Atlanta-based muralist Krista M. Jones (JONESY) has completed Synchronicity, a project four years in the making that transforms two retaining walls along the Sugarloaf Parkway/I-85 underpass into a vibrant 21,000-square-foot gateway mural for Gwinnett’s downtown. Commissioned by the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District (CID), this monumental project reimagines concrete infrastructure as a dynamic work of art celebrating connection, natural rhythms, and the spirit of community in Gwinnett County.
“Synchronicity speaks to the unseen connections that guide us,” says Jones. “I wanted these walls to come alive with energy—transforming concrete into an experience that reminds people they’re part of something larger. I hope it offers moments of joy and belonging along the way.”
Spanning both sides of the underpass, the murals surround drivers and pedestrians with sweeping patterns of color inspired by nature, movement, and the area’s vitality. Each section was designed by Jones and completed in two phases—the North Wall in July 2024 and the South Wall in October 2025.
“This project embodies the Sugarloaf CID’s vision to enhance quality of life and strengthen our sense of place through public art,” said Alyssa Davis, Executive Director of the Sugarloaf CID. “Krista’s work has transformed one of our most visible corridors into a landmark for Gwinnett’s vibrant downtown—one that celebrates creativity, community, and connection.”
Completion of the South Wall was made possible through the vision and leadership of the Sugarloaf CID, with additional funding from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia on behalf of the Michael S. Hudgens Fund, and from Norfolk Southern through the Thriving Communities Grant awarded to project partner Create Gwinnett.
JONESY is an Atlanta-based contemporary artist and muralist whose work explores connection through color, pattern, and movement. Her murals transform urban environments into vibrant visual experiences that reflect the energy and rhythm of the communities they inhabit. In her studio practice, Jones translates human experience into layered compositions merging abstraction and symbolism, inviting reflection on the parallels between inner and outer worlds.
- For more information, please visit: jonesyartatl.com
The Synchronicity mural project was designed by JONESY and installed with the help of assistant artists Joe Dreher, Muhammad Suber, Angela Bortone, Aida Alarcón, Miles Davis and Alex Ferror.
MaierAMERICA marks 25 years in Gwinnett
MaierAMERICA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Christian Maier GmbH and Co. KG, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Gwinnett County. Since entering the U.S. market in 2000, the company has become a trusted partner to industries worldwide and a key contributor to Gwinnett’s advanced manufacturing landscape. MaierAMERICA manufactures and repairs rotary joints, also known as unions. With applications across nearly 20 industries and more than 500 fields, the company’s products support sectors including paper production, plastics, textiles, food processing, and metalworking.
Rob Kuehl, CEO of MaierAMERICA, says: “This anniversary is not only a celebration of our past but a commitment to our future. For 25 years, we have been proud to grow in Gwinnett while providing second chances and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to thrive. We look forward to continuing that mission for decades to come.”
The company’s anniversary also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Christian Maier GmbH and Co. KG and represents a century of success to a customer-centric approach, sustainable practices, and a strong commitment to education and workforce development.
Florian Maier, managing partner of Christian Maier notes: “Reaching 25 years in Gwinnett is a significant achievement for our company. Innovating and growing here in Georgia and the Americas has allowed us to strengthen both our business and our partnerships in the community.”
Andreas Greiner, managing director of Christian Maier adds: “Our success in the Americas reflects our mission to deliver world-class quality and reliability, backed by unparalleled service to customers everywhere.”
MaierAmerica expanded in Gwinnett in 2024, tripling its local footprint to 20,500 square feet and solidifying its long-term commitment to the county and the strong demand for its products.
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson recognized the milestone by proclaiming October 23, 2025, as MaierAMERICA Day. “MaierAMERICA’s 25th anniversary underscores their dedication to growth, sustainability, and community impact,” Hendrickson says: “Their presence reinforces Gwinnett’s role as a hub for international business and advanced manufacturing.”
“This anniversary reflects the depth of the industrial and cultural ties between Germany and the United States,” says the Honorable Melanie Moltmann, consul general at the German Consulate General in Atlanta. “MaierAMERICA’s success in Georgia is a testament to the strong partnership and mutual respect that define our nations’ relationship.”
JEMC awards $47,000 to local charities
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $95,920 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $47,000 to organizations serving Gwinnett County.
$10,000 to Positive Impact International, Inc., Grayson, serving children living in six shelters across Gwinnett County with artistic programs, therapy sessions, life skills development and groceries.- $9,900 to Diamond in the Rough Youth Development, Inc., Snellville, to support its Clusters Mentoring Program, which offers group mentorship, leadership training, career coaching and family enrichment activities for girls ages 4-18 in Barrow, Gwinnett and Hall counties.
- $9,000 to Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett, Inc., Lawrenceville, which provides high-quality educational and therapeutic programming to children with and without disabilities for 3 participants in its Young Adults Learning Life Skills (YALLS) Program for Gwinnett County residents.
- $7,000 to Reach Out and Read Georgia, for its Powering Early Literacy – Building Brighter Futures Program for 2,000 books for families with young children (infant-5yrs.) distributed by pediatricians at well-check appointments to help support early literacy for residents in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
- $5,000 to Nobis Works, Inc., which empowers people with disabilities through education and workforce development, for instructor support to serve students in Gwinnett County.
- $5,000 to Whispering Angels Youth Ranch, Gainesville, which aims to promote healing for youth through mentorship and horses, for five participants in its Healing and Hope Counseling Program for residents in Banks, Hall and Gwinnett counties.
- $2,000 to Canopy Studio, Inc., Athens, to sponsor 10 underserved youth in its Canopy Outreach Program to participate in aerial dance, movement education and performance arts for residents in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties.
Jackson EMC Foundation grants are made possible by the 223,150 participating cooperative members who have their monthly electric bills rounded to the next dollar amount through the Operation Round Up program.
