Spirits for Spruill is one of Dunwoody’s favorite fall events, and it doubles as the reveal of the year’s AMPLIFY mural. In Podcast 304, Alan Mothner, CEO of Spruill Center for the Arts, joined me to talk about the 2025 event, the mural finalists, and the history of Spruill Gallery.
Spirits for Spruill is an annual October fundraiser at Spruill Gallery in Dunwoody, Georgia. The 2025 event featured tastings from six Georgia distilleries, a cocktail bar, a Zaza’s Kitchen grazing table, live music, and the unveiling of the 6th annual AMPLIFY mural on the historic Smokehouse.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.
Who Is Alan Mothner?
Alan Mothner is the CEO of Spruill Center for the Arts and a longtime champion of creativity in Dunwoody. Under his leadership, Spruill has embraced being both a historic institution and a hub for public art, education, and events.
What Is Spirits for Spruill?
Spirits for Spruill is a lively outdoor gathering held each October at Spruill Gallery. The 2025 event was October 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and celebrated the 6th annual AMPLIFY mural on the side of the Smokehouse facing Ashford Dunwoody Road.
Guests tasted spirits from six Georgia distilleries, including whiskeys and bourbons, plus a specialty cocktail bar. Instead of beer, Spirits for Spruill leaned fully into craft spirits. Zaza’s Kitchen, an Atlanta caterer known for high-end grazing tables, served charcuterie, smoked salmon, cheeses, and more.
Magno, a local favorite who plays at Le Méridien and other Perimeter spots, performed live. His blend of acoustic soul and Latin influence fits community events like this perfectly.
AMPLIFY: Public Art with Purpose
AMPLIFY is Spruill’s yearly mural project that turns the side of the historic Smokehouse into public art. For 2025, a record 157 designs were submitted and three finalists were selected. The mural gives Ashford Dunwoody Road a visual anchor and shows that art and commerce can live side by side in Dunwoody.
The 2025 AMPLIFY finalists:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Atlanta Art Fair
Alan was excited about the new Atlanta Art Fair, which was brand new when we recorded. He saw it as a way to raise the profile of Spruill artists and connect Dunwoody’s creative community with a bigger regional audience.
Why Spruill Matters for Living in Dunwoody
As a Dunwoody REALTOR®, I point newcomers to Spruill as one of the easiest ways to plug into local life. Classes, the Holiday Artists Market, and events like Spirits for Spruill draw empty nesters, young families, and teens, and the gallery sits right between neighborhoods like Dunwoody North and the Perimeter business district.
My Take: Spirits for Spruill is a grown-up night out that supports the arts. Grab a ticket, try a Georgia bourbon, and see the new mural up close.
Learn more and see upcoming events at spruillarts.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spirits for Spruill
What is Spirits for Spruill?
Spirits for Spruill is an annual October fundraiser at Spruill Gallery in Dunwoody with Georgia spirits tastings, cocktails, food, live music, and the AMPLIFY mural reveal.
Where is Spirits for Spruill held?
At Spruill Gallery on Ashford Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody, Georgia.
What is the AMPLIFY mural?
AMPLIFY is Spruill’s annual mural project painted on the historic Smokehouse facing Ashford Dunwoody Road. A new design is chosen each year.
How old is the Spruill Gallery house?
The farmhouse was built in 1905, and outbuildings like the Smokehouse date to 1867.
Does Spruill offer art classes?
Yes. Spruill Center for the Arts at 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road offers classes in ceramics, painting, photography, and more, plus summer camps and scholarships.