In her curatorial debut, Melissa Alexander is holding space for Black women and their wombs. Melissa is an Atlanta-based photographer creating work as a form of protest and rebellion to strengthen Black narratives that go overlooked and undervalued. She focuses on intimacy in the Black community, and is currently working on projects centering the evolution of the Black girl into the Black woman.

As someone who has faced her own womb health challenges, Melissa knows firsthand the physical and emotional toll that Black women carry with these experiences, and the importance of visibility and support–too often these experiences are dismissed and carried in silence. HELD: Black Women and The Womb is a curated group exhibition featuring 20 Black women artists whose work explores womb health conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, unwanted hysterectomies, and medical trauma. Through art, storytelling, and public programming, the exhibition creates community around experiences that too many women have carried alone.

With this exhibition, Melissa is creating something bigger than just a display of art on the walls. She is creating space for visibility, education, and connection. In fact, she met individually with each participating artist to hear our stories, ensuring she authentically connects us and our work to collectors and viewers. Aside from the show itself, she has a lineup of programming surrounding the show’s theme that will further foster conversations yielding more awareness and support for womb health.

When Melissa’s call for artists was shared with me, I didn’t hesitate to respond. Living with a womb-based condition means navigating between wanting to be seen and wondering if you ever truly will be. I have always been vocal about my endometriosis journey, and even still, the feeling that no one around me truly understands never fully goes away. But this exhibition felt aligned. With over 200 comments on Melissa’s artist call, it was clear that I wasn’t the only one who had been waiting for this specific space.

Upon delivering my artwork, I was able to have a sneak peek at a few of the other artists’ work, and I must say that Melissa has done an amazing job in her curation. I was in awe with what I was seeing, and hearing. The pieces in this show are not only beautiful to the eye, but also powerful to the soul. The stories of some of the work may even bring viewers to tears (so there’s that trigger warning). However, tears are also powerful and we may need this space and time to shed. Perhaps there will also be a bit of Renewal that occurs (which is the title of one of my pieces in this show). This is one of those exhibitions that will be uplifting and maybe even life changing for some.

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Whether you are someone with womb challenges, or you know and love someone with womb challenges, you don’t want to miss this experience. The show officially opens at 7pm on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Nina Baldwin Gallery in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill Arts District, with a soft opening, on May 7, 2026, specifically for collectors and healthcare professionals to engage and connect with the artists.

If you are unable to attend but would like to support the exhibition and its programming, please consider making a donation here.

RSVP for HELD: Black Women and The Womb

Friday, May 8, 2026
7pm–11pm
Nina Baldwin Gallery
309 Peters Street Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30313

Band of Vices’ current exhibition Dear Artists… BE STILL brings together more than 90 artists, presenting over 150 still life works. The show marks the gallery’s 50th exhibition and serves as the second chapter of their Dear Artists multi-show initiative, which launched last year in celebration of their 10-year anniversary. By centering still life, this show encourages both artists and patrons to slow down and return their attention to the artwork and the community it sustains, rather than the growing emphasis on collecting the “art stars.”

The Dear Artists initiative is dedicated to the legacy of Melvin A. Marshall, a curator who advocated for artists with intention and whose influence continues to guide the gallery’s programming. For Founder and Creative Director Terrell Tilford, Dear Artists functions as both a love letter to artists and a structural response to the current art market. “It’s love and infrastructure–clear formats, fair prices, and a platform that welcomes first-time collectors while re-energizing seasoned ones. We dedicate this initiative to Melvin A. Marshall, whose belief in artists guides every choice,” Tilford said in a statement.

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Curated by multidisciplinary artist and designer JosephBrandon, the Dear Artists series places emerging, mid-career, and established artists side-by-side without hierarchy. Designed to move against the current pace of the art market, Dear Artists is presented in a unified format of 12x12x1.5-inch works with transparent price points. The goal is to rebuild the connection between artists, galleries, and collectors by making participation and collecting more accessible.

Dear Artists… BE STILL is on view through February 7, 2026, at Band of Vices in the Historic Downtown Los Angeles Arts District. The gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays from 12-4 PM, with additional availability by appointment.

When you hear George Washington Carver’s name, you probably immediately think of peanuts – after all, that is mainly what we were taught about him in grade school. However, he was so much more than just the “Peanut Man.” Carver’s innovations, inventions, and humanitarianism inevitably made him a pioneer of plant-based engineering and one of the nation’s earliest proponents of sustainable agriculture. Also known as “The Black Leonardo,” he is arguably one of the greatest and most celebrated scientists of his time – yet, his artistic achievements don't receive enough recognition.

While Carver’s life and career are most often associated with his contributions to science, his roots in art played an essential role in shaping his life and work. Enrolling in Simpson College in Iowa, his initial studies were in the field of art– and his love for plants was a focal point of many of his paintings. He was encouraged by his art teacher to enter his work in a local exhibit, where it was selected to represent Iowa at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Despite Carver’s artistic talents, the “starving artist” narrative was especially true during that time, and that same art teacher worried that he wouldn’t be able to make a living as an artist. From there, he was encouraged to explore botany at Iowa State Agricultural College where he excelled in the fields of horticulture, botany, chemistry, and mycology. Carver received his bachelor’s degree in 1894 and a master’s degree in 1896, and went on to work as the director of the scientific experiment station at The Tuskegee Institute in 1897. Everything that we learned–and didn’t learn–in school about Carver came from the work that he did throughout his time as a researcher and scientist at The Tuskegee Institute, which was the base for the remainder of his life and career.

Learning more about the life and legacy of George Washington Carver was the highlight of my most recent visit to The California African American Museum. Their exhibition World Without End: The George Washington Carver Project, immaculately curated, displays his rarely seen paintings, drawings, weavings, paint samples, laboratory equipment, and scientific writings. In addition to showcasing Carver’s works, this exhibition also explores how today’s artists and thinkers incorporate his interests, ideas, and innovations into their own practices, featuring contemporary art by thirty artists and artist collectives.

Upon entering the exhibition, there is a brief chronological history of Carver; however, as you journey further, the exhibition unfolds in a more conceptual manner, allowing you to explore a constellation of ideas that naturally connect to Carver’s work. This is the kind of exhibition where you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time learning new things and standing in awe of the many innovations and artworks on display. As described by the California African American Museum, the exhibition "functions as an experimental springboard to push at the boundaries of Carver's ideas and where they might lead us," encouraging visitors to consider Carver from various vantage points. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to experience this exhibition to do so, as it will provide a new perspective on George Washington Carver’s profound impact on both science and art.

World Without End: The George Washington Carver Project is on exhibit now until March 2, 2025.

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When you think about New Orleans, one of the first things you should think about is its rich Black culture. So, what’s a Super Bowl in New Orleans without a fusion of Black culture?

Year after year we see a multitude of partnerships with the NFL for the Super Bowl, but for Super Bowl LIX, a different type of history has been made. When planning for 2025, the NFL’s design team reached out to the artist Tahj “Queen Tahj” Williams to partner with her for the design of the logo for Super Bowl LIX – making her the first-ever artist, and Black woman, to hand-craft the logo and theme art for the Super Bowl. This momentous opportunity is not only a personal achievement for Williams, but also a major cultural moment – one that shines a global spotlight on New Orleans’ Black Masking tradition. At the age of 26, Queen Tahj is continuing tradition, making history, and opening doors – the very epitome of Black girl magic!

Williams, a queen of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Tribe, is celebrated for her beautifully expressive and intricate Black Masking technique. She was introduced to Black Masking culture at a young age by her uncle, and her own Black Masking aspirations were sparked when she saw a tribe queen for the first time. The Black Masking Indian culture is a historic subculture of New Orleans with traditions dating back to the 1800s when Native Americans helped provide refuge to runaway slaves. Black Masking culture pays homage to both the enslaved ancestors and their friendship with Native Americans. When African Americans were banned from participating in the mainstream Mardi Gras that happens on St. Charles, they made their own celebration in their own neighborhoods – a tradition we continue to see today among the more than 40 Black Masking Indian tribes in New Orleans.

Williams’ beaded logo design draws from Black Masking culture and encompasses fleur-de-lis inspired details with red and green swirls and hints of pink. With the logo and theme art, Williams wanted to create something that portrayed the most authentic representation of the New Orleans Black Masking culture. “My approach to creating the Super Bowl logo is actually the same approach I take with making my suits– what story do I want to tell and how I want people to feel [and] react when they see it for the first time,” said Williams in an interview with the NFL.

When the NFL slid into Williams’ DMs, they knew she was the perfect artist for this opportunity because her work authentically honors and celebrates New Orleans’ cultural roots and vibrant spirit. What they didn’t know, however, was that their choice was even more aligned, as she also has a deep connection to football. When she was in middle school, Williams wasn’t just the only girl on their football team; she was also the team captain. Her time as a football player taught her to focus on her dreams without worrying about what society thinks is for girls or boys. With that, it’s safe to say that she has been the epitome of history-making Black girl magic since childhood.

For Williams, her Super Bowl logo and theme design is more than just a collaboration—it is her “love letter to New Orleans.” With this historic opportunity, she is spotlighting her New Orleans heritage and Black Masking culture while carrying hopes of opening doors for other artists to receive similar opportunities. Williams’ Super Bowl LIX logo will be displayed throughout New Orleans during game week and can be seen on digital game day tickets, the official program cover, and an exterior installation at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

For anyone visiting New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, take a moment to look beyond the game – because what you’ll find is a city filled with culture, tradition, creativity, and overall Black excellence.

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If “attend more art exhibitions” wasn’t on your list of “New Year’s Resolutions” let’s edit that list now, because it’s time to immerse yourself more into the world of art. Atlanta has an abundance of galleries to explore this year and Gallery Chimera is one that you must add to your list.

Gallery Chimera is kicking off the new year with Secret Underwater Gardens, a solo exhibition by artist Yubi Lee. This exhibition is a collection of 30 pieces, bridging the abstract and the figurative, bringing together landscapes and portraits that reveal the inner sanctuary of Lee's unconscious. Through these works, Lee explores the themes of the inner child and vulnerability, metaphorically depicting them as gardens submerged underwater. These hidden gardens reflect both the beauty and depth of the human experience— what lies beneath the surface, invisible but ever-present. The exhibition serves as a contemplative space where viewers can journey through their own inner worlds, connecting to universal emotions of growth, resilience, and beauty. You can get a first view of Secret Underwater Gardens this Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the opening reception from 6:30pm-9:30pm. If you are unable to make it to the opening reception, you’ll have the opportunity to check out this whimsical exhibition during the gallery’s daily operating hours until February 1, 2025, with the artist talk on January 25, 2025 at 6:00pm.

In this exhibition, Lee transformed the gallery’s space with extra attention to detail featuring a beautiful selection of floral installations and natural botanicals to represent the flowers growing over time in our unconscious. On opening night, not only will you immerse yourself in the wonders of Secret Underwater Gardens, but you will have the opportunity to witness Lee embody the direct connection with her work through her unique Hanbok dress, which she designed to match her exhibition’s works. Her Hanboks represent beauty, power, and cultural dignity– and they allow her to show that she is also the artwork.

A recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) , Lee's journey started in Seoul, where she was born. Throughout life she has lived in Japan, New Zealand, England, and the United States– where she is currently based. Lee has a unique perspective on art and life that can be attributed to her multicultural upbringing and she continues to draw inspiration from tangible life experiences, people, and nature. To ensure she continues fueling her creative engine, she incorporates a variety of art forms into her daily life, such as junk journaling- which she creates completely from scratch, sewing– as fashion is a core element of her paintings, and photography– adding another dimension to her overall artistic practice.

While creating the collection for this solo exhibition, Lee connected with her inner child in such a way that she allowed herself to let go of control and just create like a child. “I learned to catch, and action, my first thoughts of ideas. Usually some ideas or thoughts about a piece randomly, but so clearly, hit me while I do my first layers of collage and plastering. I used to filter and censor all those thoughts, but through the process of this collection, I started to just write those ideas right away and take it in action without questioning— like a child's instinct. Usually, inner child's thoughts are always crazy, but true to heart. Children don't question if they like the texture of sand or if they don't like having paint all over them. They just do it,” she says. Through this process, however, Lee didn’t just learn to let go and freely create, she realized that her inner child is not always a happy child just exploring and creating– but also a child wanting to unleash sadness and frustration. Her process of creating this collection also incorporated journaling which allowed the deeper exploration of those negative emotions that have been long buried. “l felt as if I have dived into the deepest underwater the past few months. Sometimes in life, I have to hold [my] breath so I could go in deep and find the most sparkling treasures hidden beneath. I have done the job of the mermaid. I found the treasure, and now I am slowly coming back to the shore to share it to the world.”

Gallery Chimera Presents: Secret Under Garden, a solo exhibition by Yubi Lee
January 11, 2025- February 1, 2025
624 North Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(401) 644-7165

Opening Reception: an evening of art, conversation, and connection
Saturday, January 11, 2025. 6:30pm-9:30pm
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secret-underwater-gardens-solo-exhibit-by-yubi-lee-tickets-1113036444969?aff=oddtdtcreator

Art Talk with Yubi Lee: an insightful discussion on the themes behind the exhibition and the artistic process.
Saturday, January 25th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-secret-underwater-gardens-by-yubi-lee-tickets-1114052955379?aff=oddtdtcreator

New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami…At least one of those cities will probably immediately come to mind when you think of our major art hubs in the United States. With Atlanta on the rise in every other aspect, it won’t be long before we see this southern city join that list. As a fast-growing art hub and the sixth most populous metro area in the country, it is only right that Atlanta finally has a global art fair- The Atlanta Art Fair. And while those other major hub cities may initially come to mind, please don’t compare them to Atlanta because we are (and have always been) in a class of our own in the arts. Yes, there may be many differences and similarities between Atlanta and other art cities, but when it comes to every area of the arts, it’s that southern energy that separates Atlanta and gives us our own razzle-dazzle. Needless to say, we were overdue for a global art fair.

Presented by Art Market Productions (AMP), the inaugural edition of Atlanta Art Fair’s opening night was held at The Pullman Yard on October 3, 2024, and was open to the public through October 6, 2024. The fair welcomed 63 exhibitors and cultural partners (25% being Atlanta-based) showcasing artworks by over 100 established and emerging artists. The Atlanta Art Fair’s Artistic Director Nato Thompson was joined by Atlanta-based guest curators Lauren Jackson Harris and Karen Comer Lowe, who each presented public projects and exhibitions at the fair, foregrounding local artists. Both Harris and Lowe are deeply involved in the Atlanta art scene and have long histories of championing underrepresented voices in the arts. “It was pivotal to us to collaborate with Atlanta-based curators who are deeply embedded within the city’s art scene and who can respond to the pressing needs of the arts community,” said Nato Thompson in a statement.

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Naturally, when you think of what to expect at an art fair, you may envision walls adorned with a variety of art, which is, of course, a big part of it. However, at this year’s Atlanta Art Fair, attendees could not only view amazing art but also enjoy daily theater programming that featured panels discussing topics such as Atlanta’s emergence as a leading cultural hub, design in the American South, art collecting, preserving artists’ legacies, being a Southern artist, and more. I had the opportunity to sit in for the opening night’s panel, Atlanta’s Cultural Renaissance, and one of the Saturday panels On Deck in the South. Both panels were very insightful, as the panelists spoke thoroughly on the respective topics. Looking back, I wish I had planned my schedule more accordingly to fit in more of the panels during the weekend. One of my friends, and fellow artist, Damaine Bolton, attended the fair on Friday and had the chance to sit in on the Collecting in the South panel. There, he connected with two of Atlanta’s well-known collectors and learned more about how they view and invest in art. His feedback on his experience and the information that he got from this panel definitely made me regret not being able to attend the fair at that time. I say that to emphasize that this year’s fair was much more than just viewing art; it was also a fantastic information and networking opportunity for anyone already in or wanting to enter the art space—from artists to collectors, curators, galleries, and art enthusiasts.

One thing I really enjoyed about this fair, besides the art (obviously), was meeting and talking to the gallery owners, directors, and artists. Seeing the art is one thing, but actually being able to engage in conversations that give you deeper insight into the pieces can make the overall experience that much more amazing. I could easily give a long list of art that I was absolutely in awe of, but the two pieces I would have immediately claimed for my collection if I could, were This My Baldwin by Najee Dorsey from the Black Art In America gallery and Nope Not Today by Guy Stanley Philoche from the Maune Contemporary Gallery. Speaking to those artists about their work made me appreciate it even more.

The photo captured of This My Baldwin does no justice to the work. The details that Dorsey put into this piece are immaculate, making it one of those artworks I can examine repeatedly, discovering new elements each time that enhance its incredible quality. Nope Not Today immediately commanded my attention with its striking red background. The innocence and curiosity of the young Black child wearing a “Nope Not Today” t-shirt drew me in, especially since I was wearing those same shoes and own a shirt with the same phrase. Perhaps I saw myself in this piece, which made me curious to learn more about this and others in the collection. From Philoche’s series Give Us Our Flowers, this piece, along with his others on display at the fair, depicts the joy and positivity of the everyday life of black children. In a world where certain stereotypes already exist towards Black children, these pieces aim to send a powerful message and shine a positive light on them- essentially giving them their flowers.

I have attended art fairs in some of the other major art cities, and I can confidently say that not once during either day was there an air of pretentiousness. From the moment I walked into the fair, it felt welcoming, and most, if not all, of the artists and gallery representatives I spoke with were warm and engaging. While not all of the galleries and artists were from the South, I’d like to think that the energy of Atlanta naturally rubbed off on everyone, creating an atmosphere of Southern hospitality. Needless to say, for this to have been the first Atlanta Art Fair, I’m very impressed; to be honest, this is one of the best art fairs I have attended. I look forward to seeing the growth of this fair in the years ahead. If you missed out on this amazing weekend in Atlanta, you missed something truly great in the city. But don’t worry- this was the first of many, so be sure to mark it on your calendar for next year!

Every creative has, at some point, faced the struggle of feeling stuck and being unable to progress through a creative project. Commonly referred to as artist’s or writer’s block, this challenge can manifest as difficulty generating new ideas, lacking motivation, or waiting for that spark of inspiration. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution for a creative block, one effective method to regain your creative spark is through reading. Books can offer fresh perspectives, practical tips, and the much-needed motivation to push through creative blocks. To help you on your journey, I've compiled a list of eight must-read books from my own library. These books have either inspired me, are currently inspiring me, or are on my to-read list. I hope that they will awaken your creative soul and provide you with the tools to overcome any creative hurdles you may face.

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1. The Artist’s Way - Julia Cameron

While this overall list is in no particular order, I had to put this book first. I have had this book in my library for at least two years now and, for some reason, have not read it. But timing is everything because recently I felt moved to pick it up and dive right in, and I must say from the first two chapters, I am excited to move through this book.

With this book, Cameron created a comprehensive 12-week program designed to unlock and cultivate one’s creative potential. The program’s exercises and tools, such as Morning Pages and Artist Dates, are to help the reader overcome blocks and rediscover their creative self. Cameron’s approach is heavily based on her spirituality, but she does let readers know that being spiritual is not a requirement and that the verbiage can be modified to fit individual belief systems.

Despite the title being "The Artist's Way," this book and program are not just for those who consider themselves artists; it’s for anyone looking to enhance their creative process in whatever journey they are on.

There are so many reviews that have proclaimed that this book changed their lives, so it’s safe to say that this is a necessity for every person who is already active in their creative practice and those wanting to make room for their inner creative to thrive.

2. The Creative Act: A Way of Being - Rick Rubin

In The Creative Act, Rick Rubin uses his decades of experience as a legendary music producer to guide the reader in an exploration of creativity. This book takes us on a journey that encourages us to embrace creativity as a way of life. Rubin's insights are deep but not overwhelming, offering wisdom on finding inspiration, overcoming self-doubt, experimenting, building habits, and staying true to one’s artistic vision.

3. Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

If you find fear getting in the way of your big creative dreams, Big Magic is the book for you. Gilbert draws from her own experiences, and wisdom gained from fellow creatives, to give readers a refreshing perspective on inspiration, curiosity, and the pursuit of a creative life. A big takeaway from this read is how ideas will come and go from person to person, searching for someone to bring them to life. If an idea comes to you and you wait too long, it will go on to the next person until it finds “the one.” She dismantles the myths surrounding creativity, proving that everyone is creative, and advocating for a playful and fearless approach to creative endeavors.

4. Creative Quest - Questlove

Questlove, a multi-talented musician and co-founder of the band The Roots, shares his wealth of knowledge on creativity through a mix of personal experiences, interviews with others, and research. This book will help you fight your creative block as Questlove talks about his own creative processes, exploring themes of inspiration, collaboration, and the importance of nurturing one’s artistic spirit. “Creativity isn’t candyland; it’s more complicated than that. But there is a gameboard and general principles to follow” is what Questlove “sketches out” for readers (or listeners) of this book. If you are an audiobook enthusiast, you will love listening to this book as Questlove himself narrates it in a way that keeps you engaged (and you’ll also get a bit of musical razzle-dazzle throughout the listen).

5. The War of Art - Steven Pressfield

If you are feeling a lot of resistance to anything, it means that you need to take some action. This is the overarching advice that you will get from The War of Art. Pressfield delivers a powerful manifesto on overcoming the internal obstacles that hinder our creative pursuits. He details how resistance is the primary enemy of one’s creativity and offers a tough-love approach on how to conquer it. This book is an easy read with concise and motivational chapters that will give you the mindset needed to defeat procrastination, self-doubt, and fear. The War of Art is a must-read for creatives seeking to unlock their full potential and live a more productive and fulfilled creative life.

6. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative - Austin Kleon

If you have not already read this book, you most likely have seen or heard about it. Steal Like an Artist is a short and to-the-point guide to unlocking your creativity by embracing the influence of others. Kleon argues that no art is entirely original and that the best ideas are born from borrowing and remixing existing concepts. Some may disagree with this idea, but I couldn’t agree more because we have to learn from somewhere, right? Once we study and learn from many different people, we can then take bits and pieces of things that resonate and sprinkle our own unique flavor to create something new and fresh. However, DO NOT COPY someone else’s work! Instead, use it as inspiration to create something else- something new with more of you in it. If you feel inspired to create something solely based on someone else’s work, it is important to credit them.

Through his ten things to “unlock your creativity,” Kleon encourages readers to explore their creative lineage, find inspiration everywhere, and transform their unique perspectives into innovative works. With illustrations throughout, Steal Like an Artist is a great reminder that creativity is about connectivity and reinvention, making it an essential read for all creatives.

7. Atomic Habits - James Clear

This is the only book on the list that is not targeted specifically to those seeking creative inspiration. However, I had to include this book because it is very necessary for creatives to develop consistent habits to inevitably maintain creative inspiration and momentum. In Atomic Habits, Clear provides a comprehensive guide to building and sustaining good habits while breaking bad ones. Through a combination of scientific research and real-world examples, he explains how small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in one’s personal and professional life.

8. Creative Confidence - Tom Kelley and David Kelley

Brothers Tom Kelley (bestselling author) and David Kelley (founder of the renowned design firm IDEO) share engaging stories and practical strategies that debunk the myth that creativity is a rare gift possessed by only a select few. A major takeaway from this book is that creativity is a skill that can be nurtured and developed by anyone willing to take risks and embrace failure as part of the learning process. Through Tom’s and David’s blend of inspiration and actionable advice, Creative Confidence provides individuals and organizations with a powerful guide for innovation and maximizing their creative abilities.

Creativity is an ever-evolving journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. The insights and experiences shared in these books remind us that feeling stuck is a universal experience that should be used as a stepping stone for growth. So, the next time you encounter a creative block, remember that the solutions can sometimes be found in the words of those who have walked the same or similar paths. Let the experience and wisdom of these authors guide you, and watch your creativity flourish once again.

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All of the books on this list can be conveniently purchased from my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on any of the book links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

When you think about an art exhibition, you probably envision a gallery filled with beautiful drawings, paintings, photos, and sculptures. While that is the very thing that an art exhibition encompasses, imagine it going a step further to become an oasis for healing and empowerment. This is exactly what artist and curator Kelly Johnson, better known as Kelly Freespirit, created with her recent all-women exhibition, The Garden of Maat. On August 19, 2024, Future Gallery in Underground Atlanta was transformed into a world of creativity, healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. The walls were adorned with the powerful works of over 20 talented Atlanta-based visual artists, and the gallery was blessed with the beautiful words of women poets and speakers, dance performances, a yoga session, and sound bowl healing. The dress code for opening night of the exhibition was all white to provide a spiritually cleansing atmosphere.

During her process of planning this exhibition and healing experience, Kelly’s grandmother passed away, which then became a source of motivation and inspiration for her to truly step into the role of curation and community activist. Her grandmother was very community oriented so Kelly felt like the torch was passed to her to walk the path that her grandmother paved. Kelly also shared with us that for her, “the most rewarding aspect of creating The Garden of Maat was witnessing all of the women come together. It was a celebration of sisterhood and felt like an ancestral calling that manifested beautifully. We all understood that we were coming together for a greater purpose. My art centers around health and wellness and as women having each other to be vulnerable with is deeply healing.”

The Artist Talk and closing of the exhibition provided an intimate space to connect with the featured artists. Each artist discussed their artistic journey, studio processes, and the inspiration behind their featured works. The beautiful thing about this artist talk was the fact that each artist displayed a level of vulnerability in speaking about their inspiration. Though each featured piece looked different and was unique to its creator, there was a common theme of a journey through a challenging or introspective time. Listening to each artist discuss their work allowed for a deeper insight and experience in viewing the art. It’s always easy to walk up to a piece and see a pretty picture, but knowing about the inspiration and process allows one to appreciate the work so much more. 

This is the first of many curated exhibitions for Kelly, as she plans to make The Garden of Maat a quarterly experience, with the opening to be held during the evening of a full moon. While the inception of The Garden of Maat was an all-women exhibition, Kelly plans to have one of the future exhibitions be an all-men’s exhibition. Looking beyond the quarterly exhibitions, her long-term goal is to expand The Garden of Maat into an art gallery and healing center by collaborating and partnering with other women who share the same mission. Kelly wants to shift the culture in the Atlanta art community by providing an art space owned, operated, and empowering for women. She feels that this is the balance needed because, despite having opportunities as a woman, it still stands that many of the galleries are currently male-owned and operated. Above all, Kelly tells us that “in the future, [she] looks forward to The Garden of Maat growing as more men and women come together to share their [creative] gifts.”

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On August 11, 2024, Matters of The Heart, my solo art show was brought to life at Kuali Studio Gallery in Atlanta. In this sold-out show, I displayed over 20 pieces of original artwork from my body of work, Matters of The Heart. This series [and art show] explores and expresses emotions and experiences related to love and heartbreak. Through the depiction of hearts, each piece is a story capturing the complex and often profound feelings associated with love, such as joy, passion, pain, and healing. The anatomical heart symbolizes the vitality of love and life, as everything we do flows from the heart- literally and figuratively. This artwork aims to resonate with viewers on an emotional level, allowing them to form a connection and perhaps see reflections of their own experiences within each piece.

Some of the pieces were created as early as 2021 and some were completed just a day or two before the show. While each piece was inspired by its own individual “matter” or experience, collectively we see that there are no limits to the heart’s range of emotions. The most interesting, and perhaps rewarding, part of the show was the feedback from guests. Different people connected with different pieces for various reasons and some pulled me to the side to open up about how and why they relate. As I paint my heart into each piece in my Matters of The Heart series, I tell a story of my personal experiences- but I tell them knowing that someone else will relate. There can be a level of comfort in knowing you are not alone in the things that you have or are experiencing. Being vulnerable takes a lot of courage because you are letting people in your world in such a way that you become emotionally naked. But by being vulnerable, I hope to inspire others to be comfortable and confident in exposing their emotions versus continuing to bottle it all in.

Aside from the normal display and discussions of the artwork, with my art shows and events, I aim to provide some other element that makes for a unique experience. In true Creative Revolt fashion, I wanted guests to tap into their creative side and freely express themselves by drawing, coloring, writing, etc on a 36x48-inch canvas. There were no rules as to what they could put on the canvas. There was also a raffle for a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted bottle of Casa Migos Reposado Tequila. Lastly, there were cards for everyone to anonymously write their favorite pieces with an explanation of why the piece(s) were their favorites. Three pieces in particular were the most commonly favored: Letter To Myself, Handle With Care, and Untitled (Digital Love).

One viewer reflected on Letter To Myself with the following thoughts, “With all matters of love, the best and most impactful love must be internal. Self-love is the root of joy and freedom. The artist did a great job writing to herself while allowing the audience space to peer into her heart.”

Handle With Care, is a mixed media piece with fragile stickers as the background while a melting black and white heart is the focal point. There is also a key and a flame seen in this piece which tells that a key is unlocking the heart with a flame ignited that is melting away the icebox that was once there; however, the heart is still in a fragile state and must be handled with care. One viewer saw, through this piece, the heart as being one of our most precious and fragile organs, and because of our anatomical protections for the heart, it isn’t supposed to be damaged. 

The Untitled digital print, which displays a scripted “love”, caught the attention of many, and was one of the first pieces of the afternoon to receive a red dot (but because it is a print, you can also add this piece to your collection). Viewers commonly commented on how the abstract simplicity of the piece brought them joy. One viewer commented that this piece “expresses the free flow of love [and] the complexities that it can have. Although it is printed in black and white, it highlights the gray areas that love can sometimes fall in.”

Of course, throughout the show, I was asked which piece was my personal favorite. That is always a hard question to answer because each piece holds a special place with me for various reasons. One piece may be a favorite simply because it looks good to me and I’m in awe of how it turned out. Another piece may have a deep story that forced me to face some experiences and even undergo a certain level of healing in the process of its creation. Then some pieces posed a difficulty in the process of the creation, but in the end, it was everything I wanted, and sometimes more. However, the more I pondered on this question after the show, if I had to pick one favorite it would be Letter To Myself because that is probably the most authentic and vulnerable piece of art I have created thus far. While going through a breakup (which occurred 4 months before the show) I had to do a lot of self-reflection. With all of the pain I had previously endured and the pain that I was currently enduring, I had to go deep within and figure out what I had been doing wrong with myself. When it was all said and done, I had to make a promise to myself, so I wrote a letter one day and decided I would put it on the blank letter that I’d painted on canvas nearly a year prior. Then, when it was finished, I had to decide if this would be a piece I’d share with the world. To be honest, I almost did not share it, but I knew that I had to, and with the feedback I received, I’m so glad I did. 

Overall, Matters of The Heart was a success in many ways. I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to share my heART with others. The only thing I would change about this show is that I did not get a chance to get photos with or of everyone who showed up. But I know there will be many more and I look forward to continuing to share this journey of my heart with others.

If you’re curious to know more about the inspiration behind each piece, be sure to follow my Matters of The Heart journal here on Substack, as well as my Instagram @ chantricerachelle. Feel free to leave me a comment- I would love to know if there is a piece that catches your eye and why.

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This exhibition has seven thought-provoking pieces from his Risky Business collection. Risky Business is a dramatic pop art collection of works that use bold colors and moods to connect with people’s everyday life journeys, as it relates to the risks we take. In exploring each piece, there is an admiration for the details and the story conveyed. Each piece welcomes and encourages viewers to connect emotionally and relate it to their life experiences. 

If I had to pick a favorite, I would say it's a tie between It Takes A Village and Who You Calling B***h. It Takes a Village is a 6ft x 5ft piece that depicts a group of masked individuals of different ages, most likely a family. The masks give the piece an element of mystery, but the brown hands let us know that this is a village of black/brown people. With this one it is easy to think of the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child,” but I also see it as it takes a village to accomplish larger goals. This piece gives me a feeling of unity and, from the expressions of the masks, also makes me feel like this group is not one to be messed with.

Who You Calling a B***h is, in my opinion, the most attention-grabbing because of the use of red, which is a powerful, demanding color. Looking at this piece, I see a powerful woman who exudes fearlessness. She has a yellow mask that could be viewed as though she is putting it on or removing it, and she is also shirtless. Behind her is a silhouette of her with hanging undergarments on a clothesline and a pack of dogs. Maybe the risk in this is her removing the mask along with her undergarments. Perhaps she is surrendering and embracing her true self despite the opinions of others.

Through all of his pieces of dramatic pop art, Jiggy Korean expresses powerful emotions that force the viewer to think deeper than the surface. Born in D.C. and currently based in Atlanta, Jiggy Korean has been passionate about art since the age of nine but honed in on his creative gifts in 2017. His works have been featured in The Trap Art Museum, God Is Dope Gallery, and a plethora of restaurants, homes, and sold-out art shows.

What Risk Have You Taken Lately is on display at The Emma Darnell Aviation Museum and Conference Center until August 23, 2024.

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The Emma Darnell Aviation Museum and Conference Center (EDAMCC) recently celebrated an amazing 10-year milestone with the group exhibition A Decade of Creativity: Celebrating 10 Years of Art.

This exhibition includes about 29 artists, each of whom has displayed their works at EDAMCC during the last decade. The opening reception was held on June 22, 2024, and was nothing short of amazing. The evening was filled with the energy of love, community, inspiration, and live music.

Upon entering, I was warmly greeted with a commemorative gift bag for being one of the first 100 guests to RSVP, and the opportunity to take a photo at the step and repeat. Walking into the main gallery evoked an immediate feeling of awe as I scanned the artwork, excited to explore each piece. When I attend exhibitions, I can usually pick one or two absolute favorites easily. However, with this exhibition, that was difficult, as each piece spoke to me differently. I explored the art within the various gallery spaces twice, and while I enjoyed and appreciated every piece, some piqued my interest in such a way that I had to go back to them before I left.

K. Joy Ballard Peter’s stunning appliqué works Falling In Love Again and Saturday Afternoon Play evoked emotion and curiosity as I explored every detail of each masterpiece. Falling In Love Again tugged at my heartstrings in such a way that made me recall the feeling that comes with falling in love. I loved how the figures appear to be literally falling, along with hearts of different sizes and colors and musical notes in the background. I was curious as to what song or melodies those notes might produce, but I imagined hearing my favorite love song playing. The swirls in the work gave me an ethereal feeling that flows perfectly with what “falling in love again” feels like. Then there is Saturday Afternoon Play, which took me back to those summer Saturdays playing outside with my cousins. This piece evokes a fun nostalgia, taking me back to the times when life was simple and carefree. Peter’s works are the epitome of what art is meant to do - allow the artist to express themselves and evoke emotion in the viewer.

Reginald Laurent’s mixed media wood assemblage pieces can’t help but capture attention as he brings his signature DNA series off of the 2-D canvas into the 3-D world. Breezing is a colorful rotating piece of wonder and bliss. Each wood piece of this assemblage is uniquely crafted and painted with colors that pop. It brought me memories of my childhood and adolescent years when going to theme parks, such as Disney World and Six Flags, was the highlight of my summers. This piece also brought me back to the present day and made me think of playful moments with my young nieces and nephews, and how they are “breezing” through time and growing up before my eyes. Next, there is the wood assemblage Flow, which evokes a calm and peaceful feeling. In this piece, Laurent has carefully assembled geometric shapes with various hues of blue and purple, along with hints of accent colors that peek out. There is always something about a well-crafted or painted piece with hues of blue that reel me in, and this piece was no different. The uniqueness of Laurent’s assemblages is without a doubt something that every collector should aspire to have in their collection.

Marryam Moma’s Flower Child, Shanneil Clarke’s The Protector, and S. Darius Parker’s Culture Conflict were among those works that called me back for a second view. I carefully studied each of these pieces with deep interest and admiration, as they each tell a unique story of the Black experience, challenging me to explore the resonance of the Black stories in my own life and those of my loved ones.

This exhibition, beautifully curated by Tisha Smith, welcomes curiosity, evokes emotion, and makes it impossible to leave uninspired. A Decade of Creativity: Celebrating 10 Years of Art continues through August 2, 2024*, with viewing hours Monday- Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and by appointment.

*UPDATE (7/29/24)- This exhibition has been extended until October 5, 2024!

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Upon entering the gallery, my attention was immediately grabbed by Savannah Hamilton’s pieces, Via Magnanapoli and The Kansas City Skyline. I was in awe as I studied these pieces. The way Hamilton captured the essence of summer through every fine detail is simply flawless. Not only can you see the energy of summer, but you can feel summer in both paintings.

Then there hangs The Delachaise by Meghan Mills. This 32x48-inch beauty commands attention, as it drew me in and took me on a romantic date on a beautiful summer night. Upon further research, I learned that The Delachaise is a restaurant in New Orleans, LA- making it even more interesting that this piece would reel me in the way it did, as I had recently returned from a trip to New Orleans. This painting makes me look forward to my next visit, which I’ll have The Delachaise on my list to experience the feeling I get from viewing this masterpiece.

As I explored more of the works I was stopped by West End Saturday Night by Garrett Stache. My first thought was,  “Yes! what’s summer without the party vibes?” The energy I felt from this figurative abstract piece took me back to those Saturday summer nights with friends, hanging out in various parts of the city, partying the night away. In this painting, I see an energetic crowd all vibing, in their own world, as their favorite songs blast, and afterward, leaving with the memory of that one time in the West End on a Saturday night. 

Throughout the gallery, you’ll find an array of other beautiful abstract pieces but, of course, my favorite is Abstract City by yours truly, Chantrice Rachelle. In this piece, the movement of lines and curves form abstract city buildings that make up the skyline, against a summery-colored sky. This piece is an homage to the great city of Atlanta and feels like I’m standing on the infamous Jackson Street Bridge, a popular destination for beautiful skyline photos. 

Every piece in this exhibition invites viewers to get lost in the vibes of the summer. Many of the pieces take you on a summer trip to various parts of the world, while others may give a bit of nostalgia for summer memories. From paintings to sculpture to photography- there is something for everyone to love and I’m sure you’ll leave with a favorite. 

Gallery Chimera is a contemporary art gallery and tattoo studio in Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland neighborhood. You can stop by and check out Urban Summer Vibes now until August 24, 2024.

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Let’s start with Beulah Mae Mitchell who, in 1955, got a job as a toy tester at the Mattel factory where she witnessed the 1959 birth of the Barbie doll. A few years later, around 1960, she told Ruth Handler, the company’s president and co-founder, “We want a Black Barbie” which received a “we’ll see” response from Handler. In 1968 Christie, who was a [black doll] friend of Barbie, was introduced. It wouldn’t be until 1980 that we’d see Black Barbie, but Mitchell’s suggestion had a huge impact on not only the toy industry but the young minds that would be shaped by having access to black dolls. She also laid the groundwork for Kitty Black Perkins.

Kitty Black Perkins was a designer hired by Mattel in 1976, making her their first black designer and the designer who would ultimately help create the first Black Barbie. In her interview, she was asked to take home a doll, dress it, and bring flat patterns and sewn garments. She returned with not one, but six designs. That was the start of her 28-year career at Mattel. In 1980, Black Barbie was born and Kitty was behind the design. “I wanted her [Black Barbie] to be the complete opposite of Barbie and the complete opposite of Christie. In that, I gave her bold colors, bold jewelry, short hair, and a wrap skirt that could actually show skin” Kitty Black Perkins reflects. “When I designed this doll, there was a need for the little black girl to really have something she could play with that looked like her.”

Perkins drew inspiration from her favorite singer, Diana Ross, and worked with Black hair designer, Mellie Phillips, to create a short natural hairstyle. Black Barbie was designed to reflect what black culture was.

In 1996, Perkins hired Stacey McBride-Irby, another black designer who would eventually carry the torch when Perkins retired in 2003.

If you or someone you know has ever owned or played with a Black Barbie, we have a lot of Black Girl Magic to thank for that. I recommend checking out the Black Barbie Documentary, released on Netflix on June 19, 2024. This documentary was not only informative, but it was also nostalgic for anyone who has played with and/or collected Barbie dolls. 

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Tyler Mitchell is an American photographer and filmmaker born in Atlanta, GA, currently based in Brooklyn, NY. He became the first black artist to shoot the cover of Vogue magazine and became widely known for the September 2018 issue, which featured the one and only Beyoncé. While he may be best known for that work, his other works are worth knowing and seeing. 

On June 20, 2024, The High Museum of Art in Atlanta welcomed its members for a preview day of Tyler Mitchell’s homecoming exhibition, Idyllic Space- and of course, I had to be there to get a first glimpse. Featuring works from 2017 to 2024, this exhibition is simply captivating from beginning to end. Mitchell explores themes of family, rest, companionship, southern landscapes, and play, inspired by suburban Atlanta, where he was raised. 

The High Museum’s acquisition of Mitchell’s photographic work on mirror, “The Hewitt Family” was the inspiration for The High’s decision to organize this exhibition, which is Mitchell’s first exhibition in Atlanta, as well as The High’s first-ever full photography show in the Stent Wing’s Special Exhibition Galleries. From the time he started showing his works at various museums and galleries, showing at The High became a huge goal for Mitchell. While putting this exhibition together with curators Maria L. Kelly and Michael Rooks, Mitchell reflected: “The very museum I grew up going to as a child, whose exhibitions left a formative impact on me far before I recognized the possibility of becoming an artist. I am proud to present this work for the people and the city that shaped me.” 

This exhibition beautifully documents and displays the essence of blackness through each theme explored. The exhibition is curated in a way that takes you from one theme to another- from Southern Landscape, Play and Support, Formal Portraiture, and Family. The exhibition also includes a video installation, entitled Idyllic Space (2019), which invites viewers to rest and recline on gingham print bean bag chairs situated on turf grass, surrounded by a white picket fence. The 12-minute, 45-second video is projected onto the ceiling, emulating, for the viewers, the feeling of laying outside looking at the sky. The video highlights young black men engaging in light-hearted activities, such as eating ice cream, riding tricycles, swimming, and just enjoying life with friends. Through this video installation, Mitchell displays normal activities that are taken for granted by many people and a “compelling reminder that Black people have historically been denied these moments of leisure, play, and delight.”  In addition to the video installation, a few of my favorites from this exhibition were Albany, Georgia (2021), All American Portrait (2018), and Nap (2021).

Tyler Mitchell’s Idyllic Space officially opens at The High Museum on June 21, 2024, and will be open through December 1, 2024. If you will be in Atlanta any time during the run of this exhibition, I encourage you to add it to your list of things to do- you won’t be disappointed.

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When I arrived at Atlanta Contemporary for this year’s show, I could immediately feel the energy outside, even before entering the gallery. There were food trucks, drinks, and music to welcome guests. When entering the gallery, I received my wristband and three tickets for complimentary cocktails and wine provided by their sponsors: Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi, and House of Brown. The music vibes were in full effect through the evening by DJs Princess Cut, Salah Ananse, Sed the Saint, and Ball Tech. It’s safe to say that ARTiculate ATL is not your typical art show, it’s a party celebrating the arts in Atlanta.

As an artist myself, I always enjoy attending art shows and exhibitions to meet fellow artists and get a bit of inspiration for myself. When I think about it, a lot of the Atlanta artists that I have connected with over the last three years have been through meeting them at ARTiculate ATL events and annual shows. With that said, it’s obvious that ARTiculate ATL is a great place to see and collect beautiful art AND to network with artists and art lovers alike. 

The thing that I love most about ARTiculate ATL is that they put a spotlight on emerging artists and provide a chance for emerging and established collectors to collect new art. While walking around viewing the art, you’ll see an abundance of blue dots, indicating that artworks have been sold. I’m especially happy when I see blue dots for the artists that I know; however, I make sure to congratulate all the artists with sold work, as I know that exhilarating feeling of selling a piece. As emerging artists, original works may not always fly off the walls quickly, so selling a piece is always a moment! 

While I loved much of the work on display, I was absolutely in awe of Meredith Estes’s work. Her “Uncaged” series depicts seasoned women (our elders) who have lived lives by or for others and are now free and living life as they choose. The expressions on the faces of each woman is giving class and sass- you know that energy our elders exude when they know nobody can tell them anything anymore. Each piece also had a parrot to symbolize happiness, life, and good fortune. The vibrant colors used in each piece reel the viewer in to study the overall essence of the piece. Not only was her work captivating, but Meredith was very personable and ready to talk to everyone who came by in awe of her work.

Some of my other favorites of the evening included art by artists C. Flux Sing, Lamar Bailey, Mikayla Fields, and Shanneil Clarke. However, all the art there was pretty dope. The ARTiculate ATL team did a great job curating this year’s show. 

If I had to compare this year’s show to the two previous years I have attended…well, I don’t know if I can compare because each year has been dope for various reasons. Last year’s show was held at Mason Fine Art and in 2022 it was at MINT ATL. Atlanta Contemporary was a great venue because of the outdoor area, the spacious inside, and parking was free and widely available at the time I arrived, around 7 pm. My ONLY complaint of the evening was that we needed more air inside. Initially, I thought it was just me being hot from indulging in two delicious Bombay Sapphire cocktails, but I quickly noticed that others were also hot and fanning themselves. 

The art show was from 6 pm-10 pm and with its location in the heart of the city, one could easily continue a night out nearby afterward; however, I opted to go home and used my inspiration from the night to get in my studio and be creative! 

If you are an artist, collector, or just a lover of all things art- you should follow ARTiculate ATL and check out next year’s show. 

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