PHOTO ABOVE: From left to right,
Tanya McCain, Director, Mable House Art Center with Lead Artists: Kira Corser, Lisa Parsons and Leslie Couch

Mableton, Georgia: A Story of Resilience and Renewal

Mableton, Georgia, became a city in 1912 but lost its cityhood five years later. A massive flood destroyed much of the area, and the city lacked the insurance to rebuild. Despite this, many residents chose to stay. They built essential resources, but without city planning or official leadership.

The community grew in an unstructured way. After 105 years, Mableton voted to become a city again. The residents elected a mayor and sought ways to unite. They aimed to build a future that served their families and future generations intentionally.

A New Vision for Mableton

Posts for Peace and Justice partnered with Mable House Arts Center, local artists, and MIC (Mableton Improvement Coalition). Volunteers came together to strengthen and support the community. The county Parks department, church leaders, community groups, and engaged citizens worked to create something new while honoring the past.

Art as a Tool for Connection

The Posts for Peace and Justice project brought people together to discuss meaningful issues. Participants shared perspectives and collaborated to create art that represented their collective voices. They used the posts to express group ideas effectively and communicate them to the public.

Why We Call Them “Pillars” of the Community

The group named these posts “pillars” to symbolize the hopes, dreams, and aspirations for their new city. Participants discussed what they loved about Mableton and what needed improvement. They envisioned changes that better served the community today and in the future.

They also wanted the pillars to honor the past. Through art, they marked the community’s achievements and clarified the foundations for future growth. These were revealed at the Taste of Mableton Festival, April 13, 2024.

Collaborative Creation

Nearly 50 people attended the first group session to identify what they cherished and what needed change. Over two days, many returned, joined by more than 30 new participants. Together, they painted six collaborative pillars. These pillars will be displayed at the Mable House Art Center for several months before being installed outside the center.

This project reflects Mableton’s spirit, honoring its roots while building a brighter future.