In the heart of downtown Woodstock, where fresh produce and artisan goods bring the community together every Saturday, a new artistic landmark has emerged. A striking market-themed mural inside the Woodstock City Center Parking Deck pays homage to the vibrancy and pride of the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market with a colorful tribute to the market’s role in the town’s culture.
The artist behind this lively creation is Brianna Gardocki, a muralist passionate about community-driven projects. As part of an initiative led by Madison Beaulieu and Visit Woodstock GA, Brianna was commissioned to bring the market’s essence to life on the walls of the new parking deck, which now houses four unique murals: two by Brianna, one by Sylvia Smith, and one by Elaine Stephenson.
A Mural Rooted in Community
Brianna wanted the mural to reflect the farmers market’s significance in Woodstock’s local economy and social life. “Markets bring locals together. Supporting local goods and products is important,” she shares. Having previously sold her art at farmers markets in New Mexico, she understands firsthand the sense of connection they foster.
Her mural celebrates Georgia’s agricultural abundance and features collard greens, peanuts, sourdough bread, honey, watermelons, berries, and a large, ripe peach. The artist chose each element carefully to showcase the flavors and traditions that make the market a beloved part of the Woodstock community.
Madison Beaulieu, the city’s economic development operations manager, played a key role in curating the parking-deck murals. “We wanted all four murals to feel cohesive, with a shared style and natural theme,” Madison explains. “Brianna’s fish mural was iconic, and when we saw her farmers market concept, it just made perfect sense. The market is such a point of pride for Woodstock, and this was a great way to tie in those natural elements.”
The Art of Creation
Bringing the mural to life came with challenges. The parking deck construction schedule required Brianna to adjust her usual process, often projecting designs onto the wall as early as six in the morning before natural light made it impossible.
Brianna, Sylvia, and Elaine also had to navigate the difficulties of painting in a shadowed space. “The parking deck kind of had a cave atmosphere when it rained, and we’d sometimes find drip marks from overnight humidity,” Brianna recalls. Through trial and error she and her fellow artists learned to monitor humidity levels, refining their processes to ensure the mural’s longevity.
Public Art With a Purpose
For Madison and the city of Woodstock, the murals are about more than aesthetics. They make public spaces more inviting and engaging. “We want the parking deck to be the starting point for people’s Woodstock adventures,” she says. “It sets the tone with something fun and bright.”
Madison adds that the project also aligns with the Woodstock Public Art Master Plan, which emphasizes nature as a recurring theme. “Through public engagement and surveys we found that nature was a key theme the community wanted to see reflected in public art. It’s been great to use it as a guide and create something that truly reflects Woodstock’s values.”
The initiative highlights the city’s strong support for female entrepreneurs and artists. “Downtown Woodstock has more women-owned businesses than men-owned businesses,” Madison notes. “We have many boss babes here, and it’s incredible to see talented female artists leading this project.”
More Than a Place to Shop
The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market is more than a place to shop; it’s a hub for local farmers and a vital resource for the community. One of its dedicated vendors, Rob Miller from Trefoil Gardens, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an authentic farmers market experience: “A true farmers market should provide something unique—an experience centered on fresh, locally grown food, distinct from craft fairs or prepared-food markets.”
Beyond fresh produce, the market plays a crucial role in food accessibility. “Access to fresh, local food is more important than ever, especially with rising costs and food insecurity affecting our neighbors,” Rob notes.
Fostering Commerce and Community
Not merely an artistic landmark, the mural reflects Woodstock’s commitment to fostering commerce and creativity. The 2025 Woodstock Farm Fresh Market kicked off on April 26 and runs through December 27, allowing visitors to experience the market’s weekly offerings and the art that celebrates them. This year’s confirmed vendors include Rockin’ S Farms of Free Home, Hatch Farm of Adairsville, K & B Farm of Lyerly, and Gustock International Market and Yumsa, both of Woodstock.
As shoppers browse fresh produce, homemade goods, and handcrafted treasures this season, they’ll be reminded of the deep connections between art, agriculture, and community—a sentiment beautifully captured in Brianna’s work.
This article was featured in the May/June 2025 issue of Enjoy Cherokee Magazine.
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