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Literary Quests on the Atlanta Beltline: From Homeric Homecomings to Toni Morrison's Search for Paradise

  • 10th St & Monroe Drive Atlanta, GA, 30306 United States (map)

Meet At: 10th St NE & Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306


About This Event

This Jane’s Walk, taking place in the East Side Beltline, focuses on themes of Art & Architecture, History & Culture.

Join Robert F. Barsky, a Guggenheim Fellow and author of The Beltline Chronicles, for a poetic tour of the Atlanta Beltline. As we walk past Atlanta landmarks, we will reflect on prominent authors such as Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Richard Wright, along with iconic questing characters like Ulysses, Dante the Pilgrim, Lord Byron, Frankenstein's monster, Alice in Wonderland, Sonia Delaunay, and Blaise Cendrars. The combination of literary and physical journeys offers a fresh perspective on what the Beltline means for Atlanta's residents and visitors. We hope you can join!


Location

  • Begin: 10th St NE & Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

  • End: Kroger

The Details

  • Distance of Route: 1 mile

  • Duration of Walk: 90 minutes

  • Walk Language: English, but can answer questions in French or Italian

  • Accessibility: The terrain is paved. This event IS Wheelchair accessible

  • What to Bring: Attendees should wear comfortable temperature

  • appropriate clothing. Bring a bottle of water.

  • No weather-adjusted plans.


About Walk Leader, Robert F. Barsky

Robert F. Barsky is an author, professor at Vanderbilt University, and the creator of The Beltline Chronicles. He is deeply interested in urban stories and their connections to the spaces and histories around us. Last year, he led a Jane's Walk, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and he hopes to organize a similar walk this year that links significant quests from the past to an epic journey on the Beltline. Barsky’s exploration of the Atlanta Beltline began five years ago when he moved to Atlanta. His numerous journeys around the Beltline culminated in the creation of an epic poem that relates his urban experiences to historical quests, ranging from Homer to Toni Morrison. This poem has received awards and funding from the Mayor's Office and Vanderbilt University, and it is set to be published as a book in July 2025. All proceeds from the sales will go to organizations that assist individuals experiencing homelessness. This project has encouraged Barsky to delve into the histories, narratives, and civil rights issues surrounding the Beltline, knowledge he is eager to share during a Jane's Walk.


Registration

Jane’s Walks are free to attend, but registration is required. Please click the link below to save your spot!

  • Jane’s Walk is an annual global festival from May 2-4 honoring the legacy of urbanist, activist, and writer Jane Jacobs with free, citizen-led walking tours through the neighborhoods that lend so much character to our cities.

    The festival promotes civic engagement and encourages leaders and participants to share stories about their communities and use walking as a means of connecting with their neighbors.

  • 10th St NE & Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

  • MODA reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment requirements are not met.

    If you need to cancel your plans for any reason, we kindly request that you notify us 48 hours prior to the event start.

    By doing so, we can release your seat to another individual interested in joining us for this Jane’s Walk!

  • Pictures and videos will be captured during MODA public programs and may be published on the official website, social media, and newsletters of the Museum of Design Atlanta. If you do not wish to appear on these platforms, please write to felicia@museumofdesign.org.

  • Email Felica at felicia@museumofdesign.org with any questions.

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