Traveling Trackside Art Exhibit Installed in Downtown Marietta, With More Art, Fun Coming at 2023 TrailFest on May 13

Walkers, runner and bikers using the Mountain to River Trail through downtown Marietta can enjoy a preview of a unique traveling art exhibit on one side, while passing by the city's historic buildings on the other.

Bikers, walkers and runners are enjoying a preview trackside art exhibit until it officially opens at M2R Trail Fest on May 13.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

That's because the M2R Traveling Fence Gallery is being previewed along the downtown trail in advance of its official opening on May 13 at M2R TrailFest. For the unfamiliar, M2R Trail Fest is a public arts festival featuring the debut of numerous art installations in Downtown Marietta along portions of the Mountain to River Trail and in public parks. From large scale murals to Art Drops, the arts come alive throughout the entire day of the festival.

The juried exhibit of fine art and photography features nearly 70 original works installed on the fence which protect trail users from the railroad tracks. Ranging from realism to whimsical, the works are produced by students and adult artists. After the 2023 M2R Trail Fest, the exhibit will remain in Marietta for 60 days before traveling to Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Powder Springs and Smyrna.

Local artist Donna Barnhart will engage the public in completion of her mural, “Our Town,” awaiting completion at 26 Powder Spring Street.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

In addition to the art exhibit, the 2023 M2R Trail Fest will feature:

• A Mural program expansion, including a new mural by local artist Donna Barnhart called “Our Town” which will be installed at 26 Powder Spring Street.
• Bridge installations along the M2R Trail at the Pedestrian Bridges crossing the North and South 120 loop,
• Performances at the Marietta Station Stage and Atherton Square, with musicians, dancers, aerialists, and more,
• The inaugural Marietta Fur Folly TrailFest Costume Pet Parade. Pet and owner costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be awarded, and
• Sculpture tours near the downtown area.

Additional information on the art exhibit and trail fest can be found online.