Photo courtesy of Explore Gwinnett.
In the heart of Historic Norcross, an immersive installation known as Grow Here offers the opportunity to step into a garden of mirrored flowers, gigantic grass shoots and a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Created by local artist Lisette Correa (@arrrtaddict on Instagram) inside a defunct bank teller drive-through in Skin Alley for Gwinnett County’s Artober celebration, the installation is one of several ways the county is encouraging residents to get in an artistic frame of mind.
Photo courtesy of Explore Gwinnett.
Artober was launched a decade ago by Explore Gwinnett, the county’s tourism organization, with the mission to connect and inspire the 17 cities of Gwinnett. According to Executive Director Lisa Anders, Artober celebrates the area’s existing arts and cultural assets across the county, plus creates additional programming all month long.
“It’s expanding into more unincorporated parts of Gwinnett, and organizers look forward to making the month bigger and better [every year],” she says.
Photo courtesy of Explore Gwinnett.
New in 2026, organizers introduced Mini Art Galleries. Built inside three decommissioned utility boxes, the galleries serve as mini community art exchanges. Inside each box—which have been colorfully painted by local artist Max Eve (@maxevemusicandart on Instagram)—visitors will find art supplies and artworks. They can make and leave their own art using the materials in the box, or take art they admire. There are three locations at Peachtree Corners Town Green, Suwanee Circle and at Eye Candy Art Studio in downtown Duluth. The Mini Art Galleries will remain on display through October 31.
“Exploring and finding the boxes is part of the fun,” says Madison Chucci, senior community development manager for Explore Gwinnett.
Also new in 2026 is the comprehensive, 31-day calendar to help residents see what’s going on across the entire county.
“We put the events together so there’s something to do in the county every single night in October,” Anders says. “Instead of staying in the city of Buford or Norcross, it’s more cohesive.”
Photo courtesy of Explore Gwinnett.
Photo courtesy of Explore Gwinnett.
A highlight of Artober, Not Your Mother’s Art Festival, will take place this Friday night, October 16, at Slow Pour Brewing Company in downtown Lawrenceville. Now in its third year, the festival promises unusual demonstrations such as taxidermy, pin striping, and tile painting, plus performances like breakdancing and fire play. Plenty of art vendors will be on sight, along with food and dessert trucks.
Anders and Chucci agree that each year they’ve planned Not Your Mother’s Art Festival has been easier than the last as more artists attend or hear about the event and express interest. The evening is family-friendly and pet-friendly and draws a young crowd of creatives.
“We had college students and young adults last year, a younger demographic than usual,” says Anders.
Photo courtesy of Explore Gwinnett.
Artober also kicks off a donation drive for the Gwinnett Creativity Fund (GCF), which offers project grants to creative endeavors across the county. Now in its seventh year, the fund can cover everything from theaters and libraries, to filmmaking and arts-related nonprofits. Project applications for the 2027 grant cycle opened October 1 and remain open through January 31, 2027. The GCF has awarded more than $1.5 million since it started in 2020.
“It’s hugely important, and we awarded 28 grants last year across Gwinnett,” Anders says. “Being able to give [these arts and culture entities] the opportunity to grow and expand is exciting.”
