Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts and the Department of Arts & Culture bring an international flair to the county called “Threads of Heritage: A Cultural Confluence Connecting Africa to Atlanta.”
Presented in partnership with the Nike Art & Culture Foundation of Nigeria, Nike Art USA and UniSpectrum Inc. of the United States, the collaboration brings together master artists, cultural leaders and educators from Nigeria and the diaspora in a multi-week celebration of art, heritage and global exchange.
“This is an opportunity to share this beautiful rich culture with the residents of Fulton County, and to showcase all that Arts & Culture has to offer,” Pitts said in the release. “This exhibit will provide insight into the minds of the featured artists and their view of Nigeria. It is extraordinary to be able to witness the magnificent works that will be on display.”
“Through the Department of Arts & Culture, we are able to bring a piece of the world right to our backyards here in Fulton County,” said David Manuel, director of Arts & Culture. “Through these works and the eyes of the artist, we are bridging the cultural creative gap between Africa and Fulton County, which benefits us all.”
At the core of the global initiative will be 14 Nigerian artists and Chief Dr. Nike Monica Okundaye, an internationally celebrated artist, cultural preservationist and founder of Nike Art Gallery, the release said.
Widely recognized as one of Africa’s most influential cultural ambassadors, Okundaye is a living embodiment of African heritage and a bridge between generations and continents. She will serve as program lead, organizing master Adire textile workshops, cultural panels, public engagement, and community visibility and cultural exchange programming.
A curated delegation of artists will support the program through exhibitions, workshops, mentorship, and cultural exchange:
- Shayee Awoyomi of the United States, a textile and visual artist, will co-lead workshops, support HBCU engagement and coordinate artist programming.
- Lasaki Olubunmi of the United States, a painter, sculptor and educator, will serve as senior workshop lead and academic contributor.
- Adeleke Akeem of Nigeria, a painter, will lead narrative painting masterclasses and live demonstrations.
Additional exhibiting artists and cultural contributors include Ola Balogun, Ajibade Awoyemi, Bimbo Samson Adenugba, Ade Odunfa, Owolabi Ayodele, Nduka F. Onyia, Doba Afolabi, Folami Olanrewaju Razaq and Mukaila Ayoade, all of the United States.
The “Threads of Heritage” exhibit will be on display in the Peachtree Gallery through the end of June.
