With a widely celebrated music scene and growing film industry, it is vital to note that visual art, painting, design and sculpture still have a home in the A. It’s even more vital to note that true works of art are best enjoyed in person. Exit the Instagram app and blog feeds and enjoy art in the flesh this summer. Here’s a list of five Atlanta art hot spots to get you started.
Artlanta Gallery
Located on Shelton Avenue in a 15,000-square-foot warehouse, Artlanta is home to some of the most creative, innovative art and artists in the Atlanta scene. Owner Tyree Smith is determined to turn the western Atlanta neighborhood of Adair Park into the next big arts district. The gallery’s featured artists and patrons typically range from 16 to 28-years-old. Upon entering the gallery, patrons are sure to experience nostalgia from artists’ remixed versions of characters iconic to their childhoods — Rugrats, anyone? Artlanta hosts events and gatherings regularly for the artist and the art enthusiast alike.
APEX Museum
The mission of the African-American Panoramic Experience (APEX) Museum is to accurately interpret and present history from an African American perspective in an effort to help all American and International visitors better understand and appreciate the contributions of African Americans to America and the world. Current exhibits include “Sweet Auburn Street of Pride,” “The MAAFA (The African Holocaust)” and “Africa: The Untold Story” which highlights Africa, its people, its contributions and its culture throughout the last 6,000 plus years. The museum is also equipped with a storyteller in residence who is dedicated to enhancing the museum experience for all visitors.
High Museum of Art
With over 15,000 works of art in its permanent collection, the High Museum of Art has become the leading art museum in the southeastern United States. The High has an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, folk art and African art. Stop by the High this summer to view one of their 10 current exhibitions including more than 250 prints by Andy Warhol, “Technicolor” and “Merry Go Zoo.”
SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Situated within the SCAD Atlanta campus, the museum prioritizes the future of fashion design, connecting conceptual to historical principles of dress and welcomes all ages to engage with vibrant exhibitions, fascinating films and impactful events. Now on view through August are “Shoes, Pleasure and Pain” and Omar Victor Diop’s “Project Diaspora.”
MODA
A Smithsonian affiliate, MODA is the only museum in the southeast dedicated exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design. Formed in 1989 as the Atlanta International Museum of Art & Design, MODA is the southeast’s only design museum. In 2011, MODA moved to the Midtown Arts District. MODA’s current exhibition highlights designer and artist, Luba Lukova. Her visuals address themes of humanity and injustice worldwide. From June 4 – Sept. 3, 2017, her work will be on view at MODA in the exhibition “Luba Lukova: Designing Justice.”
