Public Art Activist calls it a “Job Well Done”

By: Jeff Miller

The Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND) organization has had the goal to “Identify and establish sites for public art and to maximize the benefit of the community’s existing non-park public space” for many years. But like any goal, getting it accomplished takes dedicated people with a passion to see it happen. Susan Beauchamp fits that description perfectly. She has been part of the SEND Public Space Committee, and specifically served as the chairperson of the Public Art sub-committee, for over seven years. And so much has happened during that time.

One of the most visual things that Susan’s sub-committee accomplished is of course working with the city to create the beautiful gateway structure that sits on Virginia Ave. Other achievements of the sub-committee include adding several new murals (along with the establishment of suggested guidelines for all temporary art), promoting artwork, such as the horse that proudly stood on display on the Bates-Hendricks esplanade, putting on two Art Parades through Fountain Square and Fletcher Place, and the formation of the Fountain Square Arts Council (FSAC). Additionally, the sub-committee has helped identify locations for future pieces of artwork, applied for grants for art, established a great relationship with the Cultural Trail team (particularly Mindy Taylor Ross who is in charge of public art along the trail) and inspired so many others with a passion for all things art.

It was the formation of the FSAC that finally led Susan to feel it was time to say “Mission Accomplished” and step down in her role as head of the Public Art sub-committee. With all the great work that the FSAC has done and will continue to do, Susan sees an opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy all of the art she has helped create in the area. Now, being a very humble spirit, Susan would quickly say that it wasn’t her that did these things, but a team of individuals who all worked together to make it happen. And while she would of course be correct, none could question that Susan was the heart and soul for years who had the passion to see these things come to fruition. And for this, we say “Thanks, Susan!” The area is a much more culturally rich place because of all you have done. And for that, we are very grateful.