Celebrating Art, History, and Community at Spruill Center for the Arts
Who is Alan Mothner and What is His Vision for Spruill?
Alan Mothner is the CEO of Spruill Center for the Arts and a long-standing champion of creativity in Dunwoody. With a background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, Alan has been instrumental in expanding the impact of Spruill Gallery and its educational programs. Under his guidance, Spruill has embraced its dual identity as both a historic institution and a dynamic hub for public art, education, and events. On this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber chats with Alan about the big picture—how Spruill fosters creativity, supports artists, and serves as a cultural cornerstone for anyone living in Dunwoody or moving to Dunwoody.
What is Spirits for Spruill?
One of Spruill’s most anticipated events of the year is Spirits for Spruill, a lively outdoor gathering held each October at the Spruill Gallery. The 2025 event takes place on October 25 from 4–7 PM and celebrates the 6th annual AMPLIFY mural unveiling on the side of the iconic Smokehouse, which faces Ashford Dunwoody Road.
The event features tastings from six different Georgia distilleries, including award-winning whiskeys and bourbons, as well as a specialty cocktail bar. Instead of beer this year, Spruill is leaning into the spirit of “Spirits”—focusing solely on craft spirits and signature cocktails to match the elegant vibe of the evening. Zaza’s Kitchen, an Atlanta-based caterer known for high-end grazing tables, will serve an elegant spread of charcuterie, smoked salmon, artisan cheeses, jams, fresh produce, and more. The gathering isn’t just about food and drinks—it’s a vibrant celebration of art, community, and Spruill’s continued growth in the heart of the Dunwoody real estate market.
AMPLIFY: Public Art with Purpose
AMPLIFY is Spruill’s annual mural project that turns the side of the historic Smokehouse into a year-round piece of public art. Each year, Spruill receives dozens of submissions from artists across the country. For the 2025 mural, a record-breaking 157 designs were submitted, from which three finalists were selected. The mural serves as a visual anchor for Ashford Dunwoody Road and helps brand Dunwoody as a place where art and commerce coexist.
The 2025 AMPLIFY Finalists:
1. Christina Kwan: A Florida-born, Atlanta-based artist and muralist known for her calligraphic, abstract works. Christina has painted murals across the country, including in Georgia, Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, California, Alabama, and Washington.
2. Danae Antoine: An Afro-Caribbean artist and Georgia State University graduate who has exhibited her work in prominent Atlanta locations like The Bakery and MINT Gallery. Her pieces reflect cultural identity and Afro-Caribbean heritage.
3. Chloe Alexander: A printmaker based in Atlanta and also a Georgia State University graduate. Chloe’s work has been shown nationally and internationally, with exhibitions in Atlanta, New York, and London. Her style combines printmaking techniques with narrative themes.
These finalists embody the spirit of AMPLIFY—creative, inclusive, and uniquely expressive of what it means to live in Dunwoody.
—creative, inclusive, and uniquely expressive of what it means to live in Dunwoody.
the spirit of AMPLIFY—creative, inclusive, and uniquely expressive of what it means to live in Dunwoody.
The mural also gives local residents and businesses a reason to visit Spruill year-round. As the mural changes each year, it draws recurring attention to the property and reinforces Spruill’s role as a dynamic cultural institution. It’s not just a painting—it’s a symbol of inclusion, creativity, and civic pride.
Zaza's Kitchen Adds Flavor to the Festivities
Zaza’s Kitchen, an Atlanta-based caterer, will provide the grazing table at this year’s Spirits for Spruill. Known for its beautifully arranged spreads, Zaza’s culinary style matches the upscale yet welcoming vibe of the event.
A Nod to Magno: Music and Community Vibes
Magno, a local favorite who’s been mentioned on What’s Up Dunwoody a few times, will perform live at Spirits for Spruill. His soulful, Latin-influenced music adds the perfect vibe to this creative Dunwoody celebration. from past episodes—he’s a local favorite who’s performed live music at Le Méridien and other local venues. His style blends acoustic soul, Latin influence, and chill vibes that set the tone for community-focused events like Spirits for Spruill. Magno’s musical contributions underscore the importance of including local talent in everything from fundraisers to Friday nights out in the Perimeter area.
The Deep Roots of Spruill Gallery
The history of Spruill Gallery is tied deeply to Dunwoody’s own evolution. The gallery is housed in a Victorian-era home originally built in 1905, with outbuildings like the Smokehouse and Wheat House dating back to 1867. Before becoming a gallery, the house was home to multiple generations of the Spruill family, early settlers of both Dunwoody and Sandy Springs.
The architecture of the farmhouse includes classic Victorian trim and an original four-room structure that was gradually expanded over the years. These buildings served functional roles for the farming families of the 19th century, including cotton and peach storage, a smokehouse for meats, and general household use. The preservation of these structures gives Dunwoody residents a rare opportunity to experience authentic rural Georgian architecture amidst the modern sprawl.
In 1991, Ethel Gertrude Warren Spruill and her daughter Onnie Mae Spruill donated the house, 5.4 acres of land, and several historic outbuildings to what was then known as the North DeKalb Arts Center. This donation laid the foundation for the Spruill Center for the Arts as we know it today. The house was physically moved 100 yards from its original location, restored with $250,000 in community funds, and repurposed into a gallery space complete with a history room and a gift shop showcasing over 100 local artists.
How Spruill Evolved: From Church Basement to Cultural Powerhouse
The roots of the Spruill Center for the Arts trace back to art classes in the basement of Dunwoody United Methodist Church. As interest grew, so did the need for space. The organization moved to Dunwoody Park in 1978 and later helped establish the North DeKalb Cultural Center on Chamblee Dunwoody Road in 1989.
Today, Spruill Center for the Arts offers classes in everything from ceramics and painting to photography and fiber arts. With its education center located at 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, it’s a go-to destination for families living in Dunwoody and those relocating to Dunwoody who want to immerse themselves in the arts. Scholarships are available to ensure broad access, and summer camps keep kids creatively engaged while school is out.
The Role of Spruill in the Dunwoody Community
Spruill isn’t just an art gallery—it’s a community engine. Whether it’s hosting artist markets, providing studio space for creatives, or running public art initiatives like AMPLIFY, Spruill enriches the cultural fabric of neighborhoods like Dunwoody North and The Branches.
For new residents exploring things to do in Dunwoody, Spruill offers a welcoming entry point into local life. Its events and classes attract a wide mix of people—from empty nesters to young families to local teens. And with its close proximity to the Perimeter business district, it’s well-positioned to influence both residential and professional communities.
Spruill’s Holiday Artists Market
Each November and December, the Spruill Gallery transforms into a bustling marketplace for the Holiday Artists Market. This annual tradition brings in holiday shoppers from Dunwoody and beyond, featuring one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by over 100 local artists. From handmade jewelry and pottery to fine art and textiles, the market supports the local creative economy and reinforces Spruill’s role as a holiday destination.
The Holiday Artists Market is also a major revenue generator for the gallery and its contributing artists. Many families make it a tradition to shop here, knowing they’ll find something truly special that reflects the talent of the Dunwoody community. For anyone moving to Dunwoody, it’s a great way to support small business and start new holiday traditions.
Spruill and the Atlanta Art Fair
During the podcast, Alan Mothner discussed the excitement around the upcoming Atlanta Art Fair—an event that was brand new at the time of recording and full of potential for future collaboration. He saw it as a meaningful addition to the metro Atlanta art scene, one that could elevate the visibility of Spruill artists and help connect Dunwoody’s creative community with a broader regional audience.
Since then, the inaugural Atlanta Art Fair took place in late September 2025 at Central Atlanta Progress. Though not hosted by Spruill, the fair aligned closely with its mission of public engagement, accessibility, and community-building through the arts. Several Spruill artists and supporters attended, reinforcing Dunwoody’s reputation as an emerging creative hub and deepening the connections between Spruill and the wider metro arts ecosystem.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Whether you’re a longtime resident or thinking about relocating to Dunwoody, Spruill Center for the Arts should be on your radar. From Spirits for Spruill to year-round classes and public art, there are endless ways to get involved.
Visit www.spruillarts.org to explore upcoming events, browse classes, or learn how to support Spruill’s mission.
