By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher,GwinnettForum
APRIL 14, 2026 | There’s a new creativity showing today in Norcross that promotes the city on utility boxes. Developed in a colorful format similar to a postage stamp, these scenes highlight activities in the city with striking photographs.
This is a new way to show off Norcross. Chairman Liz Simpson says: “This project was born from and implemented by the Norcross Public Arts Commission. It was originally planned to be installed last year, but we hit delays. There was a lot of coordination that had to be done between the city and the county, since the utility boxes are property of the county even though they’re on city streets.”
Working closely with the chairman were Jacques Murphy, the vice chairman, and Mike MacManus, who served as the project coordinator.
When the Arts Commission members did a character study of the city, “We found many zones lacking space for art, with the exception of utility boxes. Mike McManus suggested we use the stamp motif in keeping with the ‘Greetings from Norcross’ mural on the Savage Pizza wall.
“The team liked the idea and felt it would be fun and engaging for everyone. We leaned on the city’s vast inventory of photography and the graphic design skills of Accent Creative.”
The concept for the project originated from the art commission character zone art study, which identified underutilized street corners as opportunities for creative placemaking. The result is a series of installations that not only beautify the city but also tell the story of Norcross through its parks, events, and community traditions.
Cost of the project was $27,000 with 36 percent from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund, 24 percent from Gateway 85 CID, and 40 percent from the city. Work on the project was by A1 Signs of Norcross.
The art commission collaborated closely with Accent Creative Group to curate and design the collection, selecting images that best reflect the spirit of Norcross. The city marked the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 31.
Simpson says there are a few hallmarks for the project.
“We’re the first city in Gwinnett to implement a utility box wrap project. Gateway85 CID covered half the cost of five utility boxes within the CID boundary. And the Gwinnett Creativity Placemaking Fund issued a Norcross Public Art Commission grant of $10,000 toward this project.”
The newly unveiled “Norcross Forever” collection features graphically enhanced professional photography that celebrates the diversity, beauty, and signature experiences that define Norcross. Residents and visitors will recognize familiar scenes and cherished moments represented through themed designs, including Hispanic Heritage, Jazz in the Alley, Thrasher Park, Lillian Webb Park, International Festivals, Pinnacle Park, Filming in Norcross, the Historic Train Depot, Splash Pad Fun, and Norcross High School student artwork.
Simpson adds: “The wraps highlight the spirit, diversity, and heart of Norcross. Well-placed public art like Norcross Forever helps establish a strong sense of place while reinforcing Norcross as a leader in thoughtful, community-driven design.”
