A new addition to public art in Suwanee will be unveiled next year. Coming in late fall 2024 to the city’s Town Center on Main park now under construction, the 20-foot-tall sculpture, “Greater Good,” will be the centerpiece of a new veterans memorial.
“We had a good response to our request for qualifications,” said Denise Brinson, assistant city manager for Suwanee. “Our Public Arts Commission then shortlisted the submittals down to three, and the committee made the final decision.”
The Suwanee City Council then approved the selection to commission San Francisco-based artist Michael Szabo to create the sculpture.
Brinson added that among the city council’s priorities, a veterans memorial has always been at the forefront for the new park, and Szabo’s sculpture will make an immediate impact.
“Greater Good” will consist of six forms representing military branches emerging from a reflecting pool. The forms slope together and support each other as they rise to cover a circular area with a curved seating bench, the walls of which sit level with the water of the pool.
“I am honored to be creating this memorial artwork,” Szabo said. “My hope is that the piece will offer veterans a place to reconnect to their branch and to reflect and experience the personal meaning of their military service, while at the same time allowing those who did not serve to gain some understanding of what it means to those who did, and perhaps inspire them to consider their own contribution to the greater good.”
Committee member and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Sonny Kim was among those who made the final selection.
“We unanimously chose the design that best reflected the spirit and nature of Suwanee — vibrant and forward-thinking,” Kim said. “The quality of all design submissions was very impressive, but this one transcended and rose above the others.”
Kim is also a Suwanee resident and current JROTC instructor at North Gwinnett High School.
Retired Army Col. Lee Martin, also on the committee, said the sculpture “symbolizes a rising of patriotic spirit within this beautiful community. For the City of Suwanee to recognize the service of all veterans by establishing a memorial to them that touts their valor, courage, and patriotism, we who have worn the uniform of all branches are most appreciative.”
The city is offering advanced sales of inscribed metal plaques to honor and recognize loved ones, living or deceased, who have served or are currently serving through any military branch.
A maximum of 300 plaques will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to Suwanee residents and business owners; however, honorees are not required to be local residents.
The 8-by-4 inch etched stainless steel plaques, which cost $350 each, will be installed on the walls of the walkway leading to the memorial, with each plaque accommodating up to four lines of text.
Engraved plaques can be ordered online here.
For more information, email Toni Hardy at thardy@suwanee.com.
FEATURED PHOTO: Artist Michael Szabo’s sculpture “Greater Good” has been selected as the centerpiece for a veterans memorial planned for Suwanee’s Town Center Park on Main, which is under construction. Rendering courtesy of Michael Szabo Studio.
