Local Stories

Using creative storytelling to present lesser-known facts about Atlanta's rich history.

Atlanta Downtown works with curators to select Atlanta artists who are then tasked with interpreting a local story through a visual lens. One Local Stories artwork is displayed each month on the digital sign at Margaret Mitchell Square (140 Peachtree St NW) and can be seen daily in between commercial content.

Atlanta Downtown worked with historians Lance and Jennifer Russell of Stories of Atlanta to write the stories and provide historical information to inform the artwork. Each artist had the opportunity to meet with the historians and the artwork was reviewed by the Russells for historical accuracy.

Winter 2025/26 Curator: Arelious Cooper

After 20 plus years of being in professional basketball and serving every possible role in professional sports from ball boy (Atlanta Hawks) to international player and coach to minor league team owner A.R. Cooper accomplished about all he could in basketball. Throughout the years the one consistent thing no, matter what role he served in, was giving back to the community. The 2020 pandemic grounded Cooper and brought him back to Atlanta where he started Art in the Paint, an organization that transforms neglected neighborhood basketball courts into community centers without walls. Since its inception the organization has painted courts for over 20 communities from East Point Georgia to Ethiopia. Some of the highlights have been working with Footlocker, United Health Care, Lil Baby, Renee Montgomery, SCAD, The Boys and Girls club and President Jimmy Carter. Cooper has even been featured in Essence Magazine. After making a huge pivot and connecting the worlds of sports, art and community, Cooper hopes to be able to change the world with his innovative solution-based work.