By Leia Genis | Leia's Long Look for ArtsATL | Published Oct. 14, 2026 Leia’s Long Look is a monthly column providing focused looks at individual artworks, prompting slow looking and deeper reflections. This month, Leia visits Threads of a Living Legacy at ArtsXchange, a tribute to the late textile artist and educator Marquetta Johnson. It’s impossible to write about Marquetta Johnson without writing about education. Johnson, an Atlanta native who passed away in February 2025, spent more than half her life as an educator teaching quilting and sewing to children. Despite the endless hours she dedicated to students, Johnson was always an artist first, making artworks up until her death. Her quilts are in the permanent collection of the High Museum of Art, and her career earned her a Kennedy Center/VSA International Arts Fellowship. Threads of a Living Legacy at ArtsXchange, on view until October 24, gives honor to Johnson’s prolific artistic career. While it undeniably acknowledges her role as an educator, it also belies any notion that she was simply a skilled craftsperson. Instead, it reveals her sincere artistry. The Circle Continues 2 (2005-6) is a quilted artwork by Marquetta Johnson, created using five nine-patch blocks along the outer edges. (Photo by Leia Genis) The Circle Continues 2 (2005-6) is one of the largest artworks in the exhibition. A roughly 5-foot square, the quilt is chromatic pandemonium. Using highly saturated colors such as violet, sunflower, sapphire, emerald and fuchsia on small pieces with near-random sequencing, the competition for the viewer’s attention is fierce. But there is organization. Each edge of the quilt measures five nine-patch blocks — a foundational quilting pattern consisting of nine equal-sized fabric patches — creating a square within a square. The inner of these two squares contains circular groupings of circular patches, affixed to a violet background and puckered, like a flower about to unfurl. The geometry of these blocks brings much-needed structure to the otherwise riotous artwork. It is easy to understand how the nine-patch blocks could be educational tools — with their simple construction and seams — but looking closely reveals they are anything but a perfect example. The size of the patches constantly varies; their corners frequently misalign. What reads as structure from afar is a series of irregularities. But this does not detract from them because quilting is known for its improvisation. Using various scraps and swathes, and constantly adding to a piece, early quilters always worked irregularly. Choosing to work this way, Johnson intertwines history and technique, teaching without speaking. Shadow Block Kente (2007) incorporates a Ghanaian weaving technique called kente, which was historically used in textiles for royalty. (Photo by Leia Genis) A closeup of Shadow Block Kente (2007). (Photo by Leia Genis) Across the gallery hangs Shadow Block Kente (2007). Small, red buttons and thin, black bars float on a sea of lime green, surrounding a central, rectangular block of patterning that dominates the composition. The center is comprised of square patches subdivided into rectangles and triangles in sand, wine, mocha and lime. Regularly using the background color causes the patterning to partially dissolve, but sand-colored triangles in each corner of this central block act as a frame, poking out and retaining structure. Kente is a Ghanaian weaving technique, made on narrow, horizontal looms and designed in square blocks. The thin, long textiles of kente inspire reverence and respect due to their historical use by royalty. This artwork is not kente cloth, but the reference in the title, and the use of its patterning, implicates kente. Quilting, with its natural improvisation and adaptability, allows Johnson to interlace two places, collapsing history and geography. In this light, the quilt’s palette of sand, wine, mocha and lime seems like a slight recoloring of the Pan-African flag, with its gold, red, green and black. The multicultural knowledge implicit in Shadow Block Kente reframes Johnson’s educational practice: Not only did she teach how to quilt; she also taught through quilting. The exhibition title, Threads of a Living Legacy, is properly reverent of the late artist, and it serves as a sly double entendre. Johnson herself leaves behind a living legacy, as the exhibition makes evident. And her quilts themselves are a living legacy — they cleverly share knowledge and reflect multiculturalism. A closeup of the center square of The Circle Continues 2 (2005-6), which showcases floral shapes inside circles. (Photo by Leia Genis) :: Leia Genis is a trans artist and writer currently based in Atlanta. Her writing has been published in Hyperallergic, Frieze, Burnaway, Art Papers and Number: Inc. magazine. Genis is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design and is also an avid cyclist with a competition history at the national level.

Check out the Literary Programs coming to the ArtsXchange this month! EVENT HIGHLIGHT - 2026 Open Mic & SLAM ATL Qualifier Details Fri, Oct 9, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM $10 in Advance / $15 at the Door Slam List and doors at 7:30pm Step into the spotlight at XChange Open Mic, a welcoming space for all forms of artistic expression. Whether you’re a poet, comedian, musician, storyteller, or creative shapeshifter, this mic is for you. There will be a short open mic followed by a poetry slam to qualify for Slam ATL. Join us for Xchange Open mic followed by a poetry slam to qualify for Slam ATL. Please read full description for details. Come to perform, come to listen, come to be inspired. All voices. All art forms. One stage. Learn More / Get your tickets! Write Your Way: Four Ways to Make Your Words Work Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | 12p.m. - 2p.m. FREE | Ages 13 - 18 Four workshops, Four Ways to write. This series helps young people develop the writing skills—and the confidence to Explain It ,Tell It, Imagine It and Argue It. Hosted by Theresa Davis, this workshop engages students to write about the questions, experiences, ideas, and issues that matter to them while developing skills they can use in school, college, careers, and everyday life.   Learn More / Get your tickets! 2nd Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Oct 10, 2026 | 2p.m. - 4 p.m. $10 Find your writing community, share and receive feedback, and hone your craft with the guidance of author Theresa Davis and guest facilitators who are experts in their fields. The workshops use thought-provoking prompts and ekphrasis to help you explore a variety of writing styles and genres. Learn More / Register for Workshop Scrabble Club Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | 2p.m. - 4p.m. FREE Scrabble Club is a fun and engaging way to enhance literacy, spelling, problem-solving, and conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned Scrabble master or just learning the ropes, this intergenerational gathering is perfect for all ages and skill levels. And we have snacks! Please RSVP to let us know you're coming.   RSVP for Scrabble Club 4th Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | 12p.m. - 2p.m. $10 Every fourth Saturday of the month, find your writing community, share and receive feedback, and hone your craft with the guidance of author Theresa Davis and guest facilitators who are experts in their fields. The workshops have helped people develop their creative voice and even publish their work. Don't miss out!   Learn More / Register for Workshop Playing with Our Words Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | 2p.m. - 4 p.m. FREE Spark your creativity and connection through the power of words. After a game of Scrabble, participants explore wordplay, storytelling, and imagination with creative writing prompts. The challenge is to write using the words on the Scrabble board. Families are strongly encouraged to attend together. RSVP to play! LITERARY PROGRAM Our Literary Program Page serves as a comprehensive resource for all things related to our literary events and initiatives. Visit our Literary Program Page for more events and information. Literary Program NEWSLETTER Sign up for the ArtsXchange Newsletter to stay up to date with what's up next at the ArtsXchange. Sign up for Newsletter Theresa Davis Literary Program Director Theresa Davis is an educator, storyteller, poet, author, poetry slam champion and the host of the award winning open mic Java Speaks. She has performed on stages across the nation as a poet and keynote speaker. She was a classroom teacher for over 25 years, specializing in cross curricular education. Learn More

Check out the Volunteer Opportunities for this month! October brings cool evenings, spooky fun, and volunteering! Join us at ArtsXchange and make a difference in your community by signing up for one of our volunteer opportunities. Over this month, we will have lots of programming and that means all hands on deck. Click event to learn more and sign up for shifts. SPECIAL FEATURED VOLUNTEER EVENT - 2026 XChange Open Mic & SLAM ATL Qualifier Fri, Oct 9, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Volunteer for our 2026 XChange Open Mic & SLAM ATL Qualifier! Assist with greeting, scorekeeping and more. If you volunteer you will NOT be able to participate in the SLAM. 2nd Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Oct 10, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Scrabble Club Sat, Oct 17, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! 4th Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Oct 24, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Playing With Our Words Sat, Oct 24, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Volunteer Registration Form / Newsletter Once you register you will be added to our mailing list. We will email/contact you to let you know about upcoming volunteer opportunities! Sign up today! As a nonprofit, the ArtsXchange depends on volunteers to help us meet the multiple demands of running a diverse community Cultural Center. Our needs range from office support, cleaning and maintaining our grounds, event and gallery support, and those with technical and specialized skills. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to our cause. Your unwavering commitment and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our organization and the community we serve.

Jack Sinclair Gallery Exhibits Threads of a Living Legacy The Art of Marquetta Bell-Johnson Sept 12, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026 Learn more Sonic Impressions Abstract Art Inspired by Music Sat, July 25 - Sat, Aug 29, 2026 Learn more Inward A Meditation on Memory and Presence June 6, 2026 – July 11, 2026 Learn more Toxic Beauty : Hidden Harm Beneath the Surface An Environmental Juried Exhibition April 11, 2026 - May 16, 2026 Learn more Alchemical Marriage When Forces Join, Clash, Dissolve, And Reform Feb 7, 2026 - March 21, 2026 Learn more 2026 Pin-Up Show and Sale A one night ArtsXchange Members Exhibit Sat. Jan 17, 2026 Learn more Constellations ArtsXchange Studio Artists Exhibition Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026 Learn more From Stono To Now : The Fire This time Black Resistance in American Art, 1739 - Present Oct 14, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025 Learn more Ayiti-Quisqueya: Nexus of the Taíno The Masterful Paintings of Reinilda Fernandez (Blair) and Darnelle Louis-Jacques Aug 9, 2025 - Sept 20, 2025 Learn more Journey of the Spirit The multi-dimensional artistry of Sean Haynes June 7, 2025 – July 19, 2025 Learn more Reclaimed Visions: The Art of Upcycling An Environmental Juried Exhibition Apr 12, 2025 - May 24, 2025 Learn more Photovoice Communities are always speaking to us… are we listening? Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 8, 2025 Learn more In Search of Myself Curated emerging artist exhibit Feb 8, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025 Learn more 2025 Pin Up Show & Sale A one night ArtsXchange Members Exhibit Sat, Jan 18, 2025 5-9PM Learn more POST Solo Exhibit by Thomas Bess Nov 02, 2024 - Dec 21,2024 Learn more Hold The Line Celebrating Black Masculinity Sept 7, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024 Learn more The Art of Being A Mediation of Blackness & Queerness July 20, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024 Learn more A Room of Her Own Women Studio Artists From AXC's 40 Year History May 4, 2024 – June 22, 2024 Learn more The Pollinators An ArtsXchange Juried Show : An Artistic Celebration of Plants, Pollinators and Habitats Apr 6, 2024 - Apr 30, 2024 Learn more Ancestral Origins The Fractal Vision of Steve R. Allen Feb 10, 2024 - Mar 30, 2024 Learn more 2024 Pin Up Show + Sale A one night ArtsXchange Members Exhibit Sat, Jan 27, 2024 Learn more Creative Minds In Motion A Juried Exhibition celebrating students in the City of Atlanta and Fulton County Nov 11, 2023 - Dec 27, 2023 Learn more The Haunts of Black Kirby An exhibition of works from the dawn of Afrofuturism Sept 2, 2023 - Oct 28, 2023 Learn more Climate Change: FINAL WARNING ArtsXchange Juried Exhibition July 15, 2023 - Aug 26, 2023 Learn more Now is the Day: A Life Well Lived An archival exhibition celebrating the late, great civil rights leader & professor Dr. Doris Derby May 6, 2023 - June 10, 2023 Learn more Interference: Interwoven A sculptural look at human interference with nature through weaving by Sally C. Garner (Georgia State University MFA student show) Apr 4, 2023 - Apr 14, 2023 Learn more Cover Me: The Matrix of Quilts Quilt works of five women artists Jan 27, 2023 - Mar 25. 2023 Learn more Colors of Inspiration 2022: Colors Da Rhythm A collaborative, multidisciplinary art project presented by the Creative Foundation for the Arts & Technology, Inc. Dec 9, 2022 - Jan 14, 2023 Learn more Jazz & Spirituality Celebrating the Art of Oscar Harris Sept 17, 2022 - Dec 4, 2022 Learn more Reimagine Peace: The Art of Resistance ArtsXchange Juried Exhibition July 29, 2022 - Sept 8, 2022 Learn more Search For Identity Photography by Tafawa June 18, 2022 - July 16, 2022 Learn more Thru the Lens A reflection of life by mixed media artist Maceo Rogers Apr 30, 2022 - May 31, 2022 Learn more Sin With Me A Solo Exhibition from Nick Kakavas - RATED R Apr 1st, 2022 - Apr 15th 2022 Learn more The Kitchen Sink A collection of artworks by GSU MFA and BFA Students Mar 12, 2022 - Mar 26, 2022 Learn more The Aboriginal Museum A Revelation of True Identity Feb 11, 2022 - Mar 7, 2022 Learn more COMMON DENOMINATOR 3rd Annual Exhibition by the Artist of the ArtsXchange Nov 20, 2021 - Dec 18, 2021 Learn more TO THE WOMEN I LOVE A Solo Exhibition - John Glover Oct 8, 2021 – Nov 12, 2021 Learn more WHOSE AMERICA IS IT ANYWAY? An ArtsXchange Juried Exhibition July 10, 2021 - Sept 30, 2021 Learn more the storytellers An ArtsXchange Invitational Exhibition Apr 24, 2021 - June 19, 2021 Learn more HOW I SEE WHAT I SAW The Definitive Artwork of Vernon Robinson Sr. Mar 1, 2021 - Apr 4, 2021 Learn more truth to power Art in a time of upheaval Dec 15, 2020 - Jan 31, 2021 Learn more Signs of the Times Documenting the Power of the People, 1960 - Today Sept 15, 2020 - Oct 31, 2020 Learn more Icons of Art and Social Justice An ArtsXchange Group Mural Project Aug 8, 2020 – Sept 4, 2020 Learn more Scattering Dreams Art in Response to global Crisis Feb 29, 2020 - Apr 11, 2020 Learn more Back in the day The Neighborhood Arts Center & Atlanta's late 1970's Art Scene Feb 1, 2020 - Feb 22, 2020 Learn more Heavy Clouds A Solo Exhibition from C Flux Sing Dec 14, 2019 - Jan 18, 2020 Learn more Atlanta Collects 10 Notable Fine Art Collections Sept 6, 2019 - Oct 26, 2019 Learn more Convergence An ArtsXchange Studio Artist Exhibition Nov 2, 2019 - Dec 7, 2019 Learn more Ritual : the birth of new freedom A collaborative work exhibition July 20, 2019 - Aug 17, 2019 Learn more Blood of the earth A Corrina Sephora Art & Metalworks Exhibition June 1, 2019 - July 13, 2019 Learn more Catch me in the A A Group Exhibition April 6, 2019 - May 11, 2019 Learn more Shero A Sistagraphy Exhibition Feb 16, 2019 - Mar 31, 2019 Learn more The Art of Values A Group Exhibition Jan 10, 2019 - Feb 9, 2019 Learn more

The ArtsXchange (Southeast Community Cultural Center) is a nonprofit, multicultural, multidisciplinary, multi-ethnic, inter-generational arts organization. Located at 2148 Newnan Street East Point, GA 30344 A r t s Xchange Welcome to Classes & Events Visit the Gallery Become A Member PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY! ArtsXchange is a community-based cultural facility rooted in the Black Arts Tradition. It serves artists, social justice activists, and creative entrepreneurs who engage communities through their work. We offer multicultural, intergenerational programming focused on the arts, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Since 1983, ArtsXchange has been a welcoming space for community members at every stage of their artistic journey, from beginners to award-winning artists. Learn More ON VIEW Threads of a Living Legacy The Art of Marquetta Bell-Johnson Sept 12, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026 Tuesday - Saturday | 10AM - 6PM Free | Open to the public Learn More About JSG Offerings at ArtsXchange From visual art to literary art to performing arts classes , explore the plethora of offerings at ArtsXchange between our studio artists and formal programs. Attend an Event / Class October 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11:00 AM FLOWGA: Movement Therapy 21 22 11:00 AM FLOWGA: Movement Therapy 23 24 12:00 PM 4th Saturday Writers Workshop +2 more 25 26 27 11:00 AM FLOWGA: Movement Therapy 28 29 11:00 AM FLOWGA: Movement Therapy 30 31 1 2 3 11:00 AM FLOWGA: Movement Therapy 4 5 11:00 AM FLOWGA: Movement Therapy 6 7 12:00 PM Write Your Way: Four Ways to Make Your Words Work 8 All Events & Classes Support the Arts Become A Member Events & Classes Volunteer Latest at ArtsXchange Read More

Reimagine Peace The Art of Resistance Reimagine Peace: The Art of Resistance ArtsXchange Juried Exhibition July 29, 2022 - Sept 8, 2022 CURATORS Lisa Tuttle Cleigaie Narcisse Ric Washington ARTISTS Crystal Adams | Ugo Agoruah | Jim Alexander | Maria Artemis | Jonathan Banks | Bonnie Beauchamp-Cooke | Anne Beidler | Yahaya Bello | D’Andre Brooks | Jennifer Cawley | John Chase Campbell | Brian Childress | Carl Christian | Sabre Esler | Vanna Black | Kathleen Gegan | Lynn Hatcher | Marlon Hitchcock | Daniel Hodges | Roxanne Hollosi | F. Geoffrey Johnson | Darrell Jones | Stan Kaady | Emma Ming Kayhart | Maria Korol | Kamille Mayes | Lauren Merceron | Arthur “Moe” Moore | Michael Morgan | Allen Peterson | Sachi Rome | Sue Ross | Andrew Sheldon | Tim Short | Erin Sledd | Sandra Teepen | LaDonna Williams REIMAGINE PEACE: The Art of Resistance Exhibition juried by artist-activist Charmaine Minniefield July 29-Sept 8, 2022 Artist Talk: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 20 Congratualtions to the winners of the juried exhibiton! And we thank all of the artists who submitted their work. 1st america, take a knee 4 me by F. Geoffrey Johnson 2nd Peace from the Blood at the Root Series by Carl Christian 3rd Eruzuli by Yahaya Bello Honorable Mention Inner Peace by Johnathan Banks Honorable Mention Large Patterns by Sandy Teepen • • • Rooted in our tradition of art as activism, we invited artists to create and share all mediums of artwork that sparks critical thinking, empowers narratives that are often overlooked, and inspires communities to reimagine peace — on a global scale, in the small ways they find peace of mind, or anywhere in between — as the struggle for human rights rages on. How do we reimagine peace in a world that has long been too loud? What can helps quiet the chaos ? Come see their art of resistance . All Exhibits