KENNESAW, GA (March 28, 2025) – As part of the community-wide Art Blooms initiative, colorful art eggs will be installed throughout Downtown Kennesaw, Swift-Cantrell Park, and along the Noonday Creek Trail starting April 1. This vibrant public art display will lead up to Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ Art Hatch event on April 19 at Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee Street. The exhibit is designed to showcase student creativity while encouraging the community’s engagement with the theme of “Seeds of Change.”
Participants in the Art Blooms scavenger hunt can pick up scavenger hunt cards at several participating locations, including 1885 Grill, Apotheos Roastery, the Brain Station, Cottontail Quilt Shop, Frozen Cow Creamery, Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery, Horned Owl Brewing, Lazy Guy Distillery, Main Street Eats, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, the Southern Museum and Turquoise Otter. Each location will stamp the card once. The Smith-Gilbert Gardens stamp can be obtained at any of their events or scheduled programming. While the Gardens remain closed for site improvements, programs and workshops continue at various locations throughout the City of Kennesaw.
Once the card is filled with stamps, participants should drop it off at City Hall, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Avenue, by May 30 for a chance to win prizes. Prizes, donated by local businesses, can be redeemed at Smith-Gilbert Gardens.
The Art Hatch event, a highly anticipated celebration of art and nature, will be held at Depot Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. The event will feature a variety of interactive activities, performances and art installations suitable for all ages.
At 11 a.m., The Great Pollinator Count interactive story time and Pollinator Census will take place for families with children ages 3 and up. Award-winning author Susan Edwards Richmond and Becky Griffin of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension will lead the hands-on program, introducing children to insect pollinator groups. After reading Richmond’s The Great Pollinator Count, participants will practice their own pollinator count in a nearby garden area. Griffin will also discuss the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census, and Richmond will personalize copies of her book.
Visitors can explore hands-on activities and exhibits throughout the event. The North Cobb Library table, led by Makers Space Manager Vidhya Jagannathan, will offer crafts and books, while the Southern Museum table will feature a Victorian flower pressing activity led by Amy Torrance. The Kennesaw State University Fabric and Textiles Department will have an exhibit booth, with a fashion show at 1 p.m. The Beauty Project, an immersive theater performance presented by KSU, will have shows at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Live performances by the Cobb County Schools Fine Arts Department will take place throughout the day.
Additionally, the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre will perform improv dance throughout the event. Huckadoo Pizza will be available for purchase.
Admission to the Art Hatch event at Depot Park will be free this year. Participants are encouraged to RSVP through Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ website at www.smithgilbertgardens.com.
The Art Blooms initiative is made possible with support from Town Center Community and Cobb County School District Fine Arts Department.