Earlier this month the Greenway Public Arts Committee met for the second time and it was truly an inspirational gathering. The group was formed out of an interest that grew from the notion that this was a next logical step for our Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway. With four miles of Greenway on the ground, it is time to examine how the linear park can go beyond being simply a recreational and fitness venue.

The Cleveland Daily Banner has run several articles the last few weeks following the progress of the initiative. The biggest news item has been the placement of the “big yellow chair” just off of Raider Drive. Called “Sitting Tall,” the sculpture is the creation of local artist Josh Coleman. The chair is serving as the inspiration for a 5K race being conducted Aug. 25.

Coleman and six others are charter members of GPAC. It was these six who made for a spirited discussion on Aug. 9 when we met to firmly establish the subcommittee of the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway Board. The group that gathered included Coleman, who is also an art teacher in Hamilton County; Glo Geghan, a local entrepreneur and art advocate; Laura Haile, a recent college graduate with an art degree; Joe McCullough, owner of Theme Fusion, an artist whose larger-than-life creations are located across the nation, including in dentist’s offices and at the First Baptist Church of Cleveland; Daniel Hennessey, concept artist at Theme Fusion; Tara Brown, a local resident and art enthusiast; and Judy Chandler, liaison from the Greenway board.

One of the first items the group did was adopt a mission statement. It is as follows: “To provide opportunities for cultural and artistic expressions on the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway with a goal to enhance outdoor experiences through public art.”

They then took to discussing what artistic opportunities could be offered in our community, and they didn’t all center on placing additional sculptures — although that is certainly part of the plan. There was talk of musical expressions by providing a permanent stage for planned and impromptu concerts. There was also talk of cultural and artistic events to be offered in fall as the weather cools.

Before the GPAC adjourned the members decided there was too much on the table to wait a month to gather again so they scheduled another meeting for the end of this month. They also elected a chairman of the committee, Tara Brown.

Look for exciting things to come from the GPAC as they endeavor to provide cultural and artistic opportunities for our community.