Last March, AFHA achieved one it’s 2011 chapter goals by adopting a section of the Atlanta Beltline.  The initial goal was driven by a desire to engage those that truly wanted to support us but might only have a weekend here or there to spare.  We absolutely understand how busy everyone is so we were THRILLED to have AFHA volunteer Keri Cawley champion this cause.  Now that it’s been almost 1 year since our inaugural clean-up, I took a moment to ask Keri what drove her to keep this going.

Keri Cawley, Designer & AFHA Beltline Project Manager

1. Who are you, what do you do?

I am a local artist here in Atlanta who focuses mainly in sustainable artwork and sculpture. My love for creating artwork from salvaged materials began after going all “Office Space” on an old desktop of mine that was beyond repair. As I stood over my now shattered computer I realized, “I can make something of this.”

2. Why did you become involved with AFHA?

Shortly after moving to Atlanta in 2010 I started attending a number of networking events geared towards green initiatives. It was at one of these events that I was made aware of AFHA. Having studied architecture myself, I became very interested in learning more about what it is that AFHA is involved with in my new city.

3. What prompted you to coordinate the Beltline effort? Why are you drawn to this project in particular?

My attention was first drawn to the Beltline Project when I came across a flier advertising the ‘Art on the Beltline.’ That weekend I took a stroll to check out some of the artwork, and was amazed at how quickly I walked from one part of town to another by way of the Beltline. Realizing the positive impact the Beltline can have on the infrastructure of the city, I dug a little deeper to become more involved, and the rest is history.

4. What are your goals for the project this year?

It has already been enjoyable to see the progress we have made along our section. During my initial walk-through of the site I remember feeling a little overwhelmed at the amount of cleaning ahead of us. But bit by bit our efforts have paid off. Unfortunately, our section is still frequented as a dump site for some individuals.  This year I would love to get our section to the point where it is recognized as a continuation of some of the more developed sections along the Beltline. Come February we will be installing benches along our site to really begin establishing our section as a public path for pedestrians and bike riders alike.

B- I- G THANKS to Keri for her efforts to support AFHA, the Beltline and Atlanta.  Catch up with Keri on her ACBDesign Facebook page talking about her latest designs.  You can also meet the legend at our upcoming Beltline clean-ups!

AFHA Beltline Clean-ups

• February – Saturday the 25^th (Installing benches)
• March – Saturday the 24^th (Removing household trash)
• April – Saturday the 28^th (Removing branches and debris)

Learn more about the Atlanta Beltline and check out the map of our Westside section at http://beltline.org/

www.mlkday.gov

Happy new year to everyone! What better way to kick off the year than participating in the National MLK Day of Service.  This will be the 18th year that the MLK holiday has officially been focused on service and designated as a “day on, not a day off.”  AFHA is proud to have participated as a chapter the last three years and 2012 will be no different.  Join us Monday, January 16th, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm for the MLK Beltline Clean-up Effort.

If you follow us on twitter, @AFHAtlanta, and on Facebook, Architecture for Humanity – Atlanta, and I know you already do, you have been in the know regarding our adoption of a section of the Beltline.  This was a great milestone for us in 2011 and we’re fortunate to have the leadership of chapter member Keri Cawley to manage our activities.  We made so much progress in 2011 that we will not only be cleaning-up, but installing benches with our adoption partners, Center for Sustainable Communities. 

Full details are on our MLK Beltline Clean-up Effort Facebook event page.  Make sure you check it out, leave a comment and meet us Monday at the Washington Square Park tennis courts.  It’s a wonderful thing to see progress being made firsthand so it’s sure to be a great afternoon! See you there!

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.