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Shades of Green Permaculture is hosting a volunteer day as part of its Community Giveback Program to implement a regenerative landscape design for ArtsXchange, a fully integrated artist colony and community arts center in Atlanta. Developed pro bono by SOG, the design resolves significant drainage issues while creating a vibrant, sustainable space filled with medicinal and beneficial plants, aligning with ArtsXchange’s mission of building community and elevating Black artists and urban agriculture. Volunteers will help remove landscape fabric, turn woodchips, plant cover crops, and stabilize soil in preparation for future volunteer days and phases, such as installing a water system, rain gardens, and planting fruit trees, herbs, berries, perennials, and cut flowers. The day honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and community building. It aligns with the values of ArtsXchange and SOG by fostering collective action and community empowerment. Tenisio Seanima, ArtsXchange’s farmer and a leader in Atlanta’s urban agriculture, will guide volunteers, including members of a local church committed to participating. This partnership exemplifies SOG’s commitment to giving back by dedicating at least 1% of its annual revenue to community-focused projects. ArtsXchange, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has long been a pillar for Atlanta’s Black arts community, providing gallery space, programming, and a community garden. This project honors ArtsXchange founder Alice Lovelace’s vision of creating a flourishing flower garden and gathering space for the community. Sign Up to Volunteer today! Volunteer Event : ArtsXchange Permaculture Phase One Volunteer Day 2 Jan 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM The ArtsXchange Make sure to bring warm clothes, gloves, work gloves, and any food/water you may need. The vision:

Happy New Year! The first Sinclair Gallery exhibit of the year is just around the corner and it's for one night only. Join us for the ArtsXchange Annual Pin Up Show + Sale! 2025 Pin Up Show + Sale - Jan 18, 2025 Refreshments, music & the chance to buy local art! Come enjoy an exciting one-night-only exhibit featuring a diverse array of artwork from our talented ArtsXchange members! We are inviting all of our talented current ArtsXchange members to submit their artwork for this highly anticipated event! The Pin Up Show is a unique opportunity for our members to showcase their work to a wide audience and have them available for sale. Artist keep 100% of their sales! Current ArtsXchange members at all levels are invited to attend an exclusive viewing before the one night exhibit is opened up to the public! Just one of the many benefits of being an ArtsXchange member. Learn more about ArtsXchange Memberships. RSVP to let us know you'll be joining us! Saturday, Jan. 18th 2025 Members Exclusive Viewing 4PM - 5PM Jack Sinclair Gallery @ The ArtsXchange All current ArtsXchange members are invited for wine + cheese , a VIP viewing + first chance to purchase original local art. Opening Reception 5PM - 9PM Jack Sinclair Gallery @ The ArtsXchange Pin Up Show + Sale exhibit is free and open to the public !   How to be an artist for the 2025 Pin Up Show + Sale? All artists must be current ArtsXchange Members to participate in the sale of art. All Members must apply to participate. Learn about all exhibit artist requirements and apply today! Exhibit Application Deadline -  Saturday, January 17, 2025 - 6:00 PM   Application open until spaces are filled. Spaces are limited!   Learn about all exhibit artist requirements and apply today! Questions? Please sent them our way! Contact us

Vision / Hype Board Party 2025, Riley Memorial Library The 2025 Vision/ Hype Board Party was a magical success! I think having these kinds of gatherings encourage us to inspire each other while building community. Every table be it a table full of friends, partners or complete strangers was peppered with lively conversations and laughter. The finished products were worthy of framing. While collecting images and words from magazines and some we brought ourselves we posed the following prompts and questions. Personal Growth & Wellness: What areas of your life do you want to grow in (e.g., mental, physical, or emotional health)? What activities or habits make you feel your best? How do you see yourself practicing self-care in the next year? Career & Ambition: What career goals or professional achievements are you aiming for? How do you envision your work-life balance? What steps can you take toward career advancement,  fulfillment or retirement? Relationships & Connection: What type of relationships do you want to cultivate or strengthen (family, friends, romantic)? How do you envision yourself spending time with loved ones? What kind of support system do you desire? Travel & Adventure: Where do you want to travel in the next year? What new experiences do you want to have? How do you envision exploring new environments or cultures? Financial Goals: What are your financial goals for the upcoming year (savings, investments, budgeting)? How do you want to feel about money and financial security? What lifestyle changes will support those financial dreams? Dream Home & Environment: What does your ideal living space look like? How do you want your surroundings to feel (calming, energizing, creative)? What material items or design ideas will enhance your daily life? Hobbies & Creativity: What hobbies do you want to invest more time in? How can you make more time for joy, play, or creative expression? What new skills do you want to learn? Mindset & Affirmations: What affirmations will empower and encourage you to stay focused on your vision? What words or phrases resonate with your goals and dreams? We gave ourselves permission to cherry pick which of these prompts we wanted to focus on and those of us who just needed the reminder of how amazing we are did the same. Even if you didn’t join us feel free to use these ideas to create your own. All you need is posterboard (the size of your choosing), magazines (cutting out words, phrases and images you want to manifest), markers or colored pencils (to personalize how you like) and visualize what you want to see in your year. Then use these visionary vibes to remind yourself of your goals, dreams and how fantastic you are! Check back soon, as I intend to offer a monthly art drop in at the ArtsXchange in the Riley Memorial Library. See you next time! Theresa Davis Literary Director, ArtsXchange

As severe weather conditions are forecasted to impact our area, we want to ensure the safety of our residents, staff, and community. Due to the weather advisory for this weekend The ArtsXchange office will be closed starting Friday, January 10, 2025 and will reopen Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Upcoming Events & Classes At the Sinclair Gallery Volunteer Opportunities

ArtsXchange to explore benefits of artificial intelligence in new workshop series EAST POINT, Ga., Oct.25, 2024 — Artificial intelligence is ubiquitous in society, but many remain unsure of what it really means or how it fits into their lives. N'Dieye Gray Danavall, also known as Sista Shaman, hopes to change that. In partnership with the ArtsXchange, she will host a series of virtual workshops to quell any fears and ignite any curiosity about artificial intelligence, its role in daily life, and how to use it safely. “I’m excited to introduce AI in a non-threatening, creative way to the ArtsXchange community,” said instructor N’Dieye Gray Danavall, a longtime photographer, videographer, and gadget enthusiast who holds a studio at the ArtsXchange. “My goal is to show people how AI is a partner, not a replacement, in the creative world.” Danavall will present the following workshops: AI in Everyday Life – Breaking the Myths ,  a fun and engaging workshop designed to help people understand AI without any complicated tech talk. She will explore how AI is already part of daily life—from Netflix recommendations to social media—and debunk common myths, like whether AI is replacing jobs or spying on the public. This session will demonstrate using AI as a helpful tool in a way that’s accessible and easy to understand. Nov.13 | 7-8 pm | $10 |  Zoom link sent upon registration AI as a Creative Assistant ,  an exploration of how AI can help bring artistic ideas to life. Whether for painters, musicians, writers, or visual artists, Danavall will help participants discover simple, user-friendly tools that can enhance their creative process. Participants will learn how to collaborate with AI to elevate artistic work, and leave with new ideas and skills to take their art to the next level. Nov. 27 | 7-8 pm | $10 |  Zoom link sent upon registration Privacy and Control – Using AI Safely highlights ways to protect personal information while using AI tools. Danavall will offer practical steps for safeguarding personal data and discuss common concerns about government and corporate data collection. This workshop is all about empowering artists to use AI on their own terms, with control over privacy in an increasingly AI-driven world. Dec. 13 | 7-8 pm | $10 |  Zoom link sent upon registration  *** About the ArtsXchange The ArtsXchange, d/b/a the Southeast Community Cultural Center, was incorporated in 1983 and opened The Arts Exchange In 1984 in Grant Park, reshaping the landscape of Metro Atlanta’s arts scene. In East Point since 2017, the ArtsXchange empowers artists, social justice activists, and creative entrepreneurs to engage communities with innovative artistic learning experiences and cultural exchange. Our art is our activism. About the Instructor N'Dieye Gray Danavall , also known as Sista Shaman , is a well-known spiritual leader and healer with over 20 years of experience in West African Ifa and Orisa traditions. She also holds a Master’s in Communication and a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design. She has 9 years of experience as an e-learning developer and instructional designer, working full-time at an online graduate school.

ArtsXchange celebrates 40 years of cultivating community Year of events to reflect organization’s historical influence, impact on Atlanta arts scene EAST POINT, Ga. — The ArtsXchange has amplified a quiet corner of East Point since 2017. But its roots in Atlanta go back to 1984 and its reach now spans 40 years of cultivating community, whether as a lobbying arm for public arts funding, a launching pad for now celebrated artists, or a creative home for legends to learners. “The ArtsXchange is a living example of the power of artists to create their own destiny,” said co-founder and Executive Director Alice Lovelace. The 40th anniversary theme, based on its façade mural, Cultivating Community by Charity Hamidullah, honors the ArtsXchange’s commitment to grassroots community building and celebrates its fruitful history that is often overlooked. That history will be commemorated in various ways, including A Room of Her Own, an exhibition of women artists with current or past studios here, May 5-June 22; homecoming weekend June 7-9; the annual fundraiser Sept. 21; and the 7th Annual Ebon Dooley Arts & Social Justice Awards Dec. 7. “There are so many artists who helped to make the last 40 years possible,” Lovelace said. “We could not see 40 years into the future, so this year is a monument to those people who did what was needed every day, one day at a time.” The ArtsXchange is home to many firsts in Atlanta’s rich cultural story. Many artists grew to prominence in their former studios, including Kevin Cole, Rocio Rodriquez, and Charmaine Minniefield. Master artists like Jim Alexander and Lisa Tuttle still create from their studios here every day. The vision of late activist, scholar, poet and organizer Ebon Dooley, the ArtsXchange changed the dynamic of the Atlanta arts scene when the original Arts Exchange opened in Grant Park in 1984. Dooley, alongside Lovelace, answered the need for a multiethnic, multidisciplinary and socially engaged arts Center. “This place allowed me to define my own world and influenced my thinking about community, culture, and the power of art,” said cultural worker and Board President Cheryl Johnson, who took dance classes and performed there as a teen. “Even when the roof was leaking and the wood floors needed work, it still felt safe. It was always a place to be uniquely ourselves, whatever that meant to each of us.” For 40 years, the ArtsXchange has been a point of creative exchange for artists, activists, and long- silenced community voices. With a range of free and low-cost offerings, it keeps the arts inclusive and accessible in an industry that can be exclusive. Through its performance spaces and exhibits, it remains an uplifter of emerging and marginalized creatives. And with its sprawling community garden, meaningful partnerships, and active role in its new East Point neighborhood, the ArtsXchange remains a leader in applying the arts to solutions for social issues from food security and health equity, to economic opportunities and cultural preservation. “We are an institution built by, for, and with working artists and the community we serve,” said Lovelace.“We are still the place where aspiring artists can find a home and other artists to support them. That gives me hope that another 40 years is possible.”

EAST POINT, Ga., Sept. 27 — Who are the Indigenous people of North America? What are the myths versus the truths surrounding their lives and traditions? The ArtsXchange will explore the past and present of Indigenous cultural society through music, books, artwork and a special presentation by Dr. Monika Ponton Arrington. Art & Survival: Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day, will be from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point. Part of the organization's monthly Community Conversations series, the event is free and open to the public. Arrington  is the founder of Georgia Indigenous Diversity Consulting and a lifelong scholar, leader, advocate and activist for Indigenous People’s rights and awareness. “Being a young Taino woman who grew up knowing I was a Native American Indian, I felt lost at times,” she said.  So, she started to research her family and who they were. She later attended the Native Wellness Institute and received her certificate in counseling in 2009; served as ambassador to the Golden Rule and I Change Nation Peacekeeping Building Initiative to the United Nations in 2013, as well as a member of the UN’s Council for Indigenous People in 2021. Arrington has also been an advocate for Indigenous families that were facing discrimination and were being forced from their homes. "Dr. Arrington brings light to the darkness of the trials and trauma that the Native American Indian People have from the past and present,” said Suriname Ambassador Fidelia Graand-Galon. “She brings awareness to those of us who do not understand the complexity that the Native American Indians must deal with daily. She clears the myth and misunderstanding that people have.” For more information or to RSVP, see https://www.artsxchange.org/event-details/art-survival-honoring-indigenous-peoples-day

Relax and chill in an atmosphere reminiscent of old jazz clubs at the AXC Jazz Café featuring the legendary Joseph “Joe” Jennings! The concert will feature the Joe Jennings Heritage Music Ensemble and a surprise special guest. The performance will explore original compositions by Joe Jennings and some compositions selected from the standard Jazz repertoire of the masters. Jennings will also explore different approaches to improvisation that he has been experimenting with over the past few years, thus influencing Joe and his musicians to express their ideas, concepts, and emotions in different and personal ways. Tickets: $40 in advance or at the door (includes a 1-year ArtsXchange membership); $20 for Current Members & students with ID Doors open at 3 p.m. The Concert will be followed by a talkback and panel discussion. The Closing Reception will be at 6:30 p.m. After the concert, we invite the audience to a question-and-answer session concerning Joe’s involvement in Atlanta's music and education community for the past 54 years. Panelists include moderator Alphonso Sanders, PhD., founder of The BB King Museum, musician, and educator; William H. L. Dorsey, an author and professor emeritus at Atlanta Metropolitan State College; James Johnson, PhD., founder and director of the African American Music Institute, Pittsburg, Penn.; Lovell Hooks, jazz DJ on WRFG 89.3 FM radio; and Lamar Renford, musician and one of the founders and producers of the Atlanta Free Jazz Festival. As we enter the final quarter of our 40th year, we look back over the long list of esteemed and celebrated artists who are part of the ArtsXchange journey. One such artist is Jennings, who was among the original artists in residence at the Neighborhood Arts Center and, after it closed, moved with Ebon Dooley and Alice Lovelace to the newly formed Arts Exchange in Grant Park. There, he set up a recording studio and continued to perform with the NAC Jazz Orchestra.

Nearly 40 artists share array of perspectives on Black masculinity in exhibition’s second installment EAST POINT, Ga., Aug. 24 — “Toxic masculinity” is defined as a culturally ingrained notion that equates manliness with domination, aggression, and the suppression of emotions. “This exhibition seeks to challenge and deconstruct these harmful stereotypes, creating a space for a healthier, more balanced understanding of masculinity,” said rEN Dillard, who co-curated the latest exhibit at the ArtsXchange. Hold the Line, Vol II: Celebrating Black Masculinity opened with a reception on Sept. 7 in the Jack Sinclair Gallery at ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point. The artists talk will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 28 and the exhibit will be on view through Oct. 26. The exhibit addresses the nuanced dynamic of Black toxic masculinity, rooted in white supremacy and internalized racism, the curators said. Through various visual styles, techniques, and mediums — from the historic photography of Jim Alexander to the captivating paintings of Dr. Arturo Lindsay to the vibrant sculptures of — the artists explore the historical and contemporary impact of these ideas on Black men and society at large. “It’s an extraordinary continuation of our mission to explore and define Black masculinity, building on the success of the first exhibit,” said Hebert, director of Clayton Arts, where the exhibit debuted in 2022. “But it’s not only an art exhibit; it’s a powerful statement about the strength, creativity, and resilience of Black men.” Featured Artists Jim Alexander • Suprim Allah • Jonathan Banks • Dr. Yahaya Bello • Gerald Byrd • Dr. Zerric Clinton • Kevin Cole • Ralph “rEN” Dillard • Najee Dorsey • Dr. Clint Fluker • Quamaine Giles • John Glover • Sam Guilford • Sean Haynes • Brian Hebert • Aaron Henderson • Tafawa Arthur Hicks • David Hodge • Reginald Laurent • Dr. Arturo Lindsay • Tony Loadholt • Sean Mulkey • Rukuumba Nedd • Arshaad Norwood • S. Darius Parker • Richard Perrin • Derrick Phillips • Cecil Reed Jr. • Hopeton Sinclair • Tony Smart • Lovett Thompson • Ric Washington • Darrien West • Irvin Wheeler • Dante Yarbrough • Kenneth Zakee

Hey everyone! Get ready for an amazing start to the series with an awesome Free Seminar on Saturday, September 21st from 12PM - 2PM! Garden Like A Boss Free Urban-Homesteading Seminar led by tenisio seanima is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families looking to delve into the world of urban gardening and homesteading. This seminar goes beyond just gardening tips and tricks; it aims to empower participants to take control of their living spaces and transform them into sustainable, productive urban oases. By attending this seminar, you will not only learn practical gardening techniques but also gain insights into how urban homesteading can significantly enhance your quality of life. You will discover ways to reduce your dependency on commercial systems, thereby promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability in your everyday life. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, this seminar offers something for everyone. Join us for an enriching experience that will not only teach you about gardening but also inspire you to embrace a more self-reliant and sustainable lifestyle. Don't miss out on this opportunity to Garden Like A Boss ! 2024 Garden Like A Boss Series Schedule of Dates and Subjects: September 28, 2024 - Class 1: Introduction to Urban Gardening October 12, 2024 - Class 2: Techniques for Harvest Preservation October 26, 2024 - Class 3: Home DIY Projects November 9, 2024 - Class 4: Implementing Sustainable Living Practices November 23, 2024 - Class 5: Urban Livestock and Poultry Management December 7, 2024 - Class 6: Community Building and Future Planning Cost: $25 per class OR $100 for all 6 classes! Enhance your gardening skills with the 2024 Garden Like A Boss Series! This series offers a total of 6 classes filled with valuable insights and practical tips to help you grow. Each class is priced at $25, but you can take advantage of a special offer by signing up for all 6 classes for just $100! By opting for the bundle deal, you not only save money but also ensure a comprehensive learning experience that covers various aspects of gardening. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to elevate your gardening game. Act fast as the bundle offer is only available Saturday, September 28th, 2024, 2 PM. Secure your spot in the 2024 Garden Like a Boss series today by using the provided link to purchase the bundle ticket! This series is FREE for East Point residents with a Fresh Oasis Community Garden bed! If you are a resident of East Point who is currently enjoying the benefits of having a garden bed at the Fresh Oasis Community Garden, you are in for a treat! By being part of this community, you have the exclusive opportunity to attend the full series for FREE. The ArtsXchange values your participation and will ensure that you receive a newsletter before the series commences, providing you with all the necessary information to sign up without any cost. Being a member of the ArtsXchange Fresh Oasis Community Garden not only grants you access to a garden bed but also opens up a world of opportunities and valuable resources. From learning about sustainable gardening practices to connecting with fellow gardeners, the experience is enriching and rewarding. If you are intrigued and would like to join this vibrant community by obtaining a garden bed, simply follow the link below to submit your application. Your journey towards a greener lifestyle starts here! Limited garden beds available. Applications are not a guarantee for a bed. Apply today! 2024 Garden Like A Boss Series About tenisio seanima tenisio recently served as the inaugural Manager of Urban Agriculture for the City of East Point, Georgia. He's also the General Manager of Nature's Candy Farms, a multi-parcel, urban farm in Greater Atlanta Georgia. His most recent accomplishments are (a) co-authoring the City-Agriculture Plan for the city of East Point, GA, (b) successfully facilitating a USDA Regional Food Systems Partnership grant program on behalf of the City of East Point in partnership with Food Well Alliance, and (c) developing, ordaining, and facilitating East Point’s Local Food Ecosystem Commission, which serves as the advisory board for East Point City Council in the area of food system support, development, and optimization. In addition to a B.S. in Green and Sustainable Enterprise Management from the University of Phoenix, Tenisio is Master Gardener Certified, he is trained by the International Organic Inspector's Association in the USDA's National Organic Program rules for Produce and Livestock, and he is certified in produce safety by the Produce Safety Alliance. He also holds a Third-Class Broadcasting Certificate approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Learn more