Transforming Concrete into Connection

Synchronicity: Landmark 21,000-Square-Foot Underpass Mural by Atlanta Artist JONESY Completed for Gwinnett’s Downtown

A Four-Year Vision Realized

After years of conversations, planning, patience and persistence, I’m thrilled to share the completion of Synchronicity—a 21,000-square-foot mural spanning both sides of the Sugarloaf Parkway/ I-85 underpass in Duluth, Georgia.

Commissioned by the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District (CID), this project transforms two massive retaining walls into a vibrant gateway for Gwinnett’s downtown. What was once a stark stretch of concrete is now alive with sweeping color, movement, and rhythm—an invitation for drivers and pedestrians alike to experience connection through art.

It began as a vision to bring color and vitality to an overlooked space and has grown into one of the largest underpass murals in Georgia—and among the largest in the nation. Beyond its scale, it stands as one of the most meaningful and rewarding projects of my career. Traveled by more than 1.5 million commuters annually, this underpass now serves as a vivid example of how the intersection of art and infrastructure can transform the way we experience and feel about space.

Photo by Muhammad Subar

“Synchronicity speaks to the unseen connections that guide us,” said Jones. “I wanted these massive walls to come alive with energy—transforming concrete into an experience that reminds people they’re part of something larger. My hope is that it offers moments of joy and belonging along the way.”

The North Wall: Beginnings and Momentum

The journey began in late 2021, when I first partnered with the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District (CID) to explore ideas for the North Wall. In preparation for the mural, the CID collaborated with Gwinnett County to remove hundreds of outdated, nonfunctioning lights from the Sugarloaf Parkway underpass at I-85. They were replaced with new LED fixtures, greatly improving visibility and safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

The CID also completed new landscaping on the east side of the interchange to mirror the west side. Together, these improvements create a more welcoming gateway for visitors and a stronger sense of place for those who live and work in the area. The shapes within the landscape design echo the forms found in the mural, visually tying the natural and built environments together.

Once all site preparation and permitting were complete, the 11,000 square-foot North Wall mural was installed and finished in July 2024.

This first phase served as both a test and a testament—demonstrating how public art can transform not only the physical environment but also the way people experience it. The vibrant palette and rhythmic geometry reflect the movement of traffic and the surrounding landscape, creating a visual bridge between infrastructure and community. Part of my ongoing FORMATIONS series, this work explores how color, rhythm, and pattern can transform the built environment into moments of connection and joy. Inspired by the flow of natural elements, these compositions infuse organic energy into otherwise rigid urban structures.

Funding for the North Wall was made possible through Explore Gwinnett, the Gwinnett County Government’s Creativity Fund, and local sponsors including 12Stone Church and Georgia Power. Their early support was instrumental in bringing this large-scale vision to life.

The South Wall: Expansion and Community Impact

In October 2025, the completion of the 10,000-square-foot South Wall brought the vision full circle—literally and symbolically. Together, both murals now create a continuous, immersive experience across the underpass, uniting the two sides of Sugarloaf Parkway in a shared visual rhythm.

The South Wall was made possible through the 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.

This collaboration not only brings new color and life to the corridor but also reinforces the idea that art can serve as a connector between local organizations, private partners, and the community at large.

“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 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.”

A Team Effort

The murals were brought to life with JONESY's leadership and the help of an incredible team of assistant artists: Joe Dreher, Muhammad Suber, Angela Bortone, Aida Alarcón, Miles Davis, Alex Ferror and several volunteers. Every brushstroke, pattern, and shape represents not only artistic intention but also the hands and hearts of those who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. Their combined skill and dedication helped realize a vision that now belongs to everyone who passes through the space.

Photo by Joe Dreher

More Than a Mural

For me, Synchronicity represents how public art can transform ordinary spaces into shared experiences of beauty, connection, and belonging. It stands as a testament to collaboration—between artists, civic leaders, and the community—and to the belief that art has the power to shape how we feel about the places we move through every day.

Photo by Muhammad Suber

About the Sugarloaf CID

The Sugarloaf Community Improvement District (CID) was established in 2016 to ensure the long-term success of Gwinnett County’s premier business and entertainment district—home to Gas South District, Sugarloaf Mills, and nearly 7% of the county’s jobs.Through partnerships at the local, state, and regional levels, the CID works to keep the district connected, safe, and vibrant for residents, businesses, and visitors.➡️ Learn more at sugarloafcid.org

About the Artist

I’m Krista M. Jones (aka JONESY)—an Atlanta-based contemporary artist and muralist whose work explores connection through color, pattern, and movement. My murals and installations transform urban environments into vibrant visual experiences that reflect the rhythm and spirit of the communities they inhabit.

You can explore more of my work at jonesyartatl.com or follow along on Instagram @jonesyartatl.