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The  Board of Directors for the Southeast Community Cultural Center, d/b/a The ArtsXchange, met on Sunday, July 19, 2020, and decided, in the interest of public safety and an abundance of caution due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) numbers continuing to increase, that the ArtsXchange will remain closed during the month of August 2020. The new projected reopen date is slated for September 1, 2020, and will be in accordance with public health guidelines from the governmental authority making those recommendations. If, for any reason, the projected reopening date is met with further COVID-19 threats to public safety, the ArtsXchange board will review that information and make an informed decision about when to reopen safely. ​ Carolyn Morris ArtsXchange Executive Director ​

The inaugural Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Awards, named after the ArtsXchange’s legendary founder, will highlight four artists and activists using their respective platforms to advance access and justice. On this occasion, we gladly honor Dianne Mathiowetz with our Social Justice Champion Award. We believe our Social Justice Champions should demonstrate a history of working individually and/or with others to achieve improvements in the human condition. This work might include, for example, waging campaigns for quality, affordable and accessible health care, education, job training, and housing; helping to guarantee every person’s right to live, work, get educated, receive medical attention, create families, and play anywhere, regardless of race, ethnicity, birthplace, nationality, or gender identity. Dianne Mathiowetz has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to lending her voice and energy to organizing for social change. We salute her work as a partner in the coalition of artists and activists known as 50 Artists/50 Shots that hosted several public events focusing on police killings and political prisoners. In addition, we recognize her work as Vice President of the Board of Directors of WRFG 89.3FM, and support for workers’ demands for living wages, healthcare and other benefits. We congratulate Dianne on her lifetime of standing up and showing up for artists, activists and workers on a variety of issues, and we invite you to celebrate with us as we honor her at REVIVAL! Grab your tickets here.

The inaugural Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Awards, named after the ArtsXchange’s legendary founder, will highlight four artists and activists using their respective platforms to advance access and justice. On this occasion, we gladly honor Tasnim Mosabber with our Emerging Leader Award. Ebon Dooley invested in the development of young leaders. He himself served as mentor to many and empowered the voice of the next generation of Change Makers. In this same spirit, the ArtsXchange offers the Emerging Leaders Award. We honor our Emerging Leader for their potential for future impact and a willingness to receive guidance and mentorship along the way. Tasnim Mosabber is an artist who has demonstrated a history of using her platform to amplify issues and bring visibility to communities striving for justice. From high school through college and beyond, Tasnim has directed her art to inspire uplift. Tasnim is currently the Outreach Coordinator for Raksha, Inc, an organization that works with South Asian survivors of domestic, sexual and other violent crimes. Her Goddess Collection inspires and evokes the power and nobility that is carried within every woman. In her free time, Tasnim enjoys painting, hiking and watching movies. She particularly enjoys books and movies about the Indian subcontinent during the pre-colonial era. We congratulate Tasnim on using her platform to highlight issues and inspire her peers, and we invite you to celebrate with us as we honor her at REVIVAL! Grab your tickets here. The Emerging Leaders Award is made possible by the generous support of longtime ArtsXchange partner, Alternate ROOTS, a member-driven national resource for artists and cultural organizers in the southeast, who for over 42 years has championed social and economic justice and the work of artist activists working in communities. We are honored to work with Alternate ROOTS to provide the necessary training for an Emerging Leader who is committed to the work using the arts to uproot oppression and to fight for social justice. Visit https://alternateroots.org/ for more information.

The Inaugural Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Awards, named after the ArtsXchange’s legendary founder, will highlight four artists and activists using their respective platforms to advance access and justice. On this occasion, we gladly honor shelia turner and Sistagraphy with our Change Maker Award. When shelia turner recognized the relevance and importance of documenting the culture of her community and how it impacted the African American experience, she wanted to make sure history and the photographic art community did not overlook the legacy of African American Women photographers. shelia turner, who passed away this year, and Sistagraphy encourage lifelong learning and promotion of the photographic arts through interpretive theme-based exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach. We believe a Change Maker should demonstrate real, tangible impact on their community, and it should be obvious to see how their presence provided a clear “before” and “after” effect. Thus, when we think of the cultural community in Atlanta, the South and beyond, the legacy of shelia turner and Sistagraphy as agents of change is easy to see. We congratulate shelia as a leader, and Sistagraphy as a creative institution, and we invite you to celebrate with us as we honor both at REVIVAL! Grab your tickets here. .

The inaugural Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Awards, named after the ArtsXchange’s legendary founder, will highlight four artists and activists using their respective platforms to advance access and justice. On this occasion, we gladly honor Bobbie Paul with our Bridge Builder Award. As a theatre artist and bridge builder, Bobbie Paul has always added her artistic touch to the causes and events that she supports. As Executive Director of WAND (Women’s Action for New Directions), Paul grew the organization to become Georgia WAND and defined its three areas of concentration across the state: Peace in Action, Environmental Justice, and Empowering People to Act Politically. We celebrate Bobbie’s ability to build bridges between diverse communities across the state and drew attention to environmental impacts on communities located near nuclear facilities in and near Georgia. The ArtsXchange believes that bridge-builders should demonstrate a proven ability to help people representing differing entities/issues/interests to (1) gain a better understanding of each other’s work and how this work contributes to reaching their major goals, (2) identify commonalities and how each party’s work can contribute to shared goals, and (3) develop ways to work together that advance these shared goals as well as the work of each party. We can’t think of anyone who embodies these qualities more than Bobbie Paul. We congratulate Bobbie on her life of service as an artist and bridge builder across the state and beyond, and we invite you to celebrate with us as we honor her at REVIVAL! Grab your tickets here.

By: Courtney Brooks December 31st, 2019 As I sit in my office, I am reflecting on today, the last day of the year, the last day of the decade, and what was supposed to be my last day at ArtsXchange. My thoughts are grateful, yet my heart is heavy and my spirit is floating in a space of endless possibilities. Fortunately, I have a few more weeks to share my humble presence and conclude my journey as the Jack Sinclair Gallery curator and director. Just enough time to close out the solo exhibition, Heavy Clouds from multidisciplinary artist, C. Flux Sing. The Heart of the Matter is, I have been Above the Clouds, Between the Blues, deep with Frustration and yet feel a sense of Relief with my journey here at the ArtsXchange. This current work on display is not coincidental. It was planned since the first exhibit, The Art of Values, where C. Flux Sing was one of nineteen featured artists. I personally relate to the various titles given in C.Flux’s first solo show. Each representing every mood I have experienced thus far. The Heart of the Matter is, I have been Above the Clouds, Between the Blues, deep with Frustration and yet feel a sense of Relief with my journey closing here at the ArtsXchange. Heavy Clouds serves as the ninth art exhibition held in the gallery since the new location opened in January of 2019. The number nine is said to represent wisdom and responsibility, to serve humanity by making the world a better place. My curatorial path with the Southeast Community Cultural Center has delivered just that. Within 12 months of back to back gallery exhibitions, community events, social gatherings, workshops and other programming, I have been blessed to connect with multiple generations, creatives, local talent, support small businesses and other non profit organizations. Seeing the smiles on guests face, hearing testimonies of their experience or asking children with faces that resemble mine, what their favorite art piece in gallery was a joyful and much appreciated. Furthermore, I was proud to coordinate Herstory, an all women’s vendors market held for Women’s Month in March. Establishing relationships with guest artists like Corrina Sephora, who brought gun awareness and shared a metal forging workshop, turning rifles into flowers and handguns into dreamcatchers. Spending time with ArtsXchange studio artist activist, Charmaine Minnifield, whom blessed us with her solo exhibit, Ritual that dressed the gallery in candles and the calmness of blue and white paintings. Providing a space of healing, an alter to praise ancestors and the Most High. A special space to celebrate the lives of beloved community members who transitioned this year, (Rest in Power, Tanya Crooms and Baba Melvin “FluteMan” Cooper.) It was also those summer mornings where I witnessed and participated in Brandon Sadler’s artistic skills. He kindly shared his knowledge and tea sessions in his studio with youth volunteers who helped paint the out door mural, These Seeds Will Grow As You Do. Highlighting the center’s community garden, donated by HABESHA INC. I believe the message is to keep going, to keep learning, keep being a visionary that teaches us to help one another. The month of August came fast and I was honored to help coordinate and participate as an artist, with guest curator, Kimberly Stewart. Her 2nd annual art show, The Reclamation Project shared a visual celebration of Black women's beauty, spirituality, sensuality, and sexuality. A panel discussion closed out the show with a room full of guests held in the Paul Robeson theater, commentary about the perceived self-image and worth as women was open and well received. (Bonus - my artwork first time displayed and sold in the gallery.) I was entering into an arena I didn’t know and this would not be the first or the last time the grace of God would see me through challenges. As the seasons changed, I quickly learned to muster up every skill I have gained in my career to help guide me through unexpected timeframes, deadlines, pop up events, committee meetings, research, teamwork and customer service ahead of me. It was time for the annual fundraising gala, Renaissance, the Ebon Dooley award ceremony and Atlanta Collects exhibition. I was entering into an arena I didn’t know and this would not be the first or the last time the grace of God would see me through challenges. I was under a lot pressure, personally and professionally. However, I am so grateful for the support given. Special thanks to the gallery committee, Lisa Tuttle and Ric Washington, your wisdom will always follow me. We are all connected in some way, and it will continue circles back around. Atlanta Collects Exhibit was classic and carried the most valued work to date in the Jack Sinclair Gallery. Grateful for guest curator, Mike Harris and the 10 notable fine art collectors who trusted us with over 50 artists works. A Collectors Talk and Artist Talk hosted by Jamaal Barber of Studio Noize Podcast, shared gems and history lessons with each piece. A limited edition catalog was also created to archive its importance. I was taught a deeper appreciation and understanding for investing and collecting masters, and emerging artists works. . Artists like, Kara Walker and Kevin Cole, Ruby Chavez and Kehinde Wiley, Shanequa Gay and Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawerence, Tawny Chapman, and Derrick Phillips, Betye Saar, Miya Bailey and Alfred Coneth, just to name a few. I will miss reuniting with familiar faces, history convos with the elders and walking the halls to visit Victor Love’s Evolve acting studio. Enjoying Colombian coffee breaks with Santiago in his dimly lit music studio or hearing old school music playing next door in Baba Zakee’s studio, (the most inviting space) where he held a mentorship program for young black boys. October slowed down and I experienced One Beat , Performance Art Theatre, where 25 musicians from all over the world joined us for a week long residency. I shared happy feelings with my art hanging next to incredible photographers, Shawn Dowdell and Sista Shaman in the Convergence exhibit. I will miss the calming incense burning across from me, thank you, Dr. Nyrobi Moss for co-signing my greatness and to Ms. Yvonne Rosegarden, thank you for reminding me to reclaim self care in the wellness studio. To the previous Executive Director, Leslie Posey, thank you for always including me in the conversations, supporting and encouraging me to stand in my power. Your contributions to the ArtsXchange are not forgotten. 2019 has truly been an epic year for my career. What began with a 3 month contract proposal, led me to more astounding opportunities and 9 more months of building relationships. A stepping stone for self discovery,I honestly expected to be asked to return but I have no regrets and lessons learned. My heart is full and I am now prepared to move forward as the curator -in- residence for the Atlanta BeltLine. Thank you Alice Lovelace and ArtsXchange team, cheers to 2020! May my presence be forever apart of the ArtsXChange legacy.

Corinthia Yemi Jenkins, MPH is a Certified Health Education Specialist, Doula, Spiritual Medium and Orisa Priestess in the Traditional Yoruba religion of Ifa and Educator. She received her master’s degree in public health with a Health Education/Health Policy double concentration, and her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, with a focus in Medical Anthropology. Corinthia has provided Doula services for the last 15 years, and is the founder of Meditation Suits Me, an organization designed to ensure that meditation as a social justice tool of wellness is available to vulnerable communities throughout Metro Atlanta. Meditation has been recognized as a strong tool for managing stress and developing a mindful approach to life. As founder of Meditation Suits Me, Corinthia's mission as an agent for social justice is to increase access to wellness tools for under served communities. Meditation Suits Me provides meditation classes for all ages and classes that support the prenatal journey. Prenatal meditation classes support the expectant mothers and their families. Children are the greatest benefactors of learning the lifelong skills of mindfulness and meditation and these classes teach them self-awareness and stress management tools help them become better students and critical thinkers. 11 Questions with Corinthia Jenkins, MPH 1.What is the best part about being an artist/organizer? The best part about being an artist/organizer is getting to see your work directly affect others and know your are contributing to the betterment of humanity through the sharing of your gifts. 2. What is the most difficult part? The most difficult part is overcoming technology challenges and staying relevant to the needs of the community. 3. Favorite medium? Favorite way to engage with your community? My favorite medium is high contact group sessions that allow immediate feedback from my participants. It is helpful to know the participants are finding the activities immediately helpful and they can assimilate the tools readily in their personal lives. 4. Whose work do you most admire I admire the ground work to expand the availability of meditation and mindfulness as tools for improving wellness and stress management. Deepak Chopra and the Chopra center has been instrumental in helping me share my gifts with others. 5.Describe your idea of artistic success. My idea of artistic success is to affect change in the lives of people in my community and support families in their pursuit to maintain wellness and mindfulness. 6. What is the one question you wish people would stop asking you? I don’t have a question I wish people would stop asking and welcome all meaningful questions. 7. What is the one thing you wish people would ask? Are there other ways I can meditate or be mindful? This is a great question because many people assume they have to sit cross-legged on the floor with their eyes closed and I encourage them to sit as comfortably as they wish or not to sit at all and focus of their breathing. I let them know some meditations or mindfulness activities are more active and not passive such as walking meditations or creating artistic works. The skill has many adaptable uses to fit their personal needs. 8. Tea or coffee? I am a lover of tea. My favorite being peppermint with ginger being a close second. 9. Top three tunes that inspire your creativity? My top three tunes are more like genres because I love music. Meditation and reiki music/ R&B from the 70’s and 80’s and Most Soul music. 10. What projects are you currently working on? I am currently working on supporting pregnant women through mindful techniques for labor support and beyond. 11. If you could pass along one message to the rest of the world right now, what would you say? If I could pass along one message to the rest of the world right now, I would say learn to appreciate the opportunities to be still with yourself. They are precious and valuable moments to gain self- awareness. To connect with Corinthia or follow her work, please visit her at IG: @meditationsuitsme FB: https://www.facebook.com/meditationsuitsme2/ Twitter: @meditationsuitsme

Tafawa, born Arthur Hicks, in Bessemer, Alabama, in 1947, is an exceptionally talented, highly skilled photographer, printer, and custom picture framer. He was raised in Buffalo, New York, attended public schools there, and was drafted into the U. S. Army at age 18. Upon completion of military service, he returned to Buffalo and earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and African Studies from Buffalo State College. While a sophomore in college, Tafawa’s wife gave him his first camera, and he immediately began to develop his keen eye for photographing people. His creative instincts around photographing, printing, exhibiting and preserving African and African American imagery continue to evolve. For nearly two decades, Tafawa and his wife have lived in Metro Atlanta. "As a photographer, presenting myself as an artist has always been a challenge. With the camera I capture images that present themselves to me wherever I am in the world. In the sense that all art is an expression of creative Spirit, presenting itself as inspiration through each of us, I am an artist using the camera as creative expression. In the words of photographer Minor White, 'Spirit always stands still long enough for the photographer it has chosen'." 11 Questions with Tafawa 1.What is the best part about being an artist/organizer? The best part of being a Photographer/artist are the Journeys that I have taken, to the different parts of Africa, the photos I have taken, the memories that they hold and the opportunity it gives me to share my vision of the world as I see it. 2. What is the most difficult part? Being Still to explore and digitize my photo archives that span 50+ years. 3. Favorite medium? Favorite way to engage with your community? Photography 4. Whose work do you most admire Kathleen Atkins Wilson-Painter Ansel Adams-Photographer Chester Higgins-Photographer 5. Describe your idea of artistic success. Belonging to an artistic community, having the resources and time to continue the creative Journey 6. What is the one question you wish people would stop asking you? Don't have one. 7. What is the one thing you wish people would ask? Don’t have one. 8. Tea or coffee? Tea. 9. Top three tunes to inspire creativity? John Coltrane My favorite things Grover Washington Jr. Masterpiece Leon Thomas The Creator Has A Master Plan . 10. What projects are you currently working on? Establishing my Studio at the Arts Xchange Cataloging the works of Baba Atu the Sculpture Print and exhibit works from my archives provide printing service for artist desiring to have prints made from there paintings Digitizing selected works from my archives. 11. If you could pass along one message to the rest of the world right now, what would you say? Stand in Peace, Stay Strong This to Shall Pass. To connect with Tafawa or follow his work, please visit him at Email: Tafawa@gmail.com

BLACK LIVES MATTER. BLACK ART MATTERS. For the past 37 years the ArtsXchange has stood in solidarity with national and international movements to end systemic racism.  This includes speaking out against injustices and their harmful effects in our communities and beyond that degrade and harm black, indigenous, and people of color. We feel the insurmountable pain of centuries of violence that has converged at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.  The ongoing loss of black lives has reached a critical point when all responsible persons must act against blatant racism.  We cannot stand silent in this moment.  The ArtsXchange’s mission is to use the arts as a means by which all cultures can come to a truer understanding of themselves and others. Black art in all disciplines is relevant to our entire nation.  By providing a venue and studio space for artists and non-profits, The ArtsXchange supports arts that are uplifting and that build bridges between the cultures of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.  To appreciate the complexity and beauty of black lives, you must witness and appreciate the wealth of black art that speaks to our experiences and dreams, our hopes, and prayers. We join with all people committed to moving our nation in the direction of achieving freedom, dignity, and equality for all people.  These interconnected cornerstones of humanity are the foundation for creative expression, community building, and empowerment.  To continue our commitment, we announce the following two art and social justice initiatives: The Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Conversations The Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Awards, established in 2018, recognizes individuals and organizations that work to improve the lives and future of their communities. In that spirit, we will host a series of conversations with Art & Social Justice Honorees along with other engaged social justice activists each Friday through the end of this summer. Icons of Art & Social Justice: A Mural Project The ArtsXchange will commission four murals for our building in East Point. We are looking for images and words that not only capture this moment of pain while celebrating the incredible outpouring of unity of spirit committed to ending racism, but that celebrates ideals that uplift community and promote growth in humanity, spirit, and change. The focus is not only in the United States, but globally as well. We invite visual artists and/or writers, as individuals or in collaborative teams, to submit their ideas. Submission Deadline July 16th, 2020. The ArtsXchange will kick off our First Saturday Open Air Artisan Marketplace series. This event is free to the public with artist vendors, food trucks, door prizes, yoga, live performances, and DIY arts and craft station. Feel free to bring your lawn chair and face mask. Vendor tents will be set up in the back parking lot. To ensure the health and safety of our volunteers and guests, we will adhere to the COVID-19 CDC guidelines and will be practicing social distancing and contact less payments. RSVP Be sure to stay connected with us and check out our Virtual Programming. The ArtsXchange thrives on the support and generosity of thoughtful donors like you. Your contribution to the ArtsXchange will help advance our legacy of providing access to avenues of production for emerging and professional artists, in addition to studio and performance space for multi-ethnic and multi-disciplinary artists in our cultural community. DONATE TODAY

Rayfield Lewis II was born in Savannah, Georgia and raised in Athens, Georgia. He came to Atlanta for the first time in 1997 for college at Clark Atlanta University. "My dream has always been to own an art firm, even before knowing what an art firm was. I had an idea and the best word I had for it was an “Art Firm”. I have always loved art, and feel like my talent is one, to get the art in front of people, and two, to bring artists together for the ultimate creative collaborations. For that to happen, I must have a place that artists can come to collaborate and work together. This place would also offer management for the artist involved. And collectively everyone would fall under the same umbrella to ensure that we touch all genres of art, but still have the ability to be independent. My studio space at the AtrsXchange is my first shot at bringing this idea to life and seeing what that looks like. I humbly call myself a visionary. That is the best way that I can describe myself as an artist. As far as being a yogi and a teacher, more than I can say that I believe in a specific religion or God, I believe with my whole heart in being in the moment. I was introduced to yoga during a very trying time in my life, and was dealing with depression. Through breathing and eventually the physical postures, I learned to accept where I was at that point in my life. I now live my life this way. This gift was given to me, and to honor the gift I must share it with the people." 11 Questions with Rayfield Lewis 1.What is the best part about being an artist/organizer? Being that singing is not a gift of mine, being able to work with someone who does have the gift of singing and help them produce work, I have found to be equally gratifying. I'm like that with all types of art. I love to see people with creative gifts create. Being able to be intimately involved with the process is a privilege. 2. What is the most difficult part? Opportunities come my way constantly, often times more than I can handle. Often times, opportunities come my way that either I don't have the knowledge for, or capacity to fulfill. This is a huge reason I'm so excited and committed to the ArtsXchange...because until I gain the knowledge and capacity to fulfill the projects, I feel that the ArtsXchange can help guide me and educate me. 3. Favorite medium? Favorite way to engage with your community? I'm in love with passion, any time I see an artist being passionate towards their work it moves me, regardless of the medium. At the moment I am really into art exhibit openings. That style of presenting art to a small intimate crowd, with the ability to interact with the artist in a cozy environment is key. 4. Whose work do you most admire Andre 3000. His words, style, vulnerability, courage, all of it. A major influence on how I see art. 5. Describe your idea of artistic success. What I'm doing right now is success to me. Having a space for artist to create is more than I can ask for, especially knowing how difficult it is for artist to find space to work. Plus I try to spend the least amount of time possible in the future, I try and fall in love with the journey. So yeah, being able to be on the journey and continuing the journey is success to me. 6. What is the one question you wish people would stop asking you? If I know a particular artist. 7. What is the one thing you wish people would ask? When do you want to start? 8. Tea or coffee? Tea without a doubt. 9. Top three tunes to inspire creativity? Funkadelic : Maggot Brain James Brown : The Big Payback Outkast : Git up, Git out 10. What projects are you currently working on? Ahad Pace and Thom Bess art exhibit Cornerstone Collective art exhibit Victor Jackson Music showcase Kipp schools South Art Mural 2nd Chance MS art curriculum 11. If you could pass along one message to the rest of the world right now, what would you say? We all we got, the sooner we realize that, the better off we all will be. We can only have World Peace if all of us believe it is possible. To connect with Ray or follow his work, please visit him at IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingraylew/ FB: https://www.sugacanesyrup.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kingraylew Website: https://www.facebook.com/rayfield.lewis