In Smyrna, art is popping up in the most unexpected places -- and it’s bringing joy to everyone who passes by. Thanks to a spirited collaboration between the City of Smyrna, the Smyrna Fire Department, and local artists, ordinary fire hydrants along Atlanta Road have been transformed into vibrant works of art. Known as The ARTery project, this colorful initiative turns the city’s streetscape into an open-air gallery that invites everyone to see our community with fresh eyes.
The idea for this project came from Public Art Consultant Anna Talarico of Designing Local and quickly won the hearts of the Public Art Committee. It was spearheaded by City administration staff in collaboration with the Fire Department and Public Works -- showing the power of cross-departmental teamwork to bring creativity to life in Smyrna.
Safety was a top priority, with artists donning bright vests and carefully avoiding the hydrant caps to ensure firefighters could still access them in an emergency. From there, the city coordinated closely with artists to ensure compliance while fostering creative expression.
The selection of hydrants was a joint effort -- city staff and the Fire Department worked together to identify locations that would maintain safety and add a touch of whimsy to our daily routines. Smyrna City Council Member and chair of the Public Art Committee, Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr., couldn’t be happier. “I’m thrilled by the enthusiasm from both local artists and the community,” he says. “It shows that Smyrna is not just a city, but a place that values creativity and connection.”
The results are as delightful as they are diverse. From Laselle’s Cool Down to Jaliyah Nicole’s Euphoria, each hydrant has its own personality. Some are playful and bright, like Marisa Leilani’s Flowers, while others, like Patricia Hernandez’s Flow of Life, offer a moment of quiet reflection. One artist, Leah Abucayan, even painted two hydrants -- The Firefighter and Drawn to Life -- adding layers of storytelling to our sidewalks.
Beyond adding color to our daily commutes, The ARTery reflects Smyrna’s broader vision for public art -- art that’s woven into our shared spaces, accessible to all, and a true reflection of the community’s soul. As Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. shared, “This project is a great example of how art can brighten our days and build a stronger sense of pride in our city.”
So next time you’re out for a walk, look down -- because in Smyrna, even a fire hydrant can spark a little joy.
Pull quote:
“Art doesn’t need galleries—sometimes it’s right there on your sidewalk, brightening your day.”