From streetlights to shutter clicks
May 22 — This week, Sketchbook brings you two love letters to Atlanta – each rooted in memory, movement, and making space.
First, we head to the Old Fourth Ward, where director and producer Dave KA has quietly built a shrine to vintage cameras, Old Atlanta merch, and all things analog. KA’s Atlanta Worldwide Gallery is part retail, part memory bank, and fully steeped in hometown pride.
Then, we catch up with Vernicia Respres, founder of BRUSHED Gallery & Studios and the artist who created “Streetlight Jazz,” the official image for this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival. The story behind Respres’s painting is a vibrant tribute to sound, soul, and the city that raised her.
Also, take note: MINT and MOCA GA are partnering on their annual Working Artist Project open call. The project is one of Atlanta’s most respected fellowships for contemporary artists – and a career game-changer. Apply here.
See you out there,
—Sherri
Inside Atlanta Worldwide Gallery
📸 Atlanta Worldwide Gallery – founded by Atlanta native, director, and producer Dave KA – is a camera emporium, vintage shop, and culture capsule rolled into one. The shelves are packed with Polaroids, panoramic shots of vintage Atlanta spots and merch, ’90s zines, and stories waiting to be shared.
➡️ Read more about Atlanta Worldwide Gallery here.
Data meets art at the High Museum!
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
✨ Ready for a sensory journey? Immerse yourself in the data-verse and get ready for a mind-bending experience – Ryoji Ikeda’s captivating light and sound installations are a must-see.
➞ On view now at the High Museum.
‘Streetlight Jazz’shines bright
🖌️ Artist and BRUSHED founder Vernicia Respres is behind “Streetlight Jazz,” the glowing saxophone scene chosen as the signature artwork for this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival. Inspired by memory, improvisation, and the joy of live music, her piece will appear on festival posters and merch throughout the Memorial Day weekend event.
“This is not just a career highlight,” Respres says. “It’s a life highlight.”
➡️ Read more about Respres’s inspiration behind “Streetlight Jazz”.
Art Happenings
✂️ Colorful Collages Exhibit Opening | 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 22 | Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library.
🌸 Callanwolde Spring Pottery Show: Artist Talk | 10-11 a.m., May 23 | Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.
🗓️ Depths Reception | 6-9 p.m., May 24 | The Supermarket.
🏠 Wellness in Design at ADAC | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., June 4 | Atlanta Decorative Arts Center.
🖼️ Opening Exhibit: Anna Brady | 5-8 p.m., June 7 | Dunwoody Gallery.
Post of the Week
🏳️🌈 Empire Arts Gallery is now accepting submissions for GAGS @ Empire, a new Pride exhibition highlighting queer artists across Georgia. Work in all mediums is welcome.
📍 Deadline: Rolling
🖋️ Today’s Sketchbook was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
