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Check out the Literary Programs coming to the ArtsXchange this month! EVENT HIGHLIGHT - 2026 Spring Fling Poetry Slam Friday, April 24 | 8 p.m. | $20 online, $25 at the door Join us for an unforgettable night of rhythm, truth, and lyrical fire. Twelve poets will compete for a total of $1,300 in prizes at our 4th annual Spring Fling Poetry Slam. Poet slots are available on a first come, first served basis. You must have a ticket to attend and to participate. Learn More / Get Tickets Xchange Open Mic (No Slam) Fri, Apr. 10, 2026 | 8p.m. - 10p.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, April. 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 Sat, Apr. 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 Ink & Image - Toxic Beauty Wed, Apr. 22, 2026 | 7p.m. - 9p.m. $10 Ink & Image is our new ekphrastic creative writing workshop in the Jack Sinclair Gallery, where visual art becomes the spark for poems, stories, and unexpected voices. With each new exhibition, participants will move through the gallery, choosing artworks that call to them. What will you be inspired to write?   Learm More / Register for Workshop 4th Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Apr. 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 Saturday, Apr. 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! 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 Our literary programs are presented in partnership with Fulton Institute.

One year in, and the work is taking root at ArtsXchange. The cultural community center is deepening its commitment to environmental justice and community-led sustainability with the return of its Earth Day Celebration , from 1-5 p.m. April 18. The event is free and open to all at 2148 Newnan St. in East Point. This spring marks a milestone of one year since the launch of the organization’s front-yard permaculture project, designed by Shades of Green Permaculture , and one year since the work reached a national stage on The Kelly Clarkson Show . What began as a reimagining of land use has grown into a living model for urban agriculture, education, and collective care. At the center is Fresh Oasis Community Gardens , an expanding initiative offering access to land in a food desert. Community members can purchase garden plots and build practical skills around cultivation, self-sufficiency, and food justice. The 2026 Earth Day Celebration brings it all into full view. The free, family-friendly event invites the public to engage sustainability as a daily practice. The event includes: Film screenings presented in collaboration with Forward Together East Point, centering local, people-led environmental advocacy and policy change Workshops on rainwater collection, gardening, and land stewardship Resource tables from community organizations including Pangea Garden Collective, Canopy Atlanta, Chattahoochee Brick Company Descendants Coalition, SouthSide Environmental Justice Alliance Corporation, Market 166, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and more Art classes led by ArtsXchange studio artists Champion Youth Entrepreneurs for Agriculture farm-to-table food Visitors can also view Toxic Beauty : Hidden Harm Beneath the Surface , ArtsXchange’s annual environmental-themed juried exhibition in the Jack Sinclair Gallery. Featuring work by 13 artists, the show interrogates the hidden costs of what society calls “beautiful,” from chemicals in cosmetics to social media pressures, to the environmental toll of industries built on convenience and consumption. It asks a direct question: What are we willing to harm in order to appear whole? The ArtsXchange continues to fill critical gaps in access through creative programming, environmental education, and pathways to grow and sustain one’s own food, positioning ArtsXchange as a site where art, land, and liberation meet.

Series of hands-on workshops, arts intensives for ages 11-18 to launch in April. With a new slate of hands-on intensives, ArtsXchange is encouraging young people to push their involvement in the arts from just a hobby to a dedicated career path. Creative Careers for Youth is ArtsXchange’s initiative designed to give young people, ages 11-18, the professional tools, creative freedom, mentorship, and STEAM skills they need as the next generation of innovators. It will begin with a writing and music industry focus in April, and continues through the summer and fall with varied classes on creative design, stage production, photography and more. “We are inviting young people to think about new ways to create their own futures,” said ArtsXchange Executive Director Alice Lovelace. “Creativity and critical thinking are among the top skills employers are looking for." With over 5 million jobs in the U.S. now rooted in the creative industries, these workshops provide a direct pipeline to future employability in the arts, technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. More importantly, they provide a safe, supportive third space where local teens can find their voice and build their confidence. In a world where parents are doing their best to provide every advantage, ArtsXchange is stepping in to offer supplemental, high-level learning that is both affordable and deeply impactful. Our philosophy is simple: Art belongs to everyone. By keeping costs low and quality high, we’re ensuring that young creators have a seat at the table in the global creative economy. Creative Careers for Youth isn't your average after-school craft hour. Research from the Arts Education Partnership shows that students with access to the arts score significantly higher on standardized tests and report higher levels of happiness, emotional intelligence, and school engagement. By adding the “A” for arts to STEAM — long known as STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math — ArtsXchange is helping to build well-rounded thinkers. “We're showing our youth that their passion for music, fashion, or storytelling is actually a gateway to a successful, focused career, no matter what sector they pursue,” Lovelace said. Registration will open Friday, March 13, at artsxchange.org. CREATIVE CAREERS FOR YOUTH | INTENSIVES CALENDAR MUSIC INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: Music in Common strengthens, empowers, and connects communities through the universal language of music. The organization curates experiences for people across social divides to discover common ground through facilitated conversation and music. At its core, MIC holds high two foundational principles: it is hard to hate up close and music can change the world. THREE CHORDS & THE TRUTH (SPRING BREAK INTENSIVE) April 7-8 • 11am-4pm • $50 with Trey Carlisle (EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y.) & Brianna Nicola (Bree Soul) Behind every great artist and performance is a great song. This workshop teaches the basics of songwriting: song structure, hooks, riffs, and melodies. Bring your lunch; snacks and supplies provided. AGES 11-18. JAMMS: JOURNALISM AS MUSIC, MULTIMEDIA, & SONGWRITING (SUMMER INTENSIVE) June 22-27 • 11am–4pm • $125 | July 13-18 • 11am-4pm • $125 with Trey Carlisle (EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y.) & Brianna Nicola (Bree Soul) Through conversation, participants collaborate to write songs that deepen cultural awareness and build bridges between diverse backgrounds and divided communities. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-18. BACKSTAGE Nov. 23-24 • 11am-4pm • $50 with Trey Carlisle (EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y.) , Brianna Nicola (Bree Soul) , & Todd Mack Prefer to work behind the scenes? Explore booking, stage production, lighting, social media, marketing and all the parts of putting a show together. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-18. WRITING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: INK SPIRE: CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS (SPRING BREAK INTENSIVE) April 6-10 • 11am-4pm • $125 with Theresa Davis Through guided workshops, collaboration, and professional tools and techniques, students will discover how creative communication shapes the world. Each participant will create a zine as a tangible reflection of their ideas and growing confidence as creators. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-15. VISUAL LITERACY & MEDIA (SUMMER INTENSIVE) July 6-10 • 11am-4pm • $125 | July 20-25 • 11am-4pm • $125 with Theresa Davis What does it really mean to see? Explore the power of silent storytelling — how images communicate meaning without a word. AGES 11-15. STORIES THAT STICK: LINKING LITERACY TO LEADERSHIP & WORLD-CHANGING IMPACT Sept. 5 • 2-5pm | Sept. 19 • 11am-2pm | Oct. 3 • 2-5pm | Oct. 17 • 11am-2pm | Nov. 7 • 2-5pm | Nov. 21 • 11am-2pm Dec. 5 • 2–5 pm Dec. 19 • 11am-2pm $50 for full series with Theresa Davis Practice community storytelling by interviewing elders and local figures for mini- documentaries. Serve as literary ambassadors through a story hour for younger kids and a holiday book drive. AGES 11-15. VISUAL & CREATIVE DESIGN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: SNEAKERHEADZ CREATIVE DESIGN (SPRING BREAK INTENSIVE) April 8-9 • 11am-4pm • $50 with Zerric Clinton Calling all sneakerheads! In this session, you'll listen to your favorite music for inspiration as you create new designs for your favorite sneakers. Focus on creative use of color, symbolism, and patterns to add a distinct twist to your kicks. Bring your own shoes; design supplies will be provided. AGES 11-15. REMIX & REWEAR YOUTH FASHION & PRINTMAKING LAB (SUMMER INTENSIVE) July 20-25 • 11am-4pm • $125 with Jasimine Agapé Pennywell Explore printmaking, surface design, and creative upcycling through fashion! Participants will transform garments and textiles using techniques such as fabric printing, painting, and sewing. Sewing experience is not required. Students will learn to reimagine clothing as a form of self-expression while engaging with sustainability, design, and personal style. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-18 . LIGHT IN MY LENS: EXPLORING THE WORLD THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY Nov. 23-25 • 1-3pm • $75 with Chanda Scott In a world where images are everywhere, learning how to create them with intention is a powerful skill. This class helps students move beyond simply taking pictures to understanding how images communicate meaning, emotion, and story. They begin to recognize that their perspective matters — and that the way they see the world is worth sharing. Bring you smartphone. AGES 11-18. By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange Media

What a whirlwind this weekend was! Between Friday the 13th, Pi Day, the Ides of March, and the approach of St. Patrick’s Day, we were surrounded by every bit of literary energy imaginable. The ArtsXchange was buzzing with words, rhythm, and creativity — a true celebration of the written and spoken word arts. Friday the 13th: Slam, Speak, and Shine We kicked off the weekend with our first Open Mic Slam of the year, and the night was charged with poetry, song, and inspiration. Guest host Mr. Funn, former slam manager of the Java Speaks Slam Team, kept the mic moving — and the audience laughing — with his trademark haiku wit and irresistible energy. Our sacrificial poet, Mata, opened the night with a moving meditation on peace before the competition began. For those new to the format, a poetry slam is a spirited, performance-based poetry competition where poets present original work to a panel of judges (or the audience) who score them based on content, delivery, and overall impact. It’s as much about the performance as it is about the poetry — a perfect fusion of art and emotion. This round featured six bold voices taking the stage: Sophia Monet, Mike B, Sea, Ming Joi, Yasir Shakur, and Kamal Speaks. Most were first-time slammers, and that fresh energy filled the room. Our winner, Sophia Monet, stunned everyone with her debut performance, earning a perfect 30 on her first poem! Our slam is cumulative, and the night’s top three poets were: 3rd Place: Mike B – 86.3 2nd Place: Kamal Speaks – 86.7 1st Place: Sophia Monet – 87.8 Saturday: Irrational Circles and Delicious-ness Saturday’s Writers Workshop turned into a delicious celebration of Pi Day — complete with cherry pie, key lime pie, pizza pie, and cheesecake (yes, I maintain it’s more pie than cake, and that’s my hill to die on). Our theme, Irrational Circles , guided participants through a creative exploration of Catalogue and Ritual Poetry, along with prose and microfiction. Each workshop includes a “pre-write,” a poem, a prose piece, and a flash or micro story, a full-bodied creative experience that pushes writers to stretch, risk, and grow. This group of daring writers continues to amaze with their commitment to experimentation and artistic courage. What’s Next? The next workshop (Saturday, March 28th at noon in the Charles Riley Memorial Library at the ArtsXchange) is still simmering. It will be either SIN EATERS & GOLDEN SHOVELS — a wild mashup of the seven deadly sins and song lyrics — or Myth, Memory, and the Pantoum, an exploration of poetic structure and collective storytelling. Whichever we choose, it’s bound to be another feast for mind and spirit. Upcoming Literary Events What a time to be alive — and to write.

Join us live in the gallery Saturday, March 21 to see it up close and hear from the artists. In Alchemical Marriage, 10 artists share their bold interpretations of what happens when opposing forces meet, merge, and transform. At ArtsXchange, we are proud to support the artists showing in our Jack Sinclair Gallery— they keep 100% of their sales! Explore their work through this virtual tour produced by curator rEN Dillard. Then meet us in the gallery for the artists talk and closing from 3-5 p.m. this Saturday (March 21) and purchase a piece for your collection! Alchemical Marriage | Artists Talk & Closing | Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 3-5 pm

The ArtsXchange will become a portal to a music multiverse as it launches The Jazz Xchange , a quarterly concert series showcasing the high-energy fusion of jazz with rock, funk, and R&B. The series kicks off with a headline performance by The Goode Stuff Experience , led by trumpeter and composer Tiffany Goode , at 8 p.m. March 26 in the Paul Robeson Theater at ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available on EventBrite . The Jazz Xchange represents the next chapter in ArtsXchange’s history of jazz programming. A venue known for hosting the legendary Joe’s Jazz Joint with Joe Jennings and free Jazz Matters concerts during the last two Jazz Appreciation Months, ArtsXchange continues its mission of bringing world-class musicians to the community at grassroots prices. For Goode, this series goes beyond a concert to a spiritual and cultural exchange. “This series is important to me because it explores the diversity and the similarities in music,” she said. “Music is multi-tiered and its frequencies have the ability to impact emotion, to heal, and to transform.” Under the theme “The Music Multiverse,” Goode and her ensemble will celebrate the genre that she defines as the essential thread connecting all modern sounds. “Jazz is the background of the complete musical landscape – it’s the foundation of everything in music,” Goode said. “This series seeks to bring all of these facets into one room.” The night will also feature a special guest performer to be revealed during the set.

2026 YOOTS RETREAT @ ArtsXchange In February 2026, the YOOTS (Youth at ROOTS) workgroup convened in Atlanta, at the ArtsXchange, a longstanding institution led by former ROOTS executive director Alice Lovelace. Here, the YOOTS bonded, created, and elevated one another by sharing workshops, conversations, and skills. Want to learn more about Alternate ROOTS and how they support artists? Visit alternateroots.org.

By ArtsXchange Media At ArtsXchange, our strength has always come from the extraordinary range of talents, lived experiences, and creative visions that shape our community. When artists, organizers, historians, and storytellers gather under one roof, their unique perspectives spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and inspire meaningful change. It is in that spirit that we proudly congratulate our board member, Noah Washington, on his new role as co-host of (Re)Defining History on WABE. This powerful new docuseries explores the hidden history of Atlanta and the South, inviting audiences to reconsider pivotal events, overlooked figures, and cultural icons that have shaped our nation. Hosted by Noah alongside Victoria Lemos, founder of the Archive Atlanta podcast, (Re)Defining History premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, on WABE-TV (PBS/Ch.30) and will stream nationwide on wabe.org, PBS Passport, and WABE’s YouTube channel. On his new role, Noah says: " At WABE, my work is guided by a simple principle: art matters. Whether art is created to inform or entertain, the production teams at WABE are artists, and their labor deserves to be seen, supported, and taken seriously. I’ve always been intentional about telling and uplifting Black and Brown narratives, and that commitment extends beyond the newsroom. As the host of re(defining) history, I am especially mindful of centering the rigorous, often invisible work of producers, editors, and creatives whose craft brings these stories to life. As a board member at ArtsXchange, I work to ensure that artists have access to platforms, resources, and opportunities that allow them to thrive on their own terms. Across every role I hold, my goal remains the same: to uplift art and artists. I believe that if art is meant to lead to action, we should ask what it first stirred in us to care, to listen, and to move at all." Noah Washington, now an ArtsXchange board member, and co-writer/director Zipporah Dorsey (both center), accept the Emerging Artists Award during the 2022 Ebon Dooley Arts & Social Justice Awards alongside the cast of their play, "1906." Washington and Dorsey created Meadowlark Productions with their friend, the late Solomon Simmons. Their play, a retelling of the Race Massacre of 1906 in Atlanta from the perspective of Black men who armed themselves and defended their neighborhoods from white mobs, debuted in the Paul Robeson Theater at ArtsXchange in 2022 as part of the Paul Robeson Theater Incubator Program. Zipporah Dorsey of Meadowlark Productions speaks alongside the cast and crew of "1906."

Southwest Atlanta Steam Stars Students show off their artwork Community building is at the heart of the ArtsXchange’s Literary Programs, and this month we were honored to welcome the Southwest Atlanta Steam Stars , a dynamic homeschool group, for an outreach experience rooted in creativity, history, and imagination. Led by Theresa Davis  and the ArtsXchange Literary Program, these on-campus experiences invite young people to learn with  artists, not just about them. As part of their ongoing programming, the Steam Stars visited the Charles “Jikki” Memorial Library , a living creative space inside the ArtsXchange. The library isn’t just a place for books—it’s a site for making, conversation, and inspiration. This month’s focus brought us into the brilliance of the Harlem Renaissance , with special attention to the poetry of Langston Hughes . Through discussion and close reading, students explored how art, identity, and community intersected during this powerful cultural movement—and how those ideas still resonate today. To pair literary exploration with hands-on artmaking, participants decoupaged new vases for the library , transforming them into vibrant holders for our signature pen flowers . These writing-implement bouquets now live in the library as a reminder that inspiration can strike at any moment—and when it does, the tools to create should be within reach. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that reinforces a big idea: writing belongs to everyone. Theresa Davis showing coloring sheet to students. In the coming months, the Steam Stars and the ArtsXchange will continue these conversations about the artists of the Harlem Renaissance , creating space for youth to connect history to their own voices and lived experiences. These sessions encourage curiosity, confidence, and creative risk-taking—skills that extend far beyond the page. The impact of the ArtsXchange Literary Programs  on youth in our community is both immediate and lasting. By offering intergenerational learning, artist-led workshops, and welcoming creative spaces, we help young people see themselves as writers, thinkers, and cultural contributors. Programs like this build literacy, critical thinking, and self-expression while strengthening community ties across age groups and backgrounds. Southwest Atlanta Steam Stars Students and staff show off their creations with Teaching Artist Theresa Davis If you are part of a homeschool group interested in outreach opportunities , we would love to connect with you. Please contact Theresa Davis at theresa@artsxchange.org . A small fee helps cover artist supplies and time, ensuring these experiences remain sustainable and high-quality. We also invite families and youth to join us for Playing With Our Words , our free 4th Saturday gameplay and creative writing workshop , held from 2:00–4:00 PM  at the ArtsXchange. Through games, prompts, and collaborative fun, participants of all ages discover that writing can be joyful, accessible, and community-centered. Check out our upcoming events and classes. Photos by Mocha Kelly

The ArtsXchange has a few vendor opportunities coming up for the 2025 holiday season. It is our goal to offer our community a diverse selection of unique artist wares. A limited number of spaces are available. Vendors will be accepted based on space availability as well as product distinction. Looking forward to receiving your applications. 2025 Winter Holiday Marketplace - Vendor Application Dates & Times for 2025 Winter Holiday Marketplace Sat., December 13th  | 2PM - 8PM  Fri., December 19th  | 5PM - 10PM Sat., December 20th | 2PM - 8PM - DATE IS FULL / NO MORE SPACES AVAILABLE APPLICATION DEADLINES EXTENDED Application Process -  Apply for Sat, December 13, 2025  Marketplace by 12 PM PM Fri., Dec 12th. Apply for Fri, December 19, 2025  Marketplace by 11:59 PM Wed, Dec 17th. If all spaces are filled, application may be taken down early.  Vendors will be notified of acceptance or non acceptance by the application deadline. Vendors will be contacted and receive invoice via the email provided in application. Accepted Vendors invoice payments must be paid in full in advance or prior to setting up their table on the respective marketplace day. No exceptions. Accepted payment methods: Cash, Zelle and Check. Vendor Spaces / Rates -  Ebon Dooley Room: $25 per day Robeson Theater: $50 per day (Robeson Theater not available Sat, Dec, 20). Interested in being a vendor at the event? Submit your application today. A limited number of spaces are available. Vendors will be accepted based on space availability as well as product diversity. Submission of application form is only a request to be a vendor. Submission of form is not a confirmation of acceptance.  View application for full details, guidelines and rules. 2025 Umoja! Kwanzaa Celebration - Vendor Application Date & Time for 2025 Umoja! Kwanzaa Celebration Friday, December 26th | 3PM - 7PM Application Process -  Application Deadline Monday, December 15, 2025. If all spaces are filled, application may be taken down before Monday, December 15, 2025.  Vendors will be notified of acceptance or not, on or before Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Vendors will be contacted and receive invoice via the email provided in application. Accepted vendors invoice payments must be paid in full no later than Saturday, December 20, 2025. Accepted payment methods - Cash, Zelle, and Check. Vendor Spaces / Rates -  Ebon Dooley Room - $50 per day ArtsXchange Hallway -  $50 per day  Interested in being a vendor at the event? Submit your application today. A limited number of spaces are available. Vendors will be accepted based on space availability as well as product diversity. Submission of application form is only a request to be a vendor. Submission of form is not a confirmation of acceptance.  View application for full details, guidelines and rules. If you have questions about the form please contact us .