George and Esohe Galbreath have been deeply embedded in Atlanta’s creative fabric for years as educators, artists, and culture workers. Through their personal Galbreath Collection, a living, growing archive of Black contemporary art, they’ve championed emerging voices while modeling what it looks like to collect with care and intention. With their latest endeavor – Artful ATL, a new one-day event debuting at Atlanta Contemporary – they are building something unique: A space that centers emerging artists and new collectors alike. We sat down to talk about how Artful came to be, why it matters, and what they hope visitors take away from the experience.
“So many people in Atlanta love art but feel shut out of the gallery world. We wanted to break down that barrier. No intimidation. No gatekeeping.” — George Esohe Galbreath, Artful ATL Co-Founder
Sherri: What exactly is Artful ATL?
Esohe: It’s a one-day visual art experience showcasing some of the most exciting emerging artists in Atlanta. Painters, photographers, sculptors, illustrators … you’ll find them all in one room. We wanted to create an event that feels celebratory, not transactional.
George: It’s about connection. We’re inviting people to discover new artists, have real conversations, and – if something resonates – start or expand their art collection. And the best part? Every dollar from art sales goes directly to the artists.
Sherri: What inspired you to create Artful now?
Esohe: We’ve spent our careers in the classroom and in creative spaces – teaching, mentoring, exhibiting. But we kept noticing the same gap: talented local artists with little access to collectors or commercial opportunities. We wanted to change that.
George: We were also thinking about the collector side. So many people in Atlanta love art but feel shut out of the gallery world. We wanted to break down that barrier. No intimidation. No gatekeeping.
Sherri: How would you describe the vibe of the event?
George: Alive. Uplifting. It’s not a stiff gallery walk. There’s music, cocktails, conversation. It feels more like a celebration than a sales floor.
Esohe: And it’s intimate. The venue, Atlanta Contemporary, gives the event a sense of seriousness, but it’s still accessible. Your ticket covers admission, art activations, parking, and drinks. It’s about making people feel welcome.
Sherri: What went into curating this first cohort of artists?
Esohe: A lot of thought. We wanted artists who are not only technically skilled but also telling meaningful stories about identity, heritage, process, or play. There’s a wide range of disciplines and perspectives.
George: And many of them are educators themselves. There’s a shared commitment to community and growth. This is more than a show. It’s a platform.
Sherri: What are you hoping people take away from this first Artful?
George: For artists: that their work is valuable and needed. And for audiences: that collecting art is within reach. You don’t need an MFA to know what moves you. Come, connect, and if something speaks to you, take it home.
Esohe: This is also about legacy. We want to build something that helps sustain creative careers in Atlanta – not just for one night, but over time.
Sherri: How can the community support Artful ATL beyond attending?
Esohe: Spread the word. Follow the artists. Share the work. And if you can’t attend, consider sponsoring a ticket or contributing toward artist support. Every bit helps build momentum.
George: This is just the beginning. We’re planting seeds now with the hope that Artful ATL becomes a cultural anchor in the city.
Artful ATL takes place Saturday, June 7, at Atlanta Contemporary. Tickets and the full artist lineup are available at artfulatl.org.
