Atlanta to the Atlantic

Atlanta to the Atlantic: Connecting Communities to the South River

made in collaboration with Rachel Parish

Presented by Flux Projects in partnership with the South River Watershed Alliance (SRWA)

2024
Journey from Atlanta to the Atlantic (Browns Mill Golf Course to Sapelo Island): May 17 – June 30

Public Installations at three sites along South River tributaries in Atlanta: September 21 – December 21
— EXTENDED through January 30, 2025

Beginning in Atlanta, the South River flows southeast to the Atlantic Ocean, yet many Atlantans have never heard of it. Classified as the fourth most endangered river in the United States by American Rivers in 2021, Atlanta to the Atlantic aims to foster awareness of the South River and its environmental health by bringing people into closer relationship with its waters that run through their backyards.

A two-stage project, artists Rachel Parish and Sarah Cameron Sunde will first journey hundreds of miles on the river to the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, they will return to create a series of temporary public art installations in three Atlanta neighborhoods Arthur Langford Jr. Park, Kirkwood Urban Forest, and Perkerson Park.

The Journey: Launching mid-May, Parish and Sunde will spend over five weeks traveling by kayak and foot along the waters of the South River, from its beginnings in southeast Atlanta to Sapelo Island. A durational work, their journey will take them from the South River (aka Weelaunee) to the Ocmulgee, then along the Altamaha and finally to the Atlantic Ocean.

To highlight the interconnectedness of Georgia’s urban and rural communities, Parish and Sunde will invite engagement from local communities along the way. Documenting this journey through video, audio, drawing, and writings, their observations will construct a dynamic portrait of the human and natural communities that are united by this vital waterway.

The Installations: In the fall of 2025, their project will culminate with a series of temporary installations along the tributaries in three Atlanta neighborhoods. These installations (and supporting programs) will highlight the presence of the waterway, offer opportunities for recreation and reflection, and incorporate elements of the collective portrait that emerged along the journey.

Both a physical and artistic journey, Atlanta to the Atlantic seeks to bring residents in closer relationship with the water flowing through their neighborhoods, while strengthening community understanding of how to improve the river’s water quality and enhance the health of our environment.

PRESS +

CREDITS

ADVISORS

Jacqueline Echols  | South River Watershed Alliance

Margaret Spalding  | South River Watershed Alliance and the South River Forest Coalition

Dorian McDuffie | City of Atlanta Department of Planning

Nedra Deadwyler | Community Builder + Social Practitioner

Fletch Griffin | Westbrook Supply Company

Bahen Privett | Southeastern Paddlesports

Paul Medders | Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Ryan Gravel | Sixpitch

Kit and Mary Carson  | Ocmulgee Water Trail

James Reilly | Altamaha Riverkeeper

Joe Cook | Georgia River Network

Ben Emanuel | American Rivers

Teri Nye | National Park Service

Scott Taylor | Three Rivers Outdoors

Adam Heagy and Madison Green | Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions

Cindy Dennard | SouthEast Adventure Outfitters

Neill Herring | Environmental Lobbyist

Francis J. Magilligan | Professor of Geology and Policy Studies

Janisse Ray  | Author, Ecology of a Cracker Childhood et al.

Suzanne Welander  |  Author, Canoeing & Kayaking Georgia

Richard Milligan |  Political Geologist, University of Georgia

Adam McKinnon |  Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Cathy Sakas |  Coastal Naturalist

Marie Lorenz |  Artist, Tide and Current Taxi

EVENTS

Project Launch / The Journey Begins
Friday, May 17, 11am – 12

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOPS with Nedra Deadwyler:

Flow Like Water Workshop
Mon, April 29, 5pm – 7pm

Flow Like Water Workshop
Sat, May 4, 11am – 1pm

Flow Like Water Workshop
Sat, May 4, 2pm – 4pm