December 12, 2025
From Classroom to Community: Prince Art Project Headed to Wire Park
Written by Prince junior Camden Spires
Prince Avenue middle school art teacher Leah Laturell is a well-known artist in the Athens area, and anyone walking into her classroom today would immediately encounter a unique work in progress—a large Georgia Bulldog statue similar to the iconic painted concrete bulldogs displayed throughout downtown Athens. Once completed, this custom piece will become a permanent fixture at Wire Park in Watkinsville.
Mrs. Laturell has been working alongside Wire Park owner and Prince parent Duke Gibbs, whose family she has known for years, to design the bulldog. The plan includes gray pants, a black Georgia jersey featuring the number 13, spikes lining the jersey, and two championship rings on the front paw.
Under her guidance, Mrs. Laturell’s students have also had the opportunity to contribute to the project. They have painted selected sections of the statue, giving them hands-on experience with a community art project. The experience provides students with a deeper understanding of their local community and how art can extend far beyond traditional classroom assignments.
Mrs. Laturell appreciates the support of the Prince community in this process and says, “It truly is an honor to be painting such an important piece for the community, and I know it means a lot to the kids.”