The Marietta Arts Council (MAC), in partnership with Kennesaw State University’s (KSU) College of Architecture, proudly unveils the completed student-designed installations now on display on the North and South Loop Pedestrian Bridges—major gateways into Marietta Square. These winning designs, part of the inaugural Creative Placemaking Student Design Competition, will remain in place for one year.
This collaboration brings MAC’s mission of activating public spaces to life through KSU Architecture’s focus on community-based placemaking strategies. The project highlights the ingenuity of student creators and reinforces KSU’s role as a hub for design innovation.
The North Loop Bridge installation was created by students Charly Munoz and Madison Wall under the guidance of faculty advisor Simon Hoffiz. The South Loop Bridge installation was designed by Rebeca Ortiz, Ahmed Shaker, Jonathan Tirado-Torres, and Nadirah Ali, with faculty advisor Jereme Smith.
The installations will be officially celebrated at M2R TrailFest on May 10, 2025, a free public arts festival and MAC’s largest fundraiser. The event, held along the Mountain to River Trail and CSX rail line in downtown Marietta, will include special recognition of the student teams during the opening ceremony.
As a volunteer-run nonprofit, the Marietta Arts Council relies on community involvement to support its mission of enriching Marietta through public art. The TrailBlazer campaign was created to recognize those who champion creative placemaking in the city. Donors contributing $100 or more will be acknowledged on a plaque installed at the pedestrian bridges, commemorating their support of this inaugural student-led project and future public art initiatives. More information is available at mariettaartscouncil.com.
About the Marietta Arts Council:
The Marietta Arts Council [MAC] is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the city’s artistic and cultural landscape. Throughout the year, MAC creates experiential installations and engaging public art events to activate the community.
About KSU College of Architecture:
The KSU College of Architecture is a valuable asset to the Marietta community with its 5-year program providing Bachelor of Archictecture professional degree. It is committed to Place Making Strategies & Initiatives and fostering community design through collaborations like this student design competition.
About M2R TrailFest:
The M2R TrailFest is the Marietta Arts Council’s biggest fundraiser to support cultural arts and placemaking in the city. This free public arts festival takes place annually in downtown Marietta along the Mountain to River Trail.
