Atlanta’s standard
Wednesday, June 17 — Atlanta artists have long carried our community’s culture across the globe. In moments like this summer, however, when the world’s gaze is focused on us, the stakes of that representation shift.
Sketchbook turns its attention to two people doing that work in very different ways this week.
Killamari!, an Atlanta illustrator and designer reared by refugee parents, is painting a giant 3D soccer sculpture at Atlanta Beltline Fest this weekend, giving his signature style international visibility. Our profile on him is a snapshot of the breadth and depth of what we mean when Atlanta says, “The South has got something to say.”
And then there’s Karen Comer Lowe. A curator more than 25 years into her practice, Lowe has spent that time building something harder to see but just as important: connections that hold Atlanta’s art world together. Ahead of a coming exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, we talked to Lowe about Red Clay Art Circle, the community of collectors she’s building.
One represents Atlanta boldly and out loud. One builds support from within. Both are shaping what Atlanta means.
Whose work represents you?
—Sherri Daye Scott
Working on a world stage
Atlanta illustrator Killamari! grew up on a block where every wall told a story. Now he’s bringing that same layered, chaotic energy to a live painting activation at Atlanta Beltline Fest — and to a 3D soccer sculpture he hasn’t quite planned yet.
➡️ Follow Killamari!’s journey to Beltline Fest.
Posters have always belonged to the people.
SPONSORED BY MUSEUM OF DESIGN ATLANTA
🎨 From abolitionist broadsides to civil rights announcements, they are one of the oldest tools for making demands visible and telling people they are welcome.
This Juneteenth, visit MODA. It’s your last chance to see Public Notice: The 2025 U.S. International Poster Biennial – an exhibition featuring posters about social justice, culture, and national parks, created by designers from across the globe using image, type, and symbol to respond to the world right now.
→ Fri, June 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Closes June 21.
The long game
🖼️ Karen Comer Lowe has spent decades championing artists of the Black diaspora. She’s curated shows at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, served as the first Guest Curator of the Atlanta Art Fair – and now she’s launching a private collector community.
➡️ Learn why the art market isn’t a solo sport.
Art Happenings
☀️ Block Printing: Summer Solstice Cards | 6-8 p.m., tonight | Piedmont Park Community Center.
👜 Savoir Faire and Storytelling: Reimagining the ‘Lady Dior’ with Patrick Eugène | 6 p.m., Jun. 18 | SCADshow.
🙌 The Praise House at South View | 4 p.m., June 19 | South View Cemetery.
💬 In Conversation: Richard Dial with Katherine Jentleson | 1 p.m., June 20 | Johnson Lowe Gallery. (Pictured)
Post of the Week
🎨 @atlantaartistcollective is spotlighting painter Michele James and her two-piece series “Biggest Fan 1 & 2.” Acrylic works are available now at @webbmarsteller gallery in Atlanta.
➡️ See the post.
🖋️ Today’s Sketchbook was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
