08/26/2026
A Message from Mel Whitehead, Executive Director of the Sautee Nacoochee Center:
Over the past several weeks, there has been a great deal of conversation and emotion surrounding the mural painted on the side of the gym. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge what many people already know: it is a beautiful and meaningful work of art that has touched our community and sparked important conversations about creativity, place, and expression.
As discussions continue, I would like to share some important facts about the mural and the historic gymnasium:
•The mural was originally created as a backdrop for SOLFest's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
•The installation was intended to be temporary from the beginning. Because of the mural's temporary nature, the exterior surface of the gym was not scraped, prepared, or primed for a long-term mural installation.
•Without proper preparation, the mural will begin to peel off in the coming months. The existing paint on the building was already peeling due to much needed maintenance. As the mural’s paint separates from the building, the wooden exterior beneath it will be left vulnerable to damage and deterioration.
•Applying a clear protective coating is not a long-term solution. While varnish might temporarily secure the artwork, it cannot stop the underlying paint layers from separating from the structure. Experts agree that this approach would ultimately fail and would create additional preservation issues.
•Preserving the gym is our responsibility. Restoration of the historic gym has been made possible through grants awarded by organizations committed to historic preservation, and those that fund the restoration of historic theatres. These grants require that the building's original historic character be maintained, and they do not support permanent murals on exterior surfaces that are not original to the building. Making the mural permanent would jeopardize future restoration funding and would even require the return of grant funds already awarded this year for exterior restoration work.
Moving Forward:
•The mural will remain on the building much longer than originally planned, allowing visitors and community members additional time to enjoy and appreciate it. In March, artist Hoke Johnston will personally paint over the mural, reinforcing a concept that has long been part of artistic traditions around the world: the beauty of impermanence.
•The process is reminiscent of Tibetan Buddhist monks who spend months creating intricate sand mandalas, only to sweep them away as a reminder that all things are temporary. The value of the artwork is not diminished by its impermanence; rather, its temporary nature becomes part of its meaning and story.
•To ensure the mural's legacy is remembered, a large-scale reproduction will be created and permanently displayed inside the gymnasium, accompanied by a plaque recognizing and commemorating the work and its significance to our community.
At the Sautee Nacoochee Center, we remain committed both to supporting artistic expression and to preserving the historic structures entrusted to our care. We appreciate the passion, concern, and thoughtful dialogue this mural has inspired, and we look forward to honoring both the artwork and the historic gym for years to come. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
With gratitude for your continued support of the arts, historic preservation, and our community,
Mel Whitehead Executive Director Sautee Nacoochee Center 706-878-3300 x301
