwanee’s latest mural. “Futurist” was recently completed on Pierce’s Corner, one of the oldest commercial buildings in Suwanee and located in our historic Old Town area.

Built in 1910, the building was most notably known as “the shop of many things.” Pierce’s Corner began as a 6,000-square-foot general store but later functioned as a silent movie theater, dentist office, antique store, and gas station and the second floor was once a Masonic Lodge. The city purchased the building in 2005 to renovate and preserve this piece of our history. The Suwanee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) shouldered the expense of the current renovation as its approach centers on strengthening the economic viability of downtown through economic development, aesthetic improvements, historic preservation, and promotion and image-building efforts. The DDA has taken a forward-thinking approach to downtown development by strategically purchasing real estate in the downtown area to effectively catalyze development through targeted recruitment of unique shops and restaurants that fit the character of Suwanee.

Looking to bring large-scale, unique public art to the City’s historic area and to enhance the beauty of the building, the City received a matching funds grant from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund. Painted on a wall that is 97 ft long and 30 ft high the mural, “Futurist,” features bright colorful abstracts along with the familiar beauty of flowers. The focal point of the mural is an astronaut – but why? Astronauts symbolize hope, and in this mural, she is hopefully looking to the future. Georgia artist Shannon Lake was commissioned to paint the mural after careful selection following a request for proposal process. The Suwanee Public Arts Commission and the Suwanee Downtown Development Authority sponsored the project.

“Futurist” is another impactful public art piece added to the extensive offerings in Suwanee.