Can you see through art?
March 26 — Hey, all you art lovers! Hope you’re enjoying warmer weather and popping that Claritin – the pollen has officially made its way to Atlanta.
This week I am so pleased to share a feature on one of my favorite local artists, Armando Chacon, whose surrealist work has captivated my attention since I first encountered it. Originally from Guatemala, Chacon incorporates references to Mayan numerology, surrealist symbolism, and hidden puns into his impeccable oil paintings.
Also this week, I am so pleased to share the news that downtown Decatur is getting a new gallery! Cat Eye Creative, known for its excellent arts programming in South Downtown, is set to open a new location just off the square on Commerce Street. Check out our sneak peek of the new space below, and register early to get a spot for their grand opening on Fri., April 4.
As always, thanks for reading!
Isadora
Embracing the surreal with artist Armando Chacon
🎨 One recent morning, Armando Chacon greeted me at the front door of his charming home in Lilburn. He welcomed me inside and guided me through the house and down to his terrace-level home studio. The walls of nearly every room I walked through were covered with Chacon’s vibrant, colorful, and masterful paintings.
I first came to know of Armando Chacon through his participation in exhibitions at the Avondale Arts Center. He is a talented painter who mostly creates surrealist oil paintings. Chacon also is a member of the Virginia Highlands Plein Air Association, and can often be seen wearing his signature cap and frock, painting live while out in nature. Chacon enjoys flexing his realism skills in plein air settings, and welcomes the change of pace from the surrealist works he creates in his studio.
➡️ Learn more about Armando and see more images of his work here.
Experience Oakland After Dark this April!
SPONSORED BY HISTORIC OAKLAND FOUNDATION
🌙 Illuminate your evening with art, live music, interactive exhibits, and colorful lighting in Atlanta’s beloved historic gem. As the sun sets, sculptures, animations, paintings, site-specific installations by Vanna Black, Kevin Chambers, FRKO, Bojana Ginn, Angie Jerez, Navin June Norling, and VAYNE bring new life to Oakland Cemetery’s stories and mysteries.
🍷 Grab a drink, take your time, and experience Oakland in a way you never have before—after dark, alive with creativity and color. Join us in April!
Cat Eye Creative lands in Decatur
👁️ For the past six years, Adam Crawford has been steadily building a creative empire in South Downtown Atlanta. Cat Eye Creative is a gallery and exhibition space known for their excellent selection of works by contemporary artists. And now, Crawford is readying to open a new gallery in downtown Decatur.
Last week, I was invited to visit the new Cat Eye Creative location on the ground floor of The Artisan condominium building on Commerce Drive. The 1,000-square-foot space is brightly lit by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the busy sidewalk. On the day that I visited, the bright white walls were practically begging for artwork to be hung. Crawford shared his vision for the space, and his enthusiasm for the community of Decatur as we spoke.
➡️ Learn more and get a sneak peek of the new Cat Eye Creative location here.
Art Happenings
🎉 It’s that time again! This Thursday, head to Atlanta Contemporary for their beloved Open Studios event featuring 13 resident artists including Ato Ribeiro, Rial Rye, Tokie Rome-Taylor, and more. Thurs., March 27 from 6-9 p.m.
🏆 The Swan Coach House Gallery will present their 2025 Edge Award Exhibition, “Quadrivial Poetry,” featuring printmaking, painting, sound, and video works by winner Darya Fard alongside works by Edge Award finalists. Thurs., March 27 from 6-9 p.m. (pictured)
🇺🇦 The Georgia Museum of Art in Athens is hosting a Symposium on Ukrainian Art which includes lectures, student presentations, gallery visits, and more. Thurs., March 27 and Fri., March 28.
💡 Night of Ideas Atlanta, exploring the theme of “Common Ground,” will bring 25+ speakers and artists, plus live music, screenings, and performances, to the Goat Farm. Sat., March 29 from 6-11 p.m.
🎂 Spruill Center for the Arts will celebrate their 50th anniversary during this weekend’s Artistic Affair 2025. Festivities include a silent auction, raffle battle, music, henna tattoos, illusions, and more. Sat., March 29 from 5:30-9 p.m.
🎊 Art Party 3.0 is headed for the Avondale Arts Center this weekend. This indoor artist market features local artists selling their goods, plus artist demos, workshops, and more. Free and open to the public. Sat., March 29 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
📚 Mark your calendars for the used book sale sponsored by the Friends of Ponce Library to be held on Sat., March 29, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Library at 980 Ponce de Leon Avenue. Hundreds of hardback and paperback books in all genres! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Post of the Week
🎨 Artsy Elaine shared this before and after video of her painted power box located at Hosea and 2nd in East Lake. This box was one of 20 completed for the Moving Atlanta Forward Bond project by the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Rad!
