A Forest of You is the fourth rendition of Alleywave, a vibrant, canopy installation celebrating collective creativity in the heart of Fairburn, GA. Visually led this year by acclaimed artist Sanithna Phansavanh, the panels of Alleywave feature circles and flowing shapes mimicking train imagery—such as wheels, lights, signs, smoke, and motion—referencing the importance of the railroad in Fairburn’s history, and evoking the imagery of clouds and water streams.

A Forest of You’s visual theme is inspired by shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” a Japanese practice of immersion in nature, meant to boost mental and physical health. The designs activate that experience across the downtown Fairburn alleyway, encouraging a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe with intention beneath 119-feet of suspended, colored panels personalized by returning community contributors Black Girls RUN!, Arlington Girl Scouts, and the New Beginnings Senior Center, immersing visitors in a kaleidoscopic forest where collective creativity converges to foster awareness of each passing moment.

Join us at A Forest of You

Saturday, April 25, 2026
4-6 PM EST

26 W Campbellton St.
Fairburn, GA

Featuring music by Santiago Paramo
Light refreshments in the alleyway

Free & open to the public

Designer Statement

“We can focus so much on the tasks in our lives that we neglect to be present in life itself. Worse still, we might not even realize that we’re being distracted by what’s unimportant or unnecessary.

The creative intention of the design is inspired by shinrin-yoku, “forest bathing,” a Japanese practice of immersion in nature, meant to boost mental and physical health. Finding that kind of experience in an alley may not be the same, but taking a moment to pause and reflect, to breathe with intention while being aware of each moment, is certainly possible. I hope that that idea, of slowing down to just enjoy what’s in front of us, transfers to everyone who engages with this year’s Alleywave, from the people coloring the panels all the way to the people walking under the panels.”

Biography

Sanithna Phansavanh (suh-neat-nuh pon-suh-von) is an artist who lives and works in his native city of Atlanta, Georgia. He divides his efforts between gallery shows, public art, and art direction.

Ranging from small pencil drawings to large-scale painted murals, his art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with notable, local showings at the High Museum of Art, on the Atlanta BeltLine, as a part of the Living Walls Conference, and through the City of Atlanta’s Public Art programs.

With an interest in the cycles of creation and existence, Sanithna focuses primarily on the human figure and nature, often emphasizing vibrant colors and expressive mark-making.

His design work has partnered him with organizations that span multiple disciplines and industries, from the American Cancer Society to Target.

Sanithna was raised in Atlanta as a first-generation American to Lao refugees. The blending of cultures, and their respective beliefs, helped him to find commonality in diverse perspectives and to celebrate the beauty of distinctions. East Asian philosophies, Buddhism and Taoism in particular, often combine with American inspirations, such as Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, to inform his work.

He studied Fine Art at the University of Georgia and Graphic Design at Georgia State University.

He also likes long walks on the beach, and hopes that the Hawks and the Falcons win a chip soon.

Alleywave: Canopy of Colors brings together visual reflections from Fairburn students and organization members collected during creative workshops held in the community. Led this year by Sanithna Phansavanh, the workshops include an overview of color theory, color psychology, and basic design principles. Participants are then provided templates designed by Sanithna, and given free reign to customize them according to their personal inspirations.

Each reflection will be translated into a unique satin panel within Alleywave, forming a collaborative and colorful canopy reflecting the collective inspirations of the Fairburn community.

2026 Participating Organizations: Black Girls RUN!, Arlington Girl Scouts, and the New Beginnings Senior Center