The Art of Holding On
May 14 — Lately, I’ve been thinking about resilience, or more specifically, how people, ideas, and communities endure and thrive despite remarkable circumstances.
The arts in Atlanta are resilient, and we are lucky for it. We are fortunate that the creatives among us consistently find a way to help us make sense of our world and connect with each other.
This week’s Sketchbook features two stories illustrating the resilience of the Atlanta-area arts community. There’s a look at Paint Love, a nonprofit organization bringing arts programming to youth facing poverty and trauma, despite federal and local funding cuts. There is also a discussion with George and Esohe Galbreath, longtime collectors who are launching Artful ATL at the Atlanta Contemporary. Debuting next month, it will create a new space for emerging artists and new collectors to gather – free of gatekeeping, full of intention.
And then, there is the creative force of Corey Davis, who passed away last week. His absence is already deeply felt, but the outpouring of love and messages from friends and fans speaks to the lasting power of his art. Davis was a multi-talented icon – a tattoo artist, painter, filmmaker, and co-owner of City of Ink. He brought people together through color, creativity, and culture. I had the honor of working with him on the award-winning COVID-awareness campaign “Big Facts, Small Acts,” and what Davis poured into that work – boldness, honesty, clarity – was precisely who he was.
This city is full of people making space for joy, even when it’s hard. That’s the Atlanta I’ll keep writing toward.
—Sherri
Where artists thrive: Artful ATL makes space for Atlanta’s creative future
🎨 Educators and curators George and Esohe Galbreath are launching Artful ATL, a new one-day event at Atlanta Contemporary that brings together emerging artists and new collectors – no middlemen, no gatekeeping, just connection. With 35 visual artists and 100% of sales going directly to the creators, the event builds on the Galbreaths’ longtime commitment to cultivating community through art.
➡️ Read more about Artful ATL here.
Kim Chong Hak’s American debut at The High!
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
🏔️ At The High, Kim Chong Hak: Painter of Seoraksan bursts to life with vibrant colors and dynamic landscapes. Experience the energy of Korea’s Mount Seorak through Kim’s expressive brushstrokes—perfect for celebrating the vibrancy of spring!
➞ Don’t miss this breathtaking exhibition. Open now!
Paint Love pushes forward despite NEA cuts, thanks to emergency philanthropic support
🖌️ With federal arts funding pulled and local grants in limbo, Atlanta nonprofit Paint Love found itself at risk – until emergency support from two national foundations stepped in. Now, the organization continues to deliver trauma-informed arts programming for youth across Metro Atlanta, proving that community, creativity, and care can carry the work forward even in uncertain times.
➡️ Read more about Paint Love’s work here.
🌿 Reflections is Dunwoody’s newest public art installation at Two Bridges Park, 50 Perimeter Center East, created by Huelani Mei and designed by Andrea Perez. Visitors are encouraged to “take a photo, create a moment, and let Dunwoody be a part of your story.” Learn more! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Art Happenings
🖼️ Third Thursday | 6-9 p.m., May 15 | Georgia Museum of Art.
💐 Birds, Bees, Flowers, Trees: Opening Reception | 6-8:30 p.m., May 16 | Dunwoody Farmhouse.
🧘♀️ Oasis | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., May 17 | High Museum of Art.
🧑🏾🎨 Marietta Square Artisan Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 17 | Mill Street, Marietta.
🌿 ArtsXchange Permaculture Volunteer Day | 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 28 | ArtsXchange.
Post of the Week
🖤 The work endures.
This week, many took to social media to honor the life and legacy of Corey Davis, the visionary Atlanta artist, filmmaker, and City of Ink co-owner whose influence runs deep. Corey didn’t just create – he built worlds.
@whoiscoreydavis forever.
🖋️ Today’s Sketchbook was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
