Want to take a selfie with Vincent Van Gogh?
A new mural on the front of the 523 Gallery on 13th Street will provide the perfect opportunity, according to Dennis Skelley, president and CEO of the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute which is housed in the building.
“Van Gogh is very popular right now,” said Skelley, citing the immersive exhibition of Van Gogh’s art that has drawn crowds to bigger cities such as Atlanta.
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The mural featuring the artist is just the right height for people to interact with it, and that’s just what Skelley, who also serves as chairman of the city of Augusta’s public art panel, wants.
And people are interacting.
The windows of the building are tinted so Skelley can see out, but people can’t see in.
Recently, a couple stopped by and began taking photos. The man took photos of the woman he was with standing next to Van Gogh and then they switched places. Also in the mural is a bicycle giving a nod to Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse next door.
The man pretended to get on the bicycle.
Then they saw it. The pièce de résistance — Van Gogh’s ear painted nearby on the sidewalk.
Skelley said they took their photos pretending to be horrified and acting out what they’d do if they’d found a real ear.
Painted by StewART Designs, the mural facing 13th Street joins another mural on the side of the building.
The “Love Where You Live Augusta” mural was also painted by StewART and has become a popular location for photo shoots for people from models to mothers and daughters.
Also on the property is a pocket garden with several moving sculptures by Skelley and artist Tommy Lyles. The sculptures have names such as Thistle, Tulip and Hedgerow.
While there is plenty of art to see outside the gallery, an array of works by other artists await inside the building. Founded in 1986, the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute had a multi-pronged mission to help people with disabilities. One of the prongs was Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, which it sold in 2013. The proceeds have been used to continue helping disabled people in the area. The institute also owned residences such as Harrison Heights and Walton West.
Inside the 523 Gallery are painting, some of which, hung in the halls of Walton Rehabilitation Hospital. Created by Georgia artists with disabilities, they include acrylics and watercolors.
Skelley said these pieces represent the gallery’s permanent collection, but he’s hopeful that to open the gallery for traveling exhibitions and artist receptions by other artists who have disabilities.
COVID-19 has put a halt to those plans so far.
The gallery is currently open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To learn more, visit the523gallery.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
