National Novel Writing Month, often abbreviated as NaNoWriMo, is an annual creative writing challenge and community event that takes place every November. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to encourage people to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days, from November 1st to November 30th. It's a worldwide event that brings together aspiring writers, both new and experienced, with the shared objective of completing a substantial portion of a novel in a short timeframe. Here's how NaNoWriMo typically works: Sign-Up: Participants register on the NaNoWriMo website, create a profile, and declare their intention to write a novel during the month of November. Writing Goal: The main goal of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words during November, which is the standard word count for a short novel or a novella. While the primary focus is on word count, the quality of the writing is not as important during the event. The emphasis is on generating a draft. Supportive Community: NaNoWriMo provides a supportive online community through forums, local writing groups (called "write-ins"), and writing buddies. Participants can connect with others, share their progress, and find encouragement and advice. Tracking Progress: Writers track their daily word counts on the NaNoWriMo website and update their profiles to keep themselves and others motivated. There are also tools and resources available on the website to help participants stay on track. Personal Writing Goals: While the official goal is to reach 50,000 words, participants can set their own targets if they prefer to write more or fewer words. The primary aim is to foster a daily writing habit. No Edits Allowed: NaNoWriMo encourages participants to focus on writing their first drafts without worrying about editing or revising along the way. The goal is to complete a draft, and there will be plenty of time for editing in December and beyond. Prizes and Recognition: Participants who reach the 50,000-word goal "win" NaNoWriMo and receive a certificate. They also gain a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of having made significant progress on a novel. There are often sponsorships and prizes provided by various organizations and publishers. NaNoWriMo is not only a writing challenge but also a way to build a writing community and discipline. It encourages individuals to overcome procrastination and self-doubt by setting and achieving writing goals. Many successful novels, such as "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen and "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern, began as NaNoWriMo projects. Overall, NaNoWriMo is a fun and motivational event that provides the structure and support needed for writers to make progress on their novels, and it has become a global phenomenon for writers of all ages and backgrounds. Sign up here https://nanowrimo.org/sign-up

Banned Book Week 2023 is a week-long annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of intellectual freedom and the ongoing challenges of censorship in literature. Held the first week of October, Banned Book Week is a celebration of advocacy and education surrounding the freedom to read. This week our Literary Director Theresa Davis shared her favorite banned books on her reading lists from her time as a Middle School teacher. "Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher is a young adult novel that tells the story of T.J. Jones, a mixed-race teenager who assembles an unlikely high school swim team composed of outcasts and misfits. Through their struggles and determination, they challenge stereotypes, racism, and personal demons. T.J. uses his passion for competitive swimming to bring his diverse team together, aiming for success both in the pool and in life. The novel explores themes of identity, racism, friendship, and resilience, offering a thought-provoking and inspiring narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier is a compelling young adult novel that delves into the dark and disturbing aspects of high school conformity and bullying. The story revolves around Jerry Renault, a student who defies the school's manipulative administration and refuses to participate in the annual chocolate fundraiser. His solitary stand against the corrupt system triggers a chain of events that exposes the cruelty and coercion within the student body. The novel explores themes of rebellion, peer pressure, and the consequences of non-conformity, ultimately leaving readers with a chilling portrayal of the psychological and emotional toll of resistance in an oppressive environment. "The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo is a powerful novel-in-verse that follows the journey of Xiomara Batista, a young Afro-Latina girl growing up in Harlem. She uses her poetry to express her innermost thoughts and frustrations, particularly in the face of her strict, religious mother's expectations. Xiomara discovers her voice through slam poetry, exploring themes of identity, religion, love, and self-discovery. The book captures her struggle to break free from societal constraints and find her own path as a poet. It's a compelling coming-of-age story that emphasizes the importance of self-expression, and it resonates with readers as it portrays the universal search for one's identity and voice. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a classic allegorical novella that tells the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their oppressive human owner and establish their own government. Initially, the animals' rebellion represents a quest for equality and justice. However, over time, the pigs, who take the role of leaders, become corrupt and oppressive themselves. The novella serves as a critique of totalitarianism and power abuse, with each animal symbolizing different elements of society. "Animal Farm" explores themes of propaganda, manipulation, and the erosion of ideals. It's a timeless work that highlights the dangers of unchecked authority and the corruption of noble intentions. "Stuck in Neutral" by Terry Trueman is a young adult novel narrated by Shawn McDaniel, a teenage boy with cerebral palsy. Despite being unable to communicate or control his body, Shawn possesses a keen mind and a rich inner life. He grapples with thoughts of life, death, and the burdens his disability places on his family. When he suspects that his father plans to end his life to alleviate Shawn's suffering, he faces a moral dilemma. The novel explores themes of family, love, disability, and the value of life, offering a thought-provoking and empathetic perspective on living with profound physical limitations. Banned Book Week continues to serve as a platform for celebrating the diversity of literature while highlighting the ongoing threats to intellectual freedom. It reminds us that the fight against censorship and the promotion of open access to information remains crucial in our modern society. Check out the Little Free Library at the ArtsXchange for all your banned book needs!

Updated List of Events as of September 27th 2023 The Haunts of Black Kirby is on display at the ArtsXchange Jack Sinclair Gallery from Sept 2, 2023 - Oct 28, 2023. Join us for the opening reception and come back for the many surrounding classes and events! Presented in partnership with the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Black Kirby—the pseudonym assumed by the acclaimed visual artists and professors, John Jennings and Stacey Robinson—are Alchemists. They take raw materials from black history, hip hop, and comic book mythology and remix them to create new universes, never-before seen technologies, and biting satires about the world we live in today. Each of the Black Kirby images serves as a funky, rare artifact from an alternate universe, fully formed, and autonomous from its earthly origins. The works in this exhibition are on loan from the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library. The Haunts of Black Kirby is derived from “The Alchemist’s Notebook: The Satire, Remixes, and Haunts of Black Kirby”, an exhibition organized by the AUC Woodruff Library in 2019. It featured more than fifty digital artworks by Black Kirby and artifacts from the AUC Woodruff Library’s Archives Research Center exploring the topics of Black history, hip-hop, and comic book mythology. Join us for the opening reception and come back for the many surrounding classes and events! LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBIT CLASSES AND EVENTS

On September 9th 2023 , we were happy to have Flux Projects Hannah S. Palmer, Author, Ann Hill-Bond & East Point Fire in the building! The panel covered Hannah's mixed-media installation, "Ghost Pools," with journalist Ann Hill Bond, who has been compiling “Troubled Waters,” the oral history component of the project. They discussed what they learned from folks who remember swimming in East Point's pools that were abandoned post integration, including memories from East Point Fire Chief Corey Deon Thornton. "Once loud with laughter, shouts, and splashing, what if these sites could talk? And can East Point reclaim and reactivate these formerly segregated spaces in a way that acknowledges the past, while looking towards the future?" A public history and art project, Hannah Palmer's "Ghost Pools" — a multimedia art installation that explores Atlanta’s history with public swimming by creating temporary memorials to two pools in East Point that became a battleground over integration — aimed to create a shared understanding of what happened to East Point’s Jim Crow-era swimming pools; how they were funded, designed, litigated, defunded, and ultimately abandoned. Join the artists for reflections and guests who will share memories of the pools.

Are you ready to rhyme and shine? Join us at the All Voices Poetry Slam on September 23rd at 8 pm, held at the ArtsXchange. Hosted by the charismatic Mr. Funn and managed by the fabulous Karen G., this event promises an unforgettable evening of spoken word artistry. Secure your spot today for $15 in advance, or take your chance at the door for $20. Don't miss out on a night of poetic magic! Competitors Registration The submission form will open on Friday September 15th at 5PM. There is a $10 Non refundable sign up fee. The first 12 to sign up will be slotted to compete. If registered poets are not present for the random draw at 8pm on September 23rd, their spot will be given to the next poet in line. Registration fees will not be refunded. 12 poets will compete for cash prizes totaling $500.00! 5 Judges chosen randomly will score each poet from 0 - 10 with a decimal point, to prevent ties. RULES FOR POETS 1- Original work only! 2 - No Props or costumes 3 - No musical accompaniment. 4 - Poems must adhere to the 3 minute time limit (10 second grace period. -.5 for each 10 seconds over) 5 - Respectful competition (no hate speech or disrespectful attitudes) PRIZES 1st place $300.00 2nd place $150.00 3rd place $50.00 I can't wait to see you at the All Voices Poetry Slam on September 23, 2023 at 8pm in the Paul Robeson Theater at the ArtsXchange! GET YOUR TICKETS $15 in advance, or take your chance at the door for $20 All literary programming is in partnership with South Fulton Institute.

Sneak peak from the program launch in East Point! Community members came out to sign-up for the USDA Funded program and take home starter kits sponsored by @biobag and compost from our Atlanta facility. The Mayor of @cityofeastpoint, @eastpointgrown, @foodwellalliance, and East Point's Local Food Ecosystem Commission were all in attendance for the cutting of the (compostable) ribbon and to celebrate the launch of the program. We're so grateful to all of the partners that have supported this program and we hope to see more like it in the future! - Compost Now https://www.facebook.com/CompostNow Highlight Video https://www.facebook.com/reel/809302224315028 East Point to launch community compost program AJC Article https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/east-point-to-launch-community-compost-program/OIUHBZ3QAFF5FDZ5ML4UIKGQZE/?fbclid=IwAR2TVASjL7RPld2osyv3c0HUCQ6ahiDMRz_mxh5T0XZPQdmxTx8NPproiMc Photos Credit: Compost Now

We are so excited to install our Little Free Library at the ArtsXchange! Thanks and gratitude to Aileen Loy of Little Free Contentious Library, Little Free Library and Read 4 Unity for this gift. Appreciation to our installation helpers Tia Davis, Lamont Loyd-Sims and Theresa Davis for their expertise. We look forward to the community taking a book or leaving a book at the Little Free Library at the ArtsXchange! 📚Watch a short video of the instillation! Little Free Library at the ArtsXchange Installed August 29th 2023 Little Free Library https://littlefreelibrary.org/ https://read4ynity.com Little Free Contentious Library https://www.instagram.com/littlefreecontentiouslibrary/ @littlefreecontentiouslibrary Read4Unity https://www.instagram.com/read4unity/ @Read4Unity Woman creates pop-up libraries around metro Atlanta to expand access to banned books - 11 ALIVE https://www.11alive.com/article/features/woman-creates-pop-up-libraries-expand-access-banned-books/85-292fdb41-2526-49e6-99d3-304a1655c983

Theme The world has been pushed to the brink of irrevocable damage that only swift and drastic action can avert. Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes have significantly increased the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, trapping heat and warming the planet. This human activity is considered by many scientists and researchers as the primary cause of modern-day climate change. ​ Artists in this exhibition have an opportunity to raise awareness about this crisis, advocate for policy reform, and empower and inspire viewers to take action in their own way. Dates & Details NEW APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 19, 2023 ​ Entry fee: $25 ArtsXchange members, $35 non-members, or $40 entry & membership (see full payment details) ​ Notification of Acceptance: Friday, June 23, 2023 ​ Opening Reception: 6-9 p.m. July 8, 2023 ​ Artists talk: 1-3 p.m. July 22, 2023 Cash Awards: 1st $300 | 2nd $200 | 3rd $100 ​ Questions? Email gallery@artsxchange.org ​ About the Curators Lisa Tuttle is a mixed-media artist, curator, advocate, educator and writer. A former lead administrator with the Fulton County Public Art Program and gallery director for the Nexus Contemporary Art Center (now Atlanta Contemporary) and Atlanta College of Art, Lisa was also the visual arts director for the Arts Festival of Atlanta. Ric Washington, mixed-media artist, graphic designer and educator, studied at Kansas City Art Institute & School of Design. The former curator of art and graphics at Zoo Atlanta worked on award-winning conservation education projects throughout the U.S. and East Africa. He is now a designer and print specialist for Fulton County Schools. ​ About the Judge Kevin Sipp is a fine artist, scholar and curator with expertise in printmaking, painting, sculpture and multimedia installation. ​ His foundational aesthetic focus examines the spiritual, political, social, and historical influence of African-derived culture in the world, often making references to African Myth, Afro-Futurism, Cultural Identity, Colonial History, past and contemporary music, politics and comics. ​ Sipp, who is also a poet and speaker, is the cultural affairs and public art coordinator for the city of Atlanta, a curator at the Hammonds House, and a teaching artist at the High Museum. THE RULES ENTER ARTWORK All mediums accepted. Wall-hung art must have wire for hanging only (no saw-tooth hangers). Limited pedestals available for free-standing works. Digital display panels must have wall-mounting hardware. (Contact us to discuss digital presentation.) PREPARE ART FILE SUBMISSIONS Upload JPEG Images only, 300 dpi, 4MB-8MB max. Title and Number Each Entry File: Example: Your Name 1-Title.jpg Optional Artist Statement (per entry, 150 words max) PDF file only. Artwork will be disqualified if its quality is not accurately comparable to JPEG file submission. COPYRIGHT By submitting artwork, the Artist guarantees copyright ownership is that of the Artist and grants the ArtsXchange the right to use accepted work for publicity purposes; the Artist will retain copyright of their artwork. ​ INSURANCE ArtsXchange will not be responsible for damage of artwork in transport to or from the gallery. Insurance during transit is the responsibility of the Artist. ArtsXchange will insure the artwork against loss or damage while the artwork is in the gallery. ​ JURORS The artwork will be juried by a panel of three judges. NOTIFICATION Artists will be notified by Friday, June 23, 2023, if one or more works are accepted. ​ ENTRY FEE (non refundable) The entry fee is $25 for ArtsXchange members, $35 for non-members, and $40 for entry plus a 1-year membership. The fee covers up to three works entered for possible inclusion in the exhibition. Zelle is strongly encouraged as it does not require fees. If using a credit card or PayPal, your total must also include the processing fee, which would increase your total to $27, $37 or $42, respectively. ​ Pay via Zelle (no fees). Find us using admin@artsxchange.org. We are enrolled in Zelle as SE Community Cultural Center. Put "Juried Exhibition" in subject line. Must be submitted at time of application. Pay via credit card. Pay via PayPal i.

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS Overview The ArtsXchange is seeking creative proposals from Metro Atlanta artist to paint a mural on the front entrance of our building. We believe that art has the power to transform a place and inspire people. Submit your proposal for a chance to be selected, and leave a mark on the East Point and South Fulton community. Submission Details The scope of this project is to paint a community-centered mural on the outside of the ArtsXchange, approximately 25’W x 22’2’H, in East Point, Georgia (see area highlighted below). The mural will be located on the Newnan Street side of the building. It will serve to enhance the appearance of the building, enrich the cultural and aesthetic quality of the neighborhood, and contribute to our presence in the community. Design Criteria The ArtsXchange is a creative space that houses artists, a community garden, and presents arts events. We are committed to the arts as a means to achieve social and economic justice. We are multicultural multidisciplinary and intergenerational. We seek mural proposals that encompasses who we are, and that artistically expresses our identity. If you are interested, please send an email to admin@artsxchange.org and include any website URLs, resumes, work examples, letter of interest that includes your experience, and if desired a sketch or description of your initial thoughts. Applications must be received by August 13, 2023 midnight. Please include your email and contact information. The budget for this project is between $10, 000 - $15,000 which includes all costs for the design, materials, installation, labor, insurance, transportation, and any other for completion of artwork. *Concepts or ideas submitted will remain the sole property of the artist and will not be used in any other means than the selection process. Important dates Deadline for Submission: August 13, 2023 Finalists Notified: August 22, 2023 Artist contracting: August 23 - 31, 2023 Installation Timeline: September – October, 2023

The ArtsXchange is grateful to all the artists who responded to our call for mural proposals — y'all got skills! We are pleased to announce that prolific muralist Charity Hamidullah will create the "face" of the ArtsXchange with a mural on the front of our building this fall! Her work adorns many walls, from local public art projects including the Dorothy Bolden Tribute mural with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Pianos for Peace; to corporate commissions including Microsoft and Target. Charity's murals are also featured in various cities since their respective mural fests, including Birmingham, Ala., Chattanooga, Tenn., and South Salt Lake, Utah. We're thrilled to have not only her talent, but also her love for community. Charity Hamidullah is a multi-disciplinary artist who has been living and creating in Atlanta since 2011. Her work began as a tattoo artist where she assisted in helping clients honor their identity through body adornment. Her admiration for community soon transformed her canvas with hopes to inspires and uplift more individuals. Hamidullah utilizes color, figurative and environmental elements to illustrate stories of identity, empowerment and growth while uniting spaces with the love language of art. Follow her on Instagram @creatingfreedomnow. (PHOTO CREDIT: Charity is pictured in front of her untitled mural on E. Burton Avenue in South Salt Lake during its mural fest.)