Art Along the Betline

Art as a feature of the Atlanta Beltline and the built environment encourages increased physical activity and improved fitness. These photos were taken along the Eastside Trail of the Beltline near the Inman Park neighborhood.  With a health and wellness focus, the Atlanta Beltline installs artwork scattered along the trail which changes every fall.  Each new season is kicked off by lantern making workshops followed by a parade in mid to late October.  Community involvement and participation in events such as the Lantern Parade encourage community unity and pride which in turn encourages residents to promote the use of the beltline to residents and others around the city.  The art along the Eastside trail is scattered strategically to ensure the trail is aesthetically pleasing in hopes that people are more likely to use the path for exercise.  The Eastside trail could be described as an urban art gallery with pieces changing periodically and a full overhaul every fall.  The art strategically installed along the beltline relates to the built environment in the fact that it improves the aesthetics of the trail.  While people may be less interested in ensuring the recommended amounts of daily exercise, if a trail is nearby and visually appealing, it may encourage more people to get at least 30 minutes of walking/running exercise per day, if for no other reason that to see what is new along the trail. The art is strategically placed so that it takes several trips along the length of the east side trail to absorb everything including art, landscape design and architecture.