What a literary weekend we had at ArtsXchange! From powerful poetry and unforgettable performances to the creative exploration of language, our Literary Programs were filled with voices, stories, and community. Competitors in the 2026 All Voice Poetry Slam All Voices Poetry Slam: Honoring Voices, Remembering, and Speaking Out On Friday, September 11th, ArtsXchange hosted the All Voices Poetry Slam, an event created in recognition of the many voices affected by that unforgettable day. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing, and I don't think I'll ever forget. In the days that followed, I remember hearing discussions about burning holy books and thinking, Do we truly understand how many different faiths, communities, and voices were devastated that day? The All Voices Poetry Slam is an homage to those whose voices have been silenced but are not forgotten. It is also a celebration of the poets who continue to explore their relationship with words, the world, and one another. Through poetry, we remember, question, reflect, and create space for voices to be heard. And what a night it was! This year, the line started forming before the event even began. While our event description clearly states that purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a spot in the competition, some attendees were only interested in participating as competing poets. Unfortunately, they missed one hell of a show! The beauty of a poetry slam isn't just in competing; it's also in witnessing the power, vulnerability, creativity, and courage of every poet who steps to the microphone. After twelve competing poets and two sacrificial poets took the stage, Nathan Wallace claimed the top prize, with Sharon Agbebaku taking second place and Chevon G earning third place. Congratulations to all the poets who shared their words and energy with us! We were thrilled to welcome so many new voices, including: Sharon Agbebaku Ahmani Payne Chi Hughes Barbara Jones Kshana Bhakita And we loved seeing our returning slammers: Solie Cherie Sean P Kathy Johnson She Pharaoh Ashlee Haze Our Saturday Writers Workshop regulars, Victoria Johnson and Lauren Hosley, also stepped into the role of sacrificial poets and served as judges for the evening. Thank you for helping make the slam happen! Every poet, judge, volunteer (thanks Sylvia), and audience member contributes to the energy of these events. That's what makes the ArtsXchange literary community so special. September 12th Writers Workshop participants. Saturday Writers Workshop: Three E's and a Nearly Full House! Saturday Writers Workshop is growing, y'all! The house was almost full, and you know I'm already thinking about how to rework one of my favorite lines in cinema: "ArtsXchange, we need a bigger room!" (For those who know the movie reference, you know what I'm talking about! 😂) On September 12th, we took a deep dive into three fascinating ways language can shape meaning, sound, and perception: Euphemism, Euphony, and Euphuism. Here's what we explored: Euphemism: Saying something difficult, unpleasant, or uncomfortable in a softer or less direct way. Euphony: Using pleasant, harmonious, or musical sounds to create a particular feeling. Euphuism: An ornate, elaborate style of writing characterized by elaborate comparisons, balanced phrases, wordplay, and rhetorical flourish. We explored what happens when beautiful language says something ugly, soft language hides something painful, or elaborate language makes a simple truth almost impossible to ignore. That's the magic of creative writing: words can comfort, challenge, disguise, reveal, and transform. And our writers leaned into the possibilities! I'm also fine-tuning the 4th Saturday Writers Workshop. I don't have every detail figured out just yet, but I have some exciting ideas, and I know it's going to be fabulous! Sometimes the best creative experiences begin with a little experimentation. Sharing what was written. Come Find Your Voice at ArtsXchange! There's always something interesting happening in the Charles Riley Memorial Library at ArtsXchange's Literary Programs. Whether you're a seasoned writer, a curious beginner, a poet, a storyteller, or simply someone who loves words, there's room for you here. Our workshops and events are about more than writing. They're about connection, exploration, community, and making space for the many ways we tell our stories. Thank you for continuing to show up, share your voices, and grow with us. See you next Saturday!

Check out the Volunteer Opportunities for this month! September means fall is almost here and that means crunchy leaves and volunteering! Join us at ArtsXchange and make a difference in your community by signing up for one of our volunteer opportunities. Over this month, we will have lots of programming and that means all hands on deck. Click event to learn more and sign up for shifts. SPECIAL FEATURED VOLUNTEER EVENT - 2026 All Voices Poetry Slam Fri, Sept 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Volunteer for our 2026 All Voices Poetry Slam! Assist with greeting, scorekeeping and more. If you volunteer you will NOT be able to participate in the SLAM. 2nd Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Sept 12, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Scrabble Club Sat, Sept 19, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! 4th Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Sept 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Playing With Our Words Sat, Sept 26, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Volunteer Registration Form / Newsletter Once you register you will be added to our mailing list. We will email/contact you to let you know about upcoming volunteer opportunities! Sign up today! As a nonprofit, the ArtsXchange depends on volunteers to help us meet the multiple demands of running a diverse community Cultural Center. Our needs range from office support, cleaning and maintaining our grounds, event and gallery support, and those with technical and specialized skills. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to our cause. Your unwavering commitment and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our organization and the community we serve.

Check out the Literary Programs coming to the ArtsXchange this month! EVENT HIGHLIGHT - 2026 All Voices Poetry Slam - 4th Annual Details Fri, Sep 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM $20 in Advance / $25 at the Door Slam List and doors at 7:30pm You're cordially invited to an electrifying night of poetic brilliance at the All Voices Poetry Slam! Get ready to witness the power of words as talented poets from near and far gather to captivate your hearts and minds. Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, expression, and passion. Mark your calendars and invite your friends to witness the magic of spoken word poetry at the All Voices Poetry Slam on September 11, 2026. We promise an evening filled with emotions, creativity, and camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn More / Get your tickets! Xchange Open Mic Fri, Oct 9, 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, Sept 12, 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, Sept 19, 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, Sept 26, 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, Sept 26, 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

Artists deserve to be supported, not simply celebrated. At ArtsXchange, that means putting resources behind the people making the work. Artists teach in our classes and youth programs. They exhibit in our galleries. And they are paid for their expertise, time, and imagination. At the July 25 opening of our latest juried exhibition, Sonic Impressions: Abstract Visual Art Inspired by Music, guest juror Oscar Harris — the visionary architect behind Atlanta landmarks including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport atrium and the Olympic light towers, who is now a full-time abstract expressionist painter — and Sinclair Gallery Director Ric Washington presented artists with cash awards for their winning works. And the winners are... The Urban Opus by Annika Jones (First Place) Bebop Explosion by Michael C. Morgan (Second Place) NEGRITO by F. Geoffrey Johnson (Third Place) My 90s Crush by Clementine Willowilde (Honorable Mention) L-R: Sinclair Gallery Director Ric Washington; abstract artist and guest juror Oscar Harris; and awarded artists Annika Jones (1st place), Michael Morgan (2nd place), and F. Geoffrey Johnson (3rd place). Congratulations to the Sonic Impressions winners! (Take a look at their pieces below.) And thanks to every artist who answered the challenge to turn music into something we could see. The exhibition also includes works by Carl Christian, Zerric Clinton, Kevin Cole, Sean Haynes, Adrienne Hills, Debbie Jung, Chantrice Rachelle, Raqstar Vernon Robinson, Pame Sawyer-Smith, Serenity, and Tony Smart. Hear their insights at the Artists Talk and Closing Reception from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 in the Jack Sinclair Gallery at ArtsXchange. The exhibit will be on view through Aug. 29. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is free and open to the public.

Exhibition traces acclaimed quilter’s enduring influence on Atlanta’s creative community By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange Media The ArtsXchange will honor the life and work of Atlanta artist and educator Marquetta Bell-Johnson (1956-2025) with Threads of a Living Legacy: The Art of Marquetta Bell-Johnson, on view Sept. 12 through Oct. 17 in the Jack Sinclair Gallery. The opening reception will be from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 12. The tribute exhibition brings together quilts and textile works spanning Bell-Johnson’s career, offering an intimate look at an artist whose practice grew from family tradition into a distinctive language of color, texture, pattern, and layered materials. A vital force in Atlanta’s arts ecosystem, Bell-Johnson’s reach extended from the Neighborhood Arts Center to the High Museum of Art — where her work lives in the permanent collection — as well as the Alliance Theatre, Kennedy Center/VSA Arts, and the National AIDS Memorial Quilt. After surviving a shooting that left her paralyzed from the waist down, Bell-Johnson remained fiercely dedicated to youth arts education, community collaboration, and adaptive art-making. “Marquetta's practice reflected her belief that art should bring people together and remain accessible to everyday communities,” said Ric Washington, Sinclair Gallery Director at ArtsXchange. “What many people remember most about Marquetta is her generosity and openness. This exhibition invites our community to experience the full breadth of her work that continues to resonate deeply.” The exhibition extends outside of the gallery to include Intersectionality, an illuminated wall sculpture Bell-Johnson co-created at ArtsXchange with artist Jeff Mather; a “touch gallery,” including items with Braille, for a sensory experience; and a video montage of archived reflections from collaborators, family, and peers. Bell-Johnson also worked closely with the ArtsXchange over the years, from teaching youth arts classes to being one of the five women featured in Cover Me, a stunning 2023 exhibition of quilters and textile artists. For Alice Lovelace, ArtsXchange’s executive director and a longtime friend of Bell-Johnson, the exhibition is also a deeply personal homecoming. “Like ArtsXchange,” she said, “Marquetta always knew art wasn’t meant to sit apart from people, but to reflect and include them.” The Jack Sinclair Gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Check out the Volunteer Opportunities for this month! August is back-to-school month and that means more programming! Join us at ArtsXchange and make a difference in your community by signing up for one of our volunteer opportunities. Over this month, we will have lots of programming and that means all hands on deck. For those looking to be outside catching all that sunshine, we got lots for you. And for those looking to stay cool and beat the heat, we have some indoor opportunities, too! Click event to learn more and sign up for shifts. SPECIAL FEATURED VOLUNTEER EVENT - XChange Open Mic Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Volunteer for our Xchange Open Mic! Assist with greeting, scorekeeping and more. If you volunteer you will NOT be able to participate in the SLAM. 2nd Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Aug 08, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Scrabble Club Sat, Aug 15, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! 4th Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Aug 22, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Playing With Our Words Sat, Aug 22, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Volunteer Registration Form / Newsletter Once you register you will be added to our mailing list. We will email/contact you to let you know about upcoming volunteer opportunities! Sign up today! As a nonprofit, the ArtsXchange depends on volunteers to help us meet the multiple demands of running a diverse community Cultural Center. Our needs range from office support, cleaning and maintaining our grounds, event and gallery support, and those with technical and specialized skills. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to our cause. Your unwavering commitment and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our organization and the community we serve.

Check out the Literary Programs coming to the ArtsXchange this month! EVENT HIGHLIGHT - 2026 All Voices Poetry Slam - 4th Annual Details Fri, Sep 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM $20 in Advance / $25 at the Door Slam List and doors at 7:30pm You're cordially invited to an electrifying night of poetic brilliance at the All Voices Poetry Slam! Get ready to witness the power of words as talented poets from near and far gather to captivate your hearts and minds. Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, expression, and passion. Mark your calendars and invite your friends to witness the magic of spoken word poetry at the All Voices Poetry Slam on September 11, 2026. We promise an evening filled with emotions, creativity, and camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn More / Get your tickets! Xchange Open Mic Fri, Aug 14, 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, Aug 08, 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, Aug 15, 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, Aug 22, 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, Aug 22, 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

Join our 4-week holistic movement class where students connect with their body and increase their knowledge of yoga and movement medicine. Taught by yogi, artist, writer, healer, and musician Spurgen Brown. This holistic movement class aims to connect the student with their body and increase their knowledge of yoga and movement medicine. This class is intended for adults, especially seniors, to take away practices they can use at home and in their daily life. By the end of the class series, students should be able to incorporate these techniques at home and translate these ideas into their routines. Open to all levels - beginner to experienced. | Ages 30+ and up Click class to RSVP/ Learn More DATES/ TIMES: Tues, Aug 11, 2026 | 11AM - 12PM - CLASS 1: Sunrise Class Thurs, Aug 13, 2026 | 11AM - 12 PM - CLASS 2: Getting to Know Your Body Tues, Aug 18, 2026 | 11AM - 12PM - CLASS 3: Breathing & The Lungs Thurs, Aug 20, 2026 | 11AM - 12 PM - CLASS 4: Head to Toe Stretches Tues, Aug 25, 2026 | 11AM - 12PM - CLASS 5: Intentional Stretching Thurs, Aug 27, 2026 | 11AM - 12 PM - CLASS 6: Somatic Movements Tues, Sep 1, 2026 | 11AM - 12PM - CLASS 7: Rhythmic Movements Thurs, Sep 3, 2026 | 11AM - 12 PM - CLASS 8: Sunset Class TEACHING ARTIST: Spurgen Brown Students should bring water bottles, yoga mats, and any devices or equipment they may need for mobility/ functioning purposes (canes, wheelchairs, etc.). ABOUT THE ARTIST Spurgen Brown has over 15 years of experience guiding individuals through transformative movement practices that help restore balance, reduce stress, and reconnect the body and mind. Drawing from yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, and movement therapy, he creates experiences designed to support nervous system regulation, lower cortisol levels, and promote greater well-being. His work is rooted in personal experience. Through life’s challenges and stressors, these practices became powerful tools for cultivating resilience, presence, and inner balance. Today, he shares these methods with others, helping people release tension, improve body awareness, and access a deeper sense of calm and vitality. By blending mindful movement with therapeutic techniques, he empowers clients to move beyond stress and into a more grounded, energized, and authentic way of living.

Check out the Volunteer Opportunities for this month! Bring in July with some much needed fun in the sun. Join us at ArtsXchange and make a difference in your community by signing up for one of our volunteer opportunities. Over this month, we will have lots of programming and that means all hands on deck. For those looking to be outside catching all that sunshine, we got lots for you. And for those looking to stay cool and beat the heat, we have some indoor opportunities, too! Click event to learn more and sign up for shifts. SPECIAL FEATURED VOLUNTEER EVENT - XChange Open Mic and Slam Fri, Jul 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Volunteer for our Xchange Open Mic & Slam! Assist with greeting, scorekeeping and more. If you volunteer you will NOT be able to participate in the SLAM. 2nd Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Jul 11, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Scrabble Club Sat, Jul 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! 4th Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, Jun 25, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Playing With Our Words Sat, Jul 25, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! 2026 Midsummer Art Party & Auction Fri, Jul 31, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! 2026 Midsummer Family Fun Festival Sat, Aug 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Help with set up / break down and attend the event! Volunteer Registration Form / Newsletter Once you register you will be added to our mailing list. We will email/contact you to let you know about upcoming volunteer opportunities! Sign up today! As a nonprofit, the Artsxchange depends on volunteers to help us meet the multiple demands of running a diverse community Cultural Center. Our needs range from office support, cleaning and maintaining our grounds, event and gallery support, and those with technical and specialized skills. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to our cause. Your unwavering commitment and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our organization and the community we serve.

By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange Media The ArtsXchange is inviting metro Atlanta to celebrate the season with its new MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL @ ARTSXCHANGE: A Celebration of Art, Community & Family, a two-day event taking place Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. Blending art, music, food, and hands-on experiences, the festival reflects the cultural center's longstanding belief that the arts flourish when communities come together. For 42 years, the ArtsXchange has served as a gathering place where artists, neighbors, and families create, celebrate, and build lasting connections. The MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL honors that legacy with a weekend designed to welcome longtime supporters and first-time visitors alike. The celebration begins Friday, July 31, from 7-10 p.m., with the Art Party & Auction, an adults-only (ages 21 and older) evening featuring emcee Imara Canady, musical performances by Noemi Flood and Tiffany Goode, a silent and live auction of artwork, collectibles, and experiences, cocktails, catered food, dancing, and the opportunity to experience Sonic Impressions: Abstract Visual Art Inspired by Music, the ArtsXchange’s latest exhibition in the Jack Sinclair Gallery. Guests are encouraged to wear festive resort attire. Tickets are $25 for ArtsXchange members and $50 for general admission. 2026 Midsummer Art Party & Auction Jul 31, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM General Admission $50 | ArtsXchange Members $25 AGES 21+ ONLY Learn More / Get Tickets The celebration continues Saturday, Aug. 1, from noon to 5 p.m., with a free Family Fun Festival, open to all ages. The afternoon features interactive workshops led by Music in Common and the Vibrance Centre for Voice and Movement, storytelling with the Kuumba Storytellers, open artist studios, a local artist and vendor market, DJ Rebellion, games, prizes, food, cold treats, and creative activities throughout the campus. "Community has always been the ArtsXchange's greatest work of art," said Lisa Tuttle, longtime multimedia artist, ArtsXchange studio artist, arts administrator, and festival coordinator. “This festival celebrates the relationships that have sustained this place for generations while creating new memories with families, artists, and neighbors. Whether someone has been coming here for decades or is visiting for the first time, there's a place for them at the ArtsXchange.” 2026 Midsummer Family Fun Festival Aug 01, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM FREE | All ages welcome Learn More / Get Tickets The MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL is sponsored by Reyalibre and Hot Ice Entertainment Group.