By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange Media If your favorite song became an image, what would it look like? The ArtsXchange invites the public to experience that question through Sonic Impressions: Abstract Visual Art Inspired by Music, a juried exhibition on view July 25-Aug. 29 in the Jack Sinclair Gallery at ArtsXchange. The exhibition opens with a free public reception from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, featuring an awards presentation recognizing the top three artworks selected by guest juror Oscar Harris, FAIA. An architect whose visionary work has helped define Atlanta's skyline and civic identity, Harris spent decades shaping some of the city's most recognizable public spaces, including the atrium at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Olympic light towers created for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Today, Harris, 82, brings that same spirit of innovation to the canvas as a full-time abstract expressionist painter, creating works guided by the rhythms, improvisation, and emotional energy of jazz. His unique perspective makes him an ideal juror for Sonic Impressions, an exhibition that explores the relationship between music and abstract visual art. Rather than illustrating musicians or instruments, participating artists translate sound itself into color, texture, movement, and form, inviting audiences into a cross-sensory experience where music becomes something to see. “Music has long been a catalyst for artistic expression across cultures,” said Sinclair Gallery Director Ric Washington. “Sonic Impressions invites artists and audiences alike to consider how sound moves through the body and imagination, creating visual experiences that are as personal and expansive as the music itself.” The exhibition features work by Carl Christian, Zerric Clinton, Kevin Cole, Sean Haynes, Adrienne Hills, F. Geoffrey Johnson, Annika Jones, Debbie Jung, Michael Morgan, Chantrice Rachelle, Raqstar Vernon Robinson, Pame Sawyer-Smith, Serenity, Tony Smart, and Clementine Willowilde. The Jack Sinclair Gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Admission to both the exhibition and opening reception is free. Sonic Impressions: Abstract Visual Art Inspired by Music Opening Reception: 3-5 pm, Saturday, July 25 | Free | On View July 25 - Aug. 29, 2026 MORE INFO & RSVP

Every year, our internship program here at ArtsXchange brings amazing students into our space and each intern gains real world experience while working directly with staff to helping expand our reach. Georgia Tech SCoRE Intern, Debbie Jung, took the lead with creating an immersive experience where students got a tour of the property and met with different studio artists to learn about who we are and what we do. __________ This summer, I (Debbie Jung) have been interning at ArtsXchange through Georgia Tech’s Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education (SCoRE). SCoRE’s summer internship program connects Georgia Tech students with local non-profits that contribute to sustainable community building. This month, I had the pleasure of planning my internship cohort’s visit to ArtsXchange. Thursday, July 16, 2026- The site visit began in the Robeson Theatre, with a brief introduction and history of ArtsXchange presented by Tia Davis. We had a large group of around 30 students. Each student received a small zine with information about ArtsXchange before the tour began. After the introduction, students received a tour of the Fresh Oasis Community Garden and Permaculture Garden, led by Tenisio Seanima. The tomatoes were ripe, and Tenisio was able to pick a few off to toss and eat. After a tour of the gardens, students toured the studios of Jim Alexander, Lisa Tuttle, Kenneth Zakee, CYEA, and I AM ARTS. They gained a behind-the-scenes look of the new Sonic Impressions exhibit being set up, as well as the artwork being dropped off for the Midsummer Auction. Ric Washington spoke with students about the gallery and the upcoming exhibition. There were hands-on activities throughout the tour that gave students a chance to experience the arts. At I AM ARTS, Wise Mingo led an African drumming session. Theresa Davis led a writing activity, and students were able to take home kale seedlings graciously provided by Tenisio. Charlie provided sunflower seeds, and Zakee provided incense to students. Overall, students walked away with new insight on the arts and sustainability being cultivated at ArtsXchange. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to see students experiencing the arts and engaging with the ArtsXchange community firsthand. I am grateful for the help of everyone who helped coordinate this site visit, including Tia Davis, Tenisio Seanima, Darrin Johnson, and all of our studio artists. After the site visit, several students expressed how much they enjoyed the visit and being able to engage with ArtsXchange. I am hopeful for future relationship building between university students and ArtsXchange. For students and faculty looking to get involved with the ArtsXchange, we offer a full array of community programs, internship opportunities, and volunteer events to join. Check out our Volunteer page and join our database to stay updated on opportunities.

If there is one thing June confirmed, it's this: our literary community is full of wonderfully curious people who will happily follow me down the most delightfully nerdy writing rabbit holes. And for that, I am forever grateful. Saturday Writers Workshop Realness!! Thinking in Chains: The Blitz Takes Over Our Second Saturday Writing Workshop was called Thinking in Chains, where we explored the wonderfully chaotic and addictive Blitz poem, a form created by Robert Keim. The Blitz is fast. It's repetitive. It's associative. One phrase grabs the next by the hand and says, "Come on, we're going this way!" Before you know it, you've wandered into ideas you never intended to write about. It's the literary version of following one internet link after another until somehow you've ended up learning about octopuses, ancient Rome, and sourdough starters. I wasn't sure where we'd end up, but our fearless group embraced the adventure. By the end of the workshop, we'd created not just Blitz poems, but four different pieces inspired by the process: a prewrite, a poem, a prose piece, and even short fiction. Every month I wonder, "Will they indulge another one of my word nerd experiments?" Every month the answer is a joyful, enthusiastic yes. I couldn't ask for a better group of writers. Java Monkey Speaks Reunion A Mini Poetry Family Reunion Our June XChange Open Mic felt less like an event and more like a family reunion. With Nate Mask visiting from out of state, it didn't take long before familiar faces from the old Java Monkey days began appearing. Suddenly the room was filled with Carlos, Adan, Kayla, Zach, Anisa, Kini, Khalil and friends who reminded us that poetry communities have a way of finding each other again. There were hugs. There was laughter. There were stories. Most importantly, there was incredible poetry. We also welcomed several new performers who fit right in, making for one of those evenings where music and spoken word reminded us exactly why we gather in the first place. Old friends. New friends. Same love for the arts. That's a pretty good recipe for an unforgettable night. Fourth Saturday Writers Workshop Legends Realness!!! We Are the Living Legend Our Fourth Saturday Writing Workshop took us on yet another glorious word nerd expedition. We Are the Living Legend: A Myth-Making Workshop on Resilience, Activism & Ancestral Storytelling invited participants to think about the stories we inherit—and the ones we still need to tell. Our opening question was deceptively simple: "What story about your family or community gets told again and again?" That single question opened the door to conversations about myths surrounding the communities we belong to, stereotypes that persist, cherished family stories, and perhaps the most important question of all: What stories are missing? From there we explored one of my absolute favorite poetic forms—the pantoum. I have a confession. When I'm stuck... When inspiration refuses to answer my calls... When my writing decides it's on vacation... I write a pantoum. The repeating lines somehow trick my brain into discovering ideas I didn't know were waiting. Almost every time, the poem surprises me and points me toward something entirely new. Judging by the writing shared in the room, I wasn't the only one who fell in love with the form. And then something wonderfully unexpected happened... We celebrated our very first Writing Workshop Friendship Date! One participant bought a workshop registration as a birthday gift for a friend. Honestly? That's probably one of my favorite birthday presents I've ever witnessed. Coffee dates are nice. Dinner dates are lovely. But a birthday built around poetry and creativity? That's my kind of celebration. We welcomed lots of new faces, filled pages with fresh poems, and left reminded once again that writing is always better when shared. Looking Ahead... I'm already plotting our next literary adventure (because apparently I can't help myself). And don't forget... July's XChange Open Mic is also a Poetry Slam! Dust off those poems. Step up to the mic. Throw your words in the ring. You just might leave with applause, bragging rights, and enough prize money to put a little gas in the tank. We'll see you next month. Bring a notebook. Bring a friend. And bring your favorite words.

Check out the Literary Programs coming to the ArtsXchange this month! EVENT HIGHLIGHT - 2026 Creative Careers for Youth | Summer Session Registration OPEN Visual Literacy and Media with Theresa Davis Session 2: Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Through guided workshops, collaborative projects, and exposure to professional tools and techniques, students will discover how creative communication shapes the world around them. From brainstorming story concepts to showcasing their finished zine at the week’s end, each participant will take home a tangible reflection of their ideas and growing confidence as creators. Parents can feel confident knowing this program balances fun and focus, keeping minds active, imaginations engaged, and communication skills sharp during spring break. Get Session 2 Tickets | Scholarships Xchange Open Mic Fri, June 10, 2026 | 8p.m. - 10:30p.m. $10 in advance, $15 at the door List opens at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Theresa Davis, Xchange Open Mic is a celebration of voice, story, and sound. Whether you’re a poet, comedian, musician, storyteller, or creative shapeshifter, this mic is for you! Must be age 18 or older to perform.   Learn More / Get your tickets! 2nd Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, July 11, 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, July 18, 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, July 25, 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, July 25, 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

ArtsXchange Studio Artist and Board Member Lisa Tuttle speaks about her latest exhibit Paper Quilts and Stories at Gallery 100. Exhibit will be up through Septemeber 3, 2026. Read Full Article at ARTSATL . Article by Kevin Storer Lisa Tuttle, local legacy artist and arts advocate, offers a selection of works on view at Gallery 100. (Photos by Kevin M. Storer)

Check out the Jack Sinclair Gallery Call for Artists opportunities for 2026. Submit your applications today! OPEN CALLS Sonic Impressions Abstract Visual Art Inspired by Music Juried Show - Cash Awards Exhibition Dates: Sat, July 25 - Sat, August 29, 2026 Deadline for Submissions: Sunday, July 5, 2026 Eligibility: 18 years of age or older Artwork generated primarily through AI tools will not be included in the review process. The jury panel will only evaluate original artist-driven compositions. Application Fee $30 Application Fee | Non Refundable Awards Awards will be given to works that most strongly reflect and embody the exhibition’s theme. 1st place: $300 2nd place: $200 3rd place: $100 APPLY / LEARN MORE Questions? Email our Gallery Director - sinclairgallery@artsxchange.org PAST CALLS Toxic Beauty Hidden Harm Beneath the Surface Juried Show - Cash Awards Exhibition Dates: Sat, April 11 - Sat, May 16, 2026 Deadline for Submissions: Extended - Sunday, March 22, 2026 Eligibility: 18 years of age or older Artwork generated primarily through AI tools will not be included in the review process. The jury panel will only evaluate original artist-driven compositions. Application Fee $30 Application Fee | Non Refundable APPLY / LEARN MORE 2026 South Fulton County Invitational Exhibition Dates: Sat, June 6, 2026 – Fri, July 3, 2026 Deadline for Submissions: Extended - Sunday, March 1, 2026 Eligibility: Artists must reside in South Fulton County (Georgia) in one of the following cities Chattahoochee Hills College Park East Point Fairburn Hapeville Palmetto Union City South Fulton Application Fee: No Application/Entry Fee APPLY / LEARN MORE 2026 Pin Up Show + Sale 2026 PIN UP SHOW & SALE EVENT Sat, January 17, 2026 | 5PM - 7PM Deadline for Submissions: Applications open until spaces are filled. Limited spaces available! THEME: Pin Up Art – Artists must be able to hang/display their artwork using no more than 4 push pins. PARTICIPATING ARTIST REQUIREMENTS: All participating artists must be current ArtsXchange members (at any level) or become members of ArtsXchange to submit work in the 2025 Pin-up Show + Sale. Applicants must be 18 or older. Artists are responsible for collecting payment from purchasers. Artists keep 100% of their sales. Artists are responsible for providing wrapping/packaging materials to purchasers as needed. Admitted artists must be present or have a representative present for the full duration of the Pin Up Show. APPLY / LEARN MORE Go to the Jack Sinclair Gallery Exhbitions Page to check out past exhibitions.

CALL FOR ENTRIES! SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED: Sunday, July 5, 2026 CASH AWARDS: 1st Place $300, 2nd Place, $200, 3rd Place $100 EXHIBITION DATES: July 25 – August 29, 2026 LEARN MORE / APPLY TODAY Sonic Expressions is an abstract, non-figurative art exploration of sound translated into visual form, where rhythm, memory, and musical structure shape color, composition, and material expression. Artists are invited to respond to sound across genres—from jazz and hip-hop to classical, gospel, ambient, and experimental music—creating non-traditional visual languages that mirror musical structure and emotional resonance. Rather than literal representations of instruments or performers, the works operate through abstraction, movement, and material exploration, highlighting a rich dialogue between sound and sight. The exhibition ultimately asks a simple question:If your favorite track became an image, what would it look like? LEARN MORE / APPLY TODAY

Our ArtsXchange community extends far beyond our walls and that can be seen in every one of our Volunteer Days! Orkin Pest Control joined us for a morning of sorting through archives, working in the garden, and organizing our storage. Some of the biggest goals for our AXC facilities this year is preserving our histories and expanding our offerings. Any day where we can find extra hands on deck is a good day! Outside, volunteers worked in the Fresh Oasis Community Garden, managed by CLEAN INC’s own tenisio seanima. Through agriculture, members and volunteers come together to learn different gardening techniques, cultivating food, and connecting with the Earth. Our volunteers helped us build new trellises for our muscadine vines and preparing for our next harvest. Our Orkin Volunteers along with tenisio seanima (second to left) Outside, volunteers worked in the Fresh Oasis Community Garden, managed by CLEAN INC’s own tenisio seanima. Through agriculture, members and volunteers come together to learn different gardening techniques, cultivating food, and connecting with the Earth. Our volunteers helped us build new trellises for our muscadine vines and preparing for our next harvest. "It's important to know our history to better prepare and enhance our future." - Tia Davis, Managing Director Inside, the archives have been slowly coming together and as we gather more of our materials from different spaces at ArtsXchange. We always welcome the generous helpers that keeps us running from behind the scenes and that includes sorting through decades of artwork and documents that detail our history. With staff and interns, we found so many pieces that we didn't even realize we still had. Our Executive Director Alice Lovelace was onsite and told us stories about ArtsXchange and the many lives it has impacted. Thank you to Orkin for furthering our mission and working with us to create a space for connection. And a special thank you to the volunteers who share their time and energy, reminding us to show up in our communities. Want to get more involved and learn more about gardening? Check out the Fresh Oasis Community Garden page and sign up today to join our growing number of personal garden beds! For those looking to join our next volunteer opportunity, go over to the AXC Volunteers page and register today!

Fairburn-based sculptor Etienné Jackson to open solo exhibition June 6 By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange Media ArtsXchange welcomes sculptor Etienné Jackson for its second annual South Fulton County Invitational, an exhibition series that affirms some of the region’s most compelling artistic voices that continue to shape the cultural fabric of Atlanta. The 2026 invitational features Inward: A Meditation on Memory and Presence, a solo exhibition by Jackson, a Fairburn-based artist whose abstract wood, metal and mixed-media works explore memory, ancestry, transformation, and the enduring relationship between past and present. The opening reception will be from 3-5 p.m. June 6 in the Jack Sinclair Gallery at ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point. It will close with an artist talk from 3-5 p.m. July 11. Sinclair Gallery is free and open to the public from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Created in 2025, the South Fulton County Invitational serves as an annual platform for artists whose work expands and enriches the cultural narrative of metro Atlanta. From Outkast to Kevin Cole to Charity Hamidullah, the southern side of Fulton County has been home to generations of visual artists, makers, and storytellers. “Artists working in South Fulton County are producing work of extraordinary depth, rigor, and vision,” said Sinclair Gallery Director Richard Washington. “The Invitational creates space for those artists to be seen, celebrated, and engaged on their own terms.” While born of the need to challenge the region’s deficits – decades of underfunding, lack of media exposure, exclusion from national conversations about Atlanta’s arts landscape and future – the invitational has become a way to center the Southside’s vibrance and value. Through the invitational, the South of Center Experience in 2025, Forward Together East Point film screenings last month, and other creative placemaking, ArtsXchange continues to strengthen the visibility of Southside artists and position the area as one of metro Atlanta's most vital cultural destinations. “We’re committed to supporting artists whose work demonstrates originality, discipline, and a distinct point of view outside the dominant visibility of Atlanta’s urban center,” Washington said. Washington selected Jackson for this year's invitational because of the strength and maturity of his sculptural practice. “Jackson has developed a deeply personal visual vocabulary over time, remaining steadfast in his direction rather than following trends or expectations,” Washington said. Drawing inspiration from the histories of the African Diaspora, nature, geometry, and spiritual symbolism, Jackson said Inward “tells the story of my own family lineage of makers and builders while engaging broader questions of inheritance, identity, and collective memory.” Works below by Etienné Jackson

Telling Stories Through the Lens Adult Class Our adult art classes are a chance for students to participate in the arts and get creative. Under the direction and guidance of artist and instructor Chanda Scott, this photography class series was designed to explore the power of visual storytelling. Through hands-on instruction, creative assignments, and peer collaboration, students will learn not only how to use their cameras but also how to craft meaningful narratives that reflect their experiences, cultures, and communities. The series is centered around the idea that photography is a language—a way of reading the world and writing our place within it. Each week introduced both technical skills and storytelling principles that students build on as they develop a personal photo essay. Topics included light and composition, emotion in imagery, identity and visual voice, documentary photography, and photo sequencing for impact. In addition, the students got a chance to explore how captions and context shape viewer interpretation and meaning. Of course, it wouldn't be an ArtsXchange event if we didn't put some artwork on the walls. Check out some of the amazing pieces below! Artists/ Participants Linda Green Harold Washington Courtney Powell Anastasia West Robin Harrison Audrey Day Looking to register more of our Adult Classes? For more information, check out our Events & Classes page to see the full calendar. The Southeast Community Cultural Center d/b/a ArtsXchange is always looking for opportunities to engage with community members. If you are interested in volunteering as a workshop assistant, follow the link to our Volunteer page to join our database.