SOPHIE SCHOLL MURAL PROJECT

“What does my death matter, if by our acts thousands are warned and alerted?”
— Sophie Scholl

(Left-to-Right) Goethe Zentrum Executive Director - Oliver Gorf, Deputy Consul General - Kirsten Steltzer, ARTIST - ERIC NINE, Atlanta City Councilmember - Liliana Bakhtiari, Cabbagetown Wall Chair / Project Director - John Dirga.

RIBBON CUTTING: Thurs, June 30, 2022 6:30p / CLICK FOR DETAILS

click to visit: german-institute.org

click to see finalists in depth

Goethe Zentrum Atlanta Executive Director Oliver Gorf conceptualized the mural as an innovative way to engage Georgians about the history and contemporary relevance of Sophie’s struggle. Cabbagetown Initiative Wall Chair John Dirga developed an extended selection process that explored diverse perspectives, collected extensive interviews, and added digital archival content.

We hope you enjoy following the creative process, and get to know each of the talented artists who put their heart and effort into the journey of self discovery.

You may visit the mural here:
97 Estoria St Se, Atlanta GA 30316

SCROLL for video,
or use these links to jump down:

ARTIST LINKS - PROJECT BACKGROUND

Awards Reception - Paintings - Mural
SUPPORT THIS PROJECT - SPONSORSHIP

RIBBON CUTTING

Join us at 97 Estoria Bar & Grill on Thursday, June 30th at 6:30pm for our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and VIP Reception, featuring special guest of honor, Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari.

Guests are invited to meet the finalists and see the finalist submissions, a series of 6 large canvas paintings featuring original work by Cathryn Bozone, Dizzy Dizzy, Krista Jones, Yuzly Mathurin, and Rebecca Shenfeld. There will be poster prints, promotional giveaways, and exclusive merchandise featuring the artist interpretations.

MURAL AWARD

Congratulations to Artist ERIC NINE!

Cabbagetown & Goethe Zentrum Atlanta are pleased to announce the Selection Panel has awarded the mural commission to finalist Eric Nine. After an extended proposal process, interviews, and behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, our volunteer judges determined Eric’s conceptual design was the best fit for the site-specific installation at 97 Estoria Bar & Grill on Wylie Street.

Stay tuned for highlights from the Award Ceremony, including remarks by the German Consul, and Atlanta Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, as well as Goethe Zentrum Executive Director Oliver Gorf, and Project Director John Dirga.

Special thanks to all the wonderful finalists in attendance, and Cabbagetown Initiative Board Member Emeritus Tova Baruch for presenting the award.

ARTIST RECEPTION

The in-person event is by invitation only, but everyone is welcome to join us on the Live Stream, Sunday 4/24/22 @ 7pm. Subscribe to CABBAGETOWNUSA on YouTube for updates, or follow us on Instagram @CabbagetownUSA

CLICK HERE TO JOIN
LIVESTREAM

PAINTING OVERVIEW

As part of the Sophie Scholl Selection Panel, Project Director John Dirga presented a brief overview of each finalist and their proposal. You are welcome to watch the introductory presentation to learn more about the conceptual phase of the mural.

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photo credits: Journey Brave photography / journeybrave.com (Bozone, Nine), Chad Edwards photography / @adequate_chad (Dizzy, Jones), and Alex Bershaw / bershawphotos.com (Yuzly)

Look out for details on signed prints & posters, as well as other project memorabilia and merchandise to support the mission of Goethe Zentrum & Cabbagetown Initiative 501c3.

request information

PAINTING REVEAL
LIVE STREAM:
Wednesday March 9th, 7pm
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CABBAGETOWNUSA YOUTUBE

(ARCHIVED) Join us Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 as we livestream the painting reveal! Presented publicly for the first time, we will introduce you to each artist, and explore the paintings in-depth, chatting about the composition, color choices, & symbolism, as well as the creative process and artistic techniques. There are a couple of options for joining the stream, featured on our LinkTree. For more information, email info@cabbagetown.com

LINKTR.EE/CABBAGETOWNUSA

for **LIVE CHAT**, please select:
YouTube or Facebook

you may view direct feed via:
twitch.tv/cabbagetownusa
(unmonitored chat)

Instagram Live / portrait mode
static source (not optimized)
instagram.com/cabbagetownusa

Cabbagetown USA & Goethe-Zentrum are proud to present the 2021 Scholl Project Finalists

In cooperation with Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta, the Cabbagetown Initiative is pleased to announce *six* finalists for the Sophie Scholl Project:

Cathryn Bozone, Dizzy Dain, Jonesy, Yuzly Mathurin, Eric Nine, and Rebecca Shenfeld.

This diverse group of talented artists has been invited to learn about and react to the life of Sophie Scholl, documenting their approach and process while they create a canvas study. After a panel selection, the winner will install an outdoor mural at 97 Estoria, adjacent Krog Tunnel & the Beltline Eastside Trail.

SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES ON THE CREATIVE PROCESS!

As the artists finish up their canvas studies, we will be sharing select works-in-progress and creative process documentation, including time lapse, video diaries, photos, interviews, and much more! Subscribe to our YouTube for updates of special featurettes as soon as they go live, or check out our Instagram

INSTAGRAM: HIGHLIGHTS - REELS

Cabbagetown USA Instagram

View works in progress on Instagram or YouTube

Cathryn Bozone is a fine artist and designer who creates large public work in both paint and chalk. Born & raised in Atlanta, Cathryn’s electrifying work often magnifies the beauty and struggle of all things small and overlooked – especially bright flora & tiny insects writ large. catbozoneart.com / @catbozz

Dizzy Dain is a creative entrepreneur with a unique gift for oil painting. Renowned for her special talent in portraiture, her artistic potential was lauded at an early age via curated gallery expositions. Dizzy is dynamic and keen; She also successfully runs a multifaceted production company. ig: @sheisdizzy

Krista Jones is a visual artist with a focus on studio practice, where her work grows introspective talons. She has installed several grandscale murals for high-profile clients. ‘Jonesy’ is also an outspoken activist whose public work often engages the larger community in meaningful dialogue. jonesyartatl.com / @jonesyartatl

Yuzly Mathurin’s transformative work heals with storytelling strongly rooted in African traditions. Inbetween ATL & LA, her broadened vantage informs a hand equally adept with a camera as with paint. Yuzly uses warm tones from Yoruba culture mixed with cool fashion and Hip Hop sensibilities. yuzly.com / @yuzlymathurin_

Eric Nine combines the immediacy of aerosol with a choreography of brushwork to create large exuberant work. Often whimsical, his thoughtful paintings carry delicate weight with deceptive strength. Puerto Rican by blood, his celebrated style reflects life experiences in Brooklyn & Boston. ericnine.com / @eric_nine

Rebecca Shenfeld is an illustrator & animator with a meticulous design background. Shenfeld’s stunning drawings and monochromatic tattoo oeuvre incorporate the deconstructed imagery of penitent iconoclasm. Off-center, they’re one to watch for a discerning, wildly innovative approach. rshenfeld.weebly.com / @rebreakfast

DOWNLOAD PDF:
Cabbagetown Neighbor, January 2022, pg 10

Sophie Scholl was a young university student convicted of treason & sentenced to death by guillotine. She was a member of the non-violent protest group Weiße Rose, whose criminal activities included painting anti-Hitler graffiti on the streets of Munich, and distributing subversive leaflets throughout southern Germany encouraging the populace to undermine the Nazi war effort. If she were alive today, Sophie would be anticipating her 101st birthday in Spring.

Cabbagetown Initiative's Wall Chair, John Dirga is directing the project, with assistance from Goethe-Zentrum Executive Director (& Carroll Street resident) Oliver Gorf.

Dirga says, "They cut off her head for speaking her mind. Sophie's call for sabotage remains unnervingly relevant, and completely metal. Cabbagetown can't wait to see these exceptional artists explore the subject."

PHASE TWO: Mural selection

Background - Project Details - Sponsors - Resources

This project presented by Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta, with Cabbagetown Initiative 501c3

Cabbagetown Initiative is a 501c3 non-profit community development corporation dedicated to improving parks and public spaces with free community activities and arts programming.

Watch this brief video for an introduction to the
underground student resistance movement, Weiße Rose

YouTube: “Legacy of the White Rose” - Courtesy National History Day

THE PROCESS

Documenting personal discoveries & perspective through sketches, photos, written thoughts, or recorded media is one way in which viewers may follow the artistic process. This project tells a story. Each finished canvas will be displayed alongside others for public viewing, accompanied by a panel discussion about social justice & resisting tyranny.

One artist will be chosen by a community selection panel for an outdoor mural (150 sq ft), generally horizontal, interpolated from their canvas study. The mural will be installed on the east wall of 97 Estoria, adjacent the Krog Tunnel & Beltline Eastside Trail.

2022 Sophie Scholl Project
Selection Panel

SELECTION PANEL

Chelsea Arkin - Community Leader
Senior Housing Policy & Development Manager, Atlanta Beltline Inc.
President, Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association, 2019-2020
Cabbagetown Resident

Chris Arrington - Community Leader
Board Member, Cabbagetown Initiative
Senior Vice President - Treasury Solutions Sales, Truist
Cabbagetown Resident

Tova Baruch - Community Arts Leader
Board Member, Cabbagetown Initiative
Educator - Design, Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School
Professional Photographer
Cabbagetown Resident

Oliver Gorf - Sponsoring Organization
Executive Director, Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta
Professional Playwright
Cabbagetown Resident

Christina Kwan - Community Arts Leader
Professional Fine Artist
Advisory Board, Forward Warrior

Eric Mack - Sponsoring Organization
Board Member, Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta
Professional Artist

Sumayyah ‘Ash’ Nash - Community Arts Leader, Cultural Planner, Consultant
CEO, PowerHaus Creative
Board Member, MINT Gallery
Board Member, African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta
Board Member, Atlanta Task Force for Philanthropic Reparations
Cabbagetown Resident

Katherine Paist - Community Business Leader
General Manager, 97 Estoria Bar & Grill
Fashion Model, Activist

Brandon Sheats - Executive Director, Burnaway
Executive Planning Committee, Chomp & Stomp Festival
Cabbagetown Resident

BACKGROUND

“The imperialist ideology of force.. must be shattered for all time.”
— Weiße Rose, Sixth Leaflet

The mural and portrait series are supported by an arts grant through Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta, a non-profit intercultural awareness organization, in cooperation with the Cabbagetown Initiative 501c3. This project isn’t about exporting or exploiting the tragedy of Sophie. As a leader in building global connections, Goethe-Zentrum creates opportunities to elevate and share your voice, allowing others to learn from you, and invite people to understand your perspective. Through storytelling, active listening, and re-imagining our shared narratives, we can grow & thrive together.

From Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta:  “Our vision is to provide experiences to enhance learning and the development of personal and professional relationships by combining immersive classroom and online learning, as well as integrated cultural programs to enrich learning opportunities, build relationships and create a greater sense of community.

“Our mission for peace is emphasized by our status as one of nine locations world-wide to co-locate with the Alliance Francaise, as reflected in state treaties between France and Germany, former arch-enemies.

We are antifascist, antiracist, antisexist.”

PROJECT DETAILS

PROJECT SUMMARY: A diverse group of artists is invited to learn about and react to the life of Sophie Scholl. Over 35 local & regional applicants applied for the opportunity, representing a range of talent, background, and style.

  • Five (5) Finalists paid to complete a painting.

  • One (1) Artist selected to install a mural at 97 Estoria, near Krog Tunnel.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Selected artists will be provided a 3’x4’ canvas & a $50 gift certificate for painting supplies (courtesy of Sam Flax). Participants will be paid $500 for an original painting which captures their personal interpretation. How the events of Scholl’s life speak to us, and how this struggle maintains relevance today, will be explored. Rather than idolizing an external symbol, introspective artists will search for modern meaning through the lens of an historic tragedy.

The painting surface is elevated, and scaffolding will be provided. It is imagined the detailed portion of the mural will be installed primarily on the upper half of the surface (light green box).

Archived Application link:
forms.gle/sWtRBfqDaBXurCY17

Finalists will have artistic freedom. There is no particular guideline for the painting. Artists are unconstrained to interpret, investigate, navigate, translate, deconstruct, decipher, or otherwise apply your understanding in any ways deemed appropriate. There is no specific compositional requirement.

Finalists’ canvas, and gift certificate for art supplies generously provided by Sam Flax Art & Design Store on Northside Drive. Serving Atlanta since 1972, Sam Flax is one of the most trusted names for professional artist supplies in the metro area. By request, Cabbagetown will arrange transportation to & from the store: 1495 Northside Dr, Atlanta GA 30318 / 404-352-7200 / ig @samflax

Completed canvas paintings will be offered for auction, & participating finalists will receive 50% of the sale price. This project is presented by Goethe Zentrum, a non-profit organization celebrating over 40 years in Atlanta, dedicated to peace, equity, and honest dialogue. The grant is underwritten by the German American Cultural Foundation, Halle Foundation, and the Goethe Institut Munich. For more about Goethe-Institut, please enjoy this introductory video:

Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta has received support for this project from the German American Cultural Foundation, Halle Foundation, the Goethe Institut Munich, and private donors / @goethezentrumatl

for more information about
Cabbagetown’s arts programming & non-profit work,
please visit these pages:
What is CICDC? - What is CNIA?
Forward Warrior - Stacks Squares - Krog Entrance Mural
Chomp & Stomp - Cabbagetown Concert Series

SUPPORT THE ARTS:
donorbox.org/cabbagetown-arts-programming

YOU ARE HERE: Everyone is welcome in Cabbagetown. We are dedicated to providing vibrant, creative, and inclusive public spaces, events, and activities. Admission is free. Y’all means all. Abide no hatred.

POSTERS & more!

EXCLUSIVE PRINTS by ALL SIX FINALISTS
Reproductions of canvas submission proposals,
including limited edition prints signed by the artists!
Visit Cabbagetown Hall or our Event Tent at Forward Warrior *

* artists receive 50% of gross sales for signed prints