Wills Park’s next sculpture could hang from a tree

A roughly 250-pound mobile could bring moving art to a tree along Wills Park’s new spine pathway. Local artist Steve McPhail’s copper-and-stainless-steel sculpture is designed to rotate a full circle within a 12-foot cube, according to his specifications.⁠[1]

The proposed six-month loan would cost $2,700: $1,000 for the artist’s on-loan payment and $1,700 for installation. McPhail approached Alpharetta’s Cultural Services Division about displaying the work in his hometown, according to the staff report.⁠[1]

The packet identifies the proposed location near the lower baseball fields, past Wacky World. City staff say they reviewed the sculpture with the public-art installer and found its fabrication solid and safe. The staff arborist also approved the selected tree as suitable for the sculpture’s weight and clearance from neighboring trees.⁠[1]

The Public Art Review Committee recommends approval, but final approval belongs to the Cultural Arts Commission. The staff report also lists denial as its only alternative under “Staff Recommendation,” without explaining the mismatch with the committee’s endorsement.⁠[1]

The commission is scheduled to consider the application Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza. The application remains a proposal before that review; the materials do not establish a firm installation date.⁠[1][2]