Donna Pickens’ New Sun Rising vibrantly celebrates the Southwest Arts Center as a building that metaphorically acts as a huge stage, fostering the wonders of creativity in all the various art disciplines. Using hand-sculpted and glazed ceramic tiles and mosaic glass tesserae, Pickens has created whimsical imagery and bold abstract patterns that suggest rhythm, movement, music, drama, and visual arts. In the center of the arch, a large sun rises; its six sunrays radiating across the building, dividing the mosaic mural into seven large sections. Sitting on top of the sun is the image of a masked African female figure, representing the Creative Source. From her, streams of color and energy emanate, implying the power of music and rhythm. Images of hands playing instruments, such as the saxophone, guitar, and piano, as well as musical and rhythmic symbols can be seen. Blue mosaic wave patterns honor Judith Jamison, of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and her unforgettable performance of the spiritual “Wade in the Water” many years ago. Other panels represent drama, writing, and the visual arts with images of masks, paper, and pen, a palette, and easel. New Sun Rising enlivens the entrance of Southwest Arts Center and welcomes people to take part in the creativity that lies within.

This work is now managed by the City of South Fulton.