The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will travel to Atlanta next week to showcase a collection of familiar and unreleased pieces to both new and returning audiences.

The company will put on four public performances at the Fox Theatre in downtown from Jan. 25-27 as part of its 2024 national tour celebrating the 65th anniversary of its founding.

Each show will feature an assortment of individual productions brought to life by internationally acclaimed choreographers, including the return of a modern company classic originally choreographed by the late founder himself.

Artistic director emerita of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Judith Jamison, said that the company’s performers and choreographers have prepared a show that combines traditional elements of Ailey’s signature performance style with fresh, updated concepts capable of shifting the company into future programming.

She also said that creating art like Amy Hall Garner’s piece “CENTURY,” which honors the life of the Ailey artist in residence’s 100-year-old grandfather, is critical in that it acknowledges the contributions of previous generations and helps keep cultural traditions in performance alive.

“We extend ourselves through our ancestors,” Jamison said. “We are who we are because of them.”

Among the week’s performances, a contemporary piece by Kyle Abraham called “Are You in Your Feelings?” will explore love, relationships and Black culture on stage while featuring music from influential artists like Kendrick Lamar and Lauryn Hill.

Another piece, choreographed by Ronald K. Brown, will pay tribute to Judith Jamison’s impact and illustrious career, named after her 1993 autobiography, “Dancing Spirit.”

Jamison, who danced with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 15 years before becoming the company’s artistic director in 1989, said the ensemble has expanded since her debut in 1965 but has nonetheless remained focused on the company’s mission to hold the Ailey name in high regard, as well as the art of dance in general.

“(The company’s) grown, but we are still connected,” Jamison said. “That’s the important thing that differentiates this company from other companies. It’s a big family.”

Jamison also said that Ailey’s cast of artists always strives to leave a lasting impression on its audiences around the world and that those who attend a show should be mindful of the intimacy and importance of live theatre as they watch the performances.

“Have some fun, have a good time, go on a journey, enjoy what you see, absorb what you see,” Jamison said. “We’re there to entertain, we’re there to enlighten, and to make you feel uplifted when you leave the theater.”

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform each evening at 7:30 p.m. and perform an additional Saturday afternoon show beginning at 2 p.m.

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“Aladdin”, the hit Broadway musical of the Disney classic film, is at The Fox Theatre this week from Jan. 11-14 and for one of the cast members the trip to Atlanta is much more than a tour stop. It’s a homecoming.

“I grew up here,” said actress and dancer Taylor Mackenzie Smith, who is in the ensemble for the production, and made many trips to The Fox asa kid, whether on school field trips or with her family. “It’s truly full circle.”

“Aladdin” stars actors Adi Roy as the title character, Marcus M. Martin as “Genie”, and Senzel Ahmady as “Jasmine”, but for Smith’s family, friends and mentors this is week-long production taking place just miles from where she grew up in the Cascade neighborhood is a true start turn. Her parents have already seen the show, and there are plans for her former dance teacher, Djana Bell to come see her Friday.

“It’s been just a blend all through the week,” said Smith about how many family and friends have come to The Fox to see the show. She is looking forward to seeing Bell, who taught her the art of dance at Norma’s Academy of Dance on Jonesboro Rd. in Fairburn beginning when she was three years old.

“She really helped me learn my love for musical theater,” said Smith of Bell, who she remains in contact with today. “She really got me from point A to point B.”

Atlanta is home for Smith, who attended the Children’s School and Woodward Academy before matriculating to Spelman College where she majored in Drama and minored in dance. Both skills would serve her well following graduation when she moved to New York to pursue a career on stage. The inspirations that stoked the fires of that dream started at Norma’s, but also from the seats of a production of “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway in 1998. There a young Smith saw Grammy Award-winning singer Toni Braxton play “Belle” and knew she wanted to be on stage one day. Braxton was the first Black actress to lead a Disney Broadway production.

“It meant the world to me to see that,” Smith remembers. “My parents were adamant about getting us to that show. I can remember just being overwhelmed with emotion.”

The moment remains so vivid in Smith’s memory that she can recall what she had on that night. She wore a yellow gown with a tiara. “The Disney world has been a part of my life forever,” said Smith.

Asked what Atlanta means to her, Smith, who wore a navy blazer with a Spelman crest on it, said, “It means home, nostalgia, community, support and an appreciation of the arts.”

Her parents still live in Cascade and she recently visited home during the Christmas holiday. Before that however, trips home have been infrequent due to the busy schedule a production like “Aladdin” commands. Smith has been a part of the ensemble since August 2022, and in February there was a layover that turned into a flight delay long enough for her to return to her childhood home to see her parents.

Smith says Atlanta will always be home no matter where her career takes her. “This is why we go on tour, to play our hometowns,” said Smith. “To be able to be down the street from where I grew up and went to school is truly full circle.”

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If it’s not the eyes of the young men with the crowns on their heads that get your attention as soon as you walk in the door at Buckhead Art Company, then maybe it’s the familiar face of award-winning actress and talk show host Whoopi Goldgerg.

In celebration of the 2023 remake of “The Color Purple,” the Buckhead Art Company is now featuring its latest exhibition, “Shades of Purple”. Inspired by the 1985 film and 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, “Shades of Purple” brought mixed media and traditional pieces of art to Atlanta for a limited time. 

The “Shades of Purple” exhibit will be on display through January 2 and is free to enter. 

The exhibit was curated by LaMont Zeno Russell, the gallery’s events and marketing manager, in collaboration with the gallery curator Talyn Hohneke. “We wanted to do something in conjunction with the release of the musical, so we decided to highlight purple pieces from our represented artists with specific depictions from the 1985 movie,” said Russell. 

Originally from Chicago, Russell cites the film as having had a profound and personal impact on his life. “The gallery owner S. Karimah McFarlane made the suggestion and I was all on board because “The Color Purple” is a movie deeply rooted in my family,” Russell explained.

A call was then sent to the approximately 25 artists for pieces to be submitted based on themes of strength, power, and royalty. The color purple is universally associated with royalty, wealth, power, and nobility. 

Some of the pieces within the exhibit depict positive images of young Black men with crowns, women surrounded by the color purple, characters from “The Color Purple”, and of course the late musician and global icon Prince. 

“Purple One” by Jerrell Gantt depicts Prince with white doves to his left and right, with a deep purple background. The mixed media piece gives off a 3-D appearance and includes a bejeweled purple ring on Prince’s left ring finger. 

On either side of “Purple One” are nods to Black excellence and youth. “Boy and the Beast” by Gantt combines an image of a young Black man with a gold crown on his head and a white tiger cub in his hands. The 48 x 36 inch mixed media piece also includes the image of a purple sun and in the background. “Crowned,” also by Gantt, combines another young Black man with a crown being placed upon his head, an African safari as the backdrop. Purple stones are embedded into the crown and around the lower half of the piece. 

Another contributing artist to the exhibition is Dean Beresford, a musician and artist from Hayfield, GA. “One of the pictures I have is the moment when Celie and Nettie were embracing each other right before they separated. That piece, “Us Never Part” is made up of  a combination of charcoal and colored pencil to bring to life one of the film’s impactful moments. The piece is stationed near the front door of the gallery and drew a small crowd the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 23.

 “I felt a certain way because that’s one point in my life. I have two brothers. I was living in LA, one was living in New York, and one was still living in Atlanta and I was separated from them,” he said. Beresford further cited how he wanted to make his work stand out, adding details such as quotes from the movie into his work. 

Raised in a middle-class family, Beresford discovered his passion for art as a means of obtaining things he couldn’t have growing up. “Drawing was a way for me to have those things,” Beresford explained. “I would draw the watches, I would draw the shoes, and I would draw the toys. I would draw everything.” 

Though Beresford has a number of pieces in the exhibit, “God Is Trying To Tell You Something” does the best job of combining multiple parts of the film into one full-functioning piece. He used charcoal, colored pencil, and pink silk flowers to portray Celie with an unbothered look on her face.

Brittany Barr’s painting, “Smile”, depicts Goldberg’s character and one of film’s heroines, Celie, surrounded by splotches of purple, red, white and blue. In the painting Celie rests her chin in her hands and grins. 

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Reflecting on 2023, Fulton County’s Arts and Culture department thrived with a remarkable $3 million in funding, supporting 170+ artists, and fostering creativity at the Futures Lab project in Underground Atlanta. The second year of F.A.C.E. brought glamour to the High Museum of Arts, hosting our own version of the MET Gala, while Atlanta Fashion Week showcased the talents of 500 fashion enthusiasts. Our partnership with Clark Atlanta University empowered two fashion students that we sent to Paris Fashion Week, amplifying their skills through workshops. Public Art flourished with installations at Cauley Park and a vibrant mural at our new animal shelter. The recognition of our efforts came with two prestigious National Association of Counties (NACo) awards for F.A.C.E. and Public Art initiatives. Engaging the wider arts community, we hosted exhibits at the Emma Darnell Aviation Center, participated in film festivals nationwide, and collaborated with industry giants like Marvel Studios to utilize Fulton County spaces. 

Above all, our heart lies in impactful community outreach—bringing art to senior centers, civic organizations, and the streets, making a lasting difference in people’s lives. The accomplishments of Fulton County Arts & Culture in 2023 truly reflect a community united in the pursuit of artistic excellence and community enrichment. David Manuel, Director of Fulton County Arts and Culture says “We continue to explore the possible and impossible with creative ideas and technology. There is no box to think out of, so we meet people where they are – we take arts to the street.” We can’t wait to hit the ground running in 2024.  Finally, we’re thrilled to announce Jennifer Pino as the new Chairperson for the Fulton County Arts Council. She’s ready and eager to begin her impactful work. She says “Fulton County Arts Council had some amazing successes in 2023, supporting and highlighting incredible talent in Fulton County, specifically in fashion, film, and the arts. I look forward to working with the team to support opportunities in the arts in every corner of Fulton County in 2024, and to continue building an incredible legacy of supporting local artists and making art accessible to all of our citizens.” – Jennifer Pino

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In the heart of the Atlanta University Center is 44th & 3rd Bookseller, a family-run bookstore owned by Cheryl Lee, 65, her husband Warren Lee, 68, and their daughter, Allyce Lee, 29.

Contrary to the assumption that the store’s name hints at a street in a metropolis like Chicago or New York, for example, the name has an entirely different meaning, according to the Lees.

The combination of the numbers 44 and 3 pays homage to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, according to Warren Lee. During a visit to a Chicago bookstore, Warren Lee noticed the absence of Obama’s books in the store’s Black book section. This inspired Lee to make sure there would be a dedicated section in their own store. ”We were looking for the Black section, and at what was featured when I looked at it, there was something I didn’t see,” Warren said. “I called the manager and asked him to look at this section and tell me what was missing.” Before the manager could answer Lee, he added, “I said, you know, what’s missing is that you don’t have a book written by Barack Obama. And he’s the president, and this is his hometown.”

The “3rd” in the store’s name represents the themes it embodies—life, literature, and legacy—symbolized by numbers hanging above the cashier’s counter. The Lees take pride in the books they sell focusing on African-American authors and those from the African diaspora, featuring designated sections for self-help and international authors. The sections were curated and designed by Cheryl Lee’s niece, Rachel Brown, an Assistant Art Director at Spelman College.

Each member of the Lee family has a role in the bookstore; Allyce serves as the store’s head of marketing and public relations. After graduating from Howard University, like her father Warren,  Allyce joined the business. Her PR plan is centered around social media and email-based strategies, says Allyce. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have news/media outlets reach out to us with interest in our story and offerings,” she said.

Cheryl Lee, who is originally from Flint, Michigan, moved to Atlanta during her college years and said she had been contemplating the idea of a bookstore for years with her husband. During an interview with The Atlanta Voice, she shed light on the journey that led to the establishment of the 44th & 3rd Bookseller. Cheryl retired from her job at Coca-Cola as a financial manager in 2018 and started working on her long-time dream. “It’s been a lifelong dream,” Cheryl said. “I was in graduate school at Mercer and I wrote a thesis on independent bookstores, and what was the state of independent bookstores at that time.”

Before meeting his wife, Warren didn’t envision himself owning a bookstore. 

“My interest was in things that Black people needed, items that could be sold to or products made in Black communities internationally, which could be sold in the US markets,” he explained. Warren is a tax attorney by trade and majored in finance during his undergraduate studies at Howard University. 

“One time I was looking at coffee, and another time I was exploring spices because these were commodity-type items that could be sourced from African countries, and I considered reselling them here due to their practical use. I did have that interest for a while, but not books,” Warren said.

The business encountered the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the closure of a storefront location in Little Five Points in April 2020. However, the Lees adapted by transitioning to online sales a month later. That adjustment resulted in a remarkable 150% increase in business, according to Allyce. 

“The evolution of technology and social media over the past few years has been insane- so many people say that they find us on TikTok or Instagram and they travel from near and far to see us,” Allyce said. “On our end, it’s really fun for us to put forth content that appeals to our younger audiences and causes them to want to purchase or visit us at the store. Overall, it’s been fun and it’s amazing to see the success that digital and social marketing has made for our business.”

Following their pandemic boom, the Lees would receive an offer from Morehouse School of Medicine President Valerie Montgomery Rice to open near the AUC campus in 2021. 

Successes aside, Cheryl considers 44th & 3rd Bookseller a small business, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by small enterprises. Addressing the hurdles of operating a small business, Cheryl highlights the importance of staying relevant, understanding the audience, and fostering relationships with major publishers. 

“Definitely do your research,” she explained. “Work with the American Booksellers Association. They are a wealth of knowledge, and they are so helpful.”

The 44th & 3rd bookstore has also taken on five students as part-time employees. Senior psychology major Sydney Coggins-Prioleau, 22, said of her time at 44th & 3rd, “I know I really love books, and I really love Black people,” said Coggins-Prioleau.

Another of the student employees is currently a senior psychology major with a political science minor on the pre-law track at Spelman College

In reflecting on the journey of the bookstore, from its roots in Little Five Points to their current place within the Atlanta University Center, Cheryl emphasized the importance of community support and fostering relationships with publishers.

“Our success is intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of the Atlanta University Center and the literary community at large,” said Cheryl.

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Attendees of the Atlanta Art Awards Fashion Gala were dressed in their best for the annual fundraising event. Taking place at New Black Wall Street in Stonecrest, Georgia, the fashion show and award-ceremony served as a fundraiser with a silent auction of curated art for the Burghàlie non-profit Fashion House to support program expenses, as well as cover other costs of operation.

The event consisted of a runway show and silent auction featuring five different fashion houses: Burghàlie, Felicia Dietrich, Humble Sole, Karim Richie, and Love Allie.

Rashad Burghàlie, founder of Burghàlie and the Atlanta Art Awards, emphasized that the awards are not solely about personal achievements but rather about celebrating the collective talent and creativity that Atlanta has to offer.

Regarding the selection process for nominees and winners, Burghàlie highlighted the importance of public involvement. The nomination process is open to the public, allowing individuals to put forward deserving candidates. A voting committee, composed of professionals in the field, evaluates the nominees based on their accomplishments over the past year. Ultimately, the winners are determined through a combination of public votes, the committee’s decision, and the achievements of the nominees.

Rahmere Williams Saint, a 24-year-old Gucci change maker and artist of the year winner, first fell in love with art via sketching/drawing and knew he wanted to be a designer at seven years old and sought to master his craft of design from that point on. Originally from New Jersey, Saint moved to Atlanta in January of 2023 after securing a job as a designer from the NBA. “It doesn’t feel real right now winning artist of the year. This is my second time being nominated and this is something I am trying to still sink in with. I can put this on my resume and say, ‘I am the Atlanta artist of the year for 2023,'” Saint said.

This year the Atlanta Art Awards also garnered support from various partners and sponsors, including long-term collaborator MAC Cosmetics, who generously donated products for gift bags. Other notable sponsors included Home Depot, BJ’s, Trader Joe’s, Kupcakerie, and New Black Wall Street Market. This year’s event boasted the highest number of sponsors to date.

Sharryn Hinchliffe, the global executive director of artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics, expressed her excitement about being in partnership with Burghàlie Academy when she saw their fashion show for New York Fashion Week, further highlighting the significance of their partnership.

Drawing parallels to MAC Cosmetics’ early involvement with renowned designer Lee McQueen and Burghàlie Academy while expressing admiration for the passion and energy exhibited by the young individuals involved in the show, “We at MAC cosmetics, we’re 40 years old next year and it’s really important that we support emerging talent, you know, and we want to be there right at the start,” Hinchliffe said.

A night filled with spontaneity throughout the 3-hour program, attendees were given the opportunity to “strut their stuff” by walking the runway for prizes.

“There was nothing strategic about me modeling. It was in my nature and who I was growing up – it became a natural thing,” said 20-year-old Gwendoline “Gwen” Days, who won the runway competition and began professionally modeling only a few months ago.

Modeling is a job, and building a sustainable fashion industry in Atlanta means learning the skills necessary. Male model of the year winner, Georgia State student, and Infinite Appeal (Georgia State University modeling community organization) president Justyn Burgest-Graham cites this as the foundation for success in the fashion world. Graham believes that modeling is not just about striking poses and walking the runway; it’s about understanding the entire ecosystem of the industry.

“Walking down the catwalk is super great, and we are in the best place in Atlanta at New Black Wall Street supporting Black businesses and ultimately showing support to creatives,” Graham told The Atlanta Voice.

With a blossoming Fashion community, young models took to the stage to show off their skills and their best strut. Models came from all over the nation to get in on Atlanta’s fashion scene. This includes 26-year-old Khaleah Mallory from Chicago, Illinois. While in school at Virginia State University, she discovered her love for modeling but graduated with a degree in computer engineering before moving to Austin, Texas, where she subsequently decided to move to Atlanta seeking more diversity, as well as follow her passion for modeling. “I was yearning for culture, I was yearning to be around my people,” Mallory told The Atlanta Voice.

When asked about the desired impact of the event, Burghàlie expressed the hope that attendees would leave with a renewed sense of motivation and perseverance. Wanting to create a space for creatives to be inspired Burghàlie left a statement for anybody wanting to pursue a similar path. “I would just rather you keep pushing, hurt for a little bit, and then succeed,” Burghàlie said.

The post Atlanta Art Awards Fashion Gala Shines Spotlight on Local Talent appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

The Black man in the painting is holding the two fingers on his right hand down in the sign of an “A”. Nowhere in the world is that physical gesture more recognized than in Atlanta. Behind him is the outstretched arm of a white man, his hand is facing upwards and is in the form of a oft-used white power symbol. The dichotomy of the men in the painting, “The photobombing of Mr. Juicyhand”, is what the message the artist, Alfred Conteh, is trying to send to whoever sees the painting: Hip-Hop culture is more than just about the music. Much more. 

Zucot Gallery in Castleberry Hill is the southeast’s largest Black-owned gallery and and thus has the responsibility to display the kind of art that “The Gift”, a 39-piece collection has on display, according Onaje Henderson, managing partner, who along with Omari Henderson, partner, and founding partner and owner Troy Taylor run the gallery.

“We’re one of the only places in Atlanta that tells unapologetically Black stories,” said Henderson. “This exhibit was designed to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, but it’s also a gift.”

“The Gift” opened to the public at the end of September and will run through the end of November. Taking up both floors of the gallery, the art reflects both on hip-hop’s past and present. Pieces from 11 artist, some from Atlanta such as Horace Imhotep, a Morehouse College alum, and Michael Reese, who is currently a resident artist at Jardin Rouge in Marrakech, Morocco. Reese’s pieces (see what I did there?) in the exhibit are nods to hip-hop’s past that include blueprints of a turntable (“Oratonical Triple Feature”) and a boom box (“Myth Seeking Man of the Universe”). Both pieces include archival ink paint, gesso, watercolor paper, pen and ink.

“We wanted everybody to have a voice in it,” said Henderson about the collection of artists that are involved in “The Gift,” which also has a virtual gallery available for viewing. “These artists are creative as hell.” Henderson wants visitors to the gallery to know that hip-hop involves images much more complex and introspective of what some might see on television and on social media.

“What you don’t see here [in the exhibit] is anybody bussin’ it open,” he joked. Henderson’s t-shirt said “Hip Hop is Black Art”. Pieces like “The Hackers” with it’s bright red backdrop and yellow robot being ridden by a pair of Black kids and “Olukun’s Baptism”, which depicts an image of a Black kid wearing a white and red “Crack Era” t-shirt immediately grab one’s attention. Imhotep has a room in the exhibit for even more pieces, including “The Proverbial Blossom”, a 13.25 x 13.25 in. mixed material piece that is hanging next to another of Imhotep’s pieces, “Tribe.” Both pieces combine flowers and the faces of Black children.

Imagery isn’t everything, but it is important. “The Gift” includes many images that may inform, uplift, or upset some, but there will be thought involved in a walk throughout the gallery. “ATLiens” is a collaborative piece between artists Charly Palmer and Paper Frank and features a Black boy in an Outkast baseball cap with matching baseball jersey. He looks like he’s both in style and preparing to play a Little League game at Gresham Park. It’s hip-hop in it’s purest form.

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This October, the UTA Artist Space debuted 24-year-old Emmanuel Massillon in his debut solo exhibition, Some Believe It To Be Conspiracy. 

The exhibition explores themes of conspiracy and gentrification, weaving together personal memories from Massillon’s upbringing in Washington D.C.

Comprising thirteen sculptures, each addressing conspiracies or hard truths that have within the Black community. The themes of each piece range from religion, street-life, and gang culture to mass incarceration, the influence of the drug epidemic, manipulation of Black music and culture, and the pervasive flaws in the judicial and medical systems.

Music plays a pivotal role in Massillon’s creative process. He draws inspiration from artists like Terry Adkins and Thornton Dial, who weave their own personal narratives into their art, “I was inspired by growing up in the inner city of Washington D.C., questioning my own existence and the world around me.” 

The materials used in the exhibit are made up of “found objects” including bullet shells, dirt, and wood all evoking African and African-American culture. 

Each of Massillon’s individual pieces is meant to be viewed as part of the broader conceptual ‘album,’ that flow into one cohesive narrative he cites. Massillon’s process and work derives heavy inspiration from diverse music genres such as Jazz, R&B, and Rap culture.

Self-Snitching, a sculpture that depicts a taxidermy mouse with a mic held to it’s mouth that symbolizes a commentary on the phenomenon of ‘snitching’ within rap culture. “I think my favorite piece probably will be Self-Stitching. It talks about how a lot of people from the inner city create violent rap music, in hopes of gaining economic freedom to escape their challenging circumstances,” Massillon told The Atlanta Voice

In discussing the purpose of his work, Massillon reflects, “I created this body of work to explore different conspiracies within the Black community so we can think about them in new ways and try to find solutions to the systemic challenges we face. My artistic practice is all about getting people to think differently.”

Emmanuel Massillon’s foray into fine art was shaped by his early experiences. The opportunity to explore the world of art museums, which were free in D.C., piqued his interest. He later developed his artistic skills during high school. “Seeing master artists create these works in these incredible institutions, and when I walked through those galleries, something moved me,” Massillon said.

Currently pursuing his B.F.A in Fine Arts at The School of Visual Arts in New York, Massillon’s other artistic contributions have a permanent home in the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Massillon’s mission extends beyond the canvas, as he also aspires wanting to create inclusive spaces within the world of fine art, highlighting the underrepresented voices and narratives that he feels have been absent, “I didn’t see black artists who looked like me- I want to fill that void within the art world where I didn’t see my community and people who were interested in rap music who grew up in the inner city. I wanted them to be represented in those world-class institutions,” Massillon told The Atlanta Voice

Some Believe It To Be Conspiracy is currently on display at the UTA Artists Space, until October 21st.

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Little Amal arrived Tuesday evening in Atlanta to continue her journey across America called “The Walk” and the Decatur community showed their love and affection in waves.  

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) public art program Artbound welcomed “Little Amal” in partnership with Flux Projects, Center for Puppetry Arts, ​and Decatur Arts Alliance. 

“Little Amal” is a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child who has become an international symbol of human rights and delivers a message of hope for displaced people.  

Between Sept. 7 until Nov. 26, Amal is journeying 11,000 miles across the United States and Mexico in one of the largest free public festivals ever created. 40 towns and cities from Boston to San Diego and six cities from Tijuana to Tapachula will create 100+ free public events to welcome her. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Little Amal at our Decatur station,” said Art in Transit Director Katherine Dirga. “At Artbound, community is at the heart of what we do. Art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people in profound ways. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the transformative power of art, reminding us all that together, we can create a more compassionate and connected world.” 

Along with Little Amal’s arrival, she was also looking for stuffed animals to keep her company during her journey. The event felt like a full community coming together to celebrate what Amal stands for and means. From the crowds following Little Amal on a brief stroll around the MARTA Decatur station, to children laughing and shouting, “I love you Amal”, the event was a success.  

Parents also brought their children to the immersive experience to greet Little Amal and bring their own favorite stuffed animals.  

Stuffed animals have become steadfast companions to refugee children, offering emotional support, companionship, and a tangible reminder of happier times.  

Decatur resident, Bernice Jackson brought her two children with her to enjoy Little Amal. 

“I am a firm believer in Human Rights and I have followed Little Amal for quite some time. My two daughters, Kya and Nicole, love Amal. They were excited to come out today and see her in-person,” she said. 

Another resident, Bethany Pyra said she has kept up with Amal’s journey so far and loves what she symbolizes. 

“Amal is so much more than a doll, she’s a statement, a symbol, and in this current climate, a symbol for human rights and hope for people is needed. I’m truly happy she came to Atlanta,” Pyra said. 

Participants were able to be part of an incredible journey that showcases the profound impact of art that unites communities and nurtures compassion in our collective human experience.  

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In celebration of Atlanta Art Week, The Art History & Curatorial Studies Collective at The Atlanta University Center (AUC) hosted a walking tour of the AUC in dedication of their rich art history and art education.

Leading this cultural exploration was Dr. Cheryl Finley, the director of the Art History & Curatorial Studies Collective. Her invitation to helm this program came directly from Spelman College President Mary Schmidt Campbell, herself a distinguished figure in the art world with a master’s degree in art history from Syracuse University.

Joining Dr. Finley in guiding the tour was Tenesha Carter-Johnson, a senior at Spelman College majoring in art history and minoring in curatorial studies. Together, they lead the tour through the AUC, not only shedding light on its historical beginnings but also highlighting its rich artistic heritage, including its impressive collection of statues and designs.

“Atlanta Art Week provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the vibrant art history and education that are integral to the AUC’s identity,” Dr. Finley remarked when asked about the significance of the AUC’s involvement in Atlanta Art Week. “Our mission is to connect people with the rich cultural heritage of the AUC and inspire a new generation of artists, curators, and scholars,” she continued.

A diverse array of participants, including students and art enthusiasts, joined the tour in pursuit of a deeper understanding of art history and insight into the Atlanta-based educational institutions. Among them was Kyrie Blackman, who had been part of the art collective during his time as a student at Morehouse College, where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in sociology.

“I enjoy witnessing people’s reactions and observing how they internalize and respond to these artistic pieces. For me, the satisfaction comes from seeing how people absorb information,” Blackman shared.

Participants spanned various points in the AUC’s history, with Abigail Woodward, a former GED teacher with 30 years of experience working with adolescents under state supervision. Woodard recalled taking her students to the AUC recollecting her history with the institution by taking her students to see the AIDS Memorial Quilt in November of 1985.

“Whenever I’m in Atlanta, I make it a point to explore the art, concepts, and expressions. This tour made it easier for me to do what I’ve always wanted,” Woodward expressed to The Atlanta Voice.

The journey commenced at the Spelman Museum of Art, where Finley delved into the early days of Spelman College, founded in 1881 as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary. The tour continued through the Clark Atlanta University campus and the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, culminating at The Clark Atlanta University Art Museum. 

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