The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) announces the unveiling of Spirit Bench, a newly restored sculpture originally done by the late John Riddle.
A renowned artist and major contributor to Atlanta’s arts and culture, Riddle was the recipient of many awards as well as public art commissions. Riddle created Spirit Bench for the City of Atlanta in 1976. That same year, he was awarded a sculpture commission by the State of Georgia to produce a work for the Georgia State Capital grounds entitled: Expelled Because of Color. In 1984, he was commissioned by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authorities (MARTA) to create four wall sculptures for the Tenth Street Midtown Station.
Although born and educated in Los Angeles, California, Riddle was an active member of the Atlanta community for many years and became a high school art teacher, varsity football coach and arts administrator. From April, 1984 until his retirement in 1997, he was also an employee of the City of Atlanta.
“We are pleased to take this opportunity to celebrate John Riddle’s sculpture and to showcase the excellent job the Public Art Program does of preserving Atlanta’s Public Art,” said Office of Cultural Affairs Director, Camille Love.
The OCA Public Art Program will unveil the piece during a re-dedication ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, July 24 at 7 pm at Arthur Langford Park. The park is located at 1614 Arthur Langford Place, Atlanta, GA 30315. This event is free and the public is invited to join Riddle’s family and friends for the unveiling and reception that will follow the ceremony.
OCA is a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs [DPRCA], was established in 1974 to encourage and support Atlanta’s cultural resources. In order to improve the social fabric and quality of life for Atlanta’s citizens and visitors, OCA is committed to nurturing excellence and diversity in the city’s artistic offerings. Acknowledging that the arts play an essential role in defining the cultural life of the city and contribute substantially to the city’s economy, our organization strives to enhance Atlanta’s reputation as a cultural destination. The Office seeks to support programs that educate and expose the public to a rich and diverse range of cultural expression and aspires to make arts available to everyone. For more information, contact Malkia M’Buzi Moore, Public Art Program Project Supervisor or visit our Web site at: www.ocaatlanta.com.
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For more information about this and services of the City of Atlanta visit our website at www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26.