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By teniso seanima | Fresh Oasis Community Garden at ArtsXchange In a world where nearly everything we eat and use comes pre-packaged and barcoded, it’s easy to forget that nature is our oldest pharmacy and pantry. Long before grocery stores and supplement aisles, communities thrived by gathering wild foods and herbs that offered both nourishment and medicine. Today, the practice of wild foraging —safely identifying and harvesting edible and medicinal plants—has reemerged as a cornerstone of sustainable living, holistic wellness, and food sovereignty. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a reconnection to the land and to the ancestral wisdom that once sustained every generation before us. Why Fall Is the Perfect Season for Wild Medicinals Autumn is a time of transition—both in the environment and within our own bodies. As the temperature cools and plants begin storing energy in their roots, this season offers a prime opportunity to discover herbs that strengthen our immune systems, cleanse the blood, and prepare us for winter. Common fall medicinals include: Goldenrod  – a powerful anti-inflammatory that supports respiratory and urinary health. Mullein  – often found on hillsides, this fuzzy-leafed plant soothes coughs and lung irritation. Dandelion Root  – excellent for detoxifying the liver and improving digestion. Yarrow  – a traditional wound healer and fever reducer. Pine Needles  – high in Vitamin C and used to make revitalizing teas. These plants—and many others—are growing all around us, waiting to be recognized, respected, and responsibly gathered. The Return of Urban Homesteading Foraging fits beautifully into the modern urban-homesteading movement , where city dwellers are reclaiming small plots of land, balcony gardens, and community spaces to grow food, compost, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. Learning how to identify, harvest, and use local plants empowers individuals and families to take wellness into their own hands—without depending solely on pharmaceutical or industrial systems. It’s also a way to reduce grocery costs , boost nutrition , and build community resilience  in uncertain times. Join the “Garden Like a Boss” Field Trip: Wild Foraging & Fall Medicinals If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to confidently identify edible and medicinal plants, this upcoming class is for you. Garden Like a Boss: Urban Homesteading Field Trip Theme:   Wild Foraging & Fall Medicinals Instructor:   Triztian Wolf Location:  Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Date:  Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 Time:  11 am - 2 pm During this immersive hands-on experience, participants will: Learn to identify key medicinal and edible plants native to Georgia. Discover how to harvest and prepare herbal remedies for immunity, detoxification, and vitality. Explore ethical foraging techniques that protect both the plants and the ecosystem. Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about self-reliance, community, and wellness. Registration is now open at www.artsxchange.org/communitygarden (Walk-ups are also welcome!) Presented by Nature’s Candy Farms, ArtsXchange, and Partnership for Southern Equity This event is a collaboration between organizations committed to food justice, wellness, and cultural empowerment. Together, they’re nurturing a movement where health, heritage, and sustainability  intersect—one field trip at a time. Final Thought Every plant has a story, and every walk through the woods is an opportunity to rediscover that story. Whether you’re new to herbalism or deepening your practice, this field trip invites you to reconnect—with the earth, with your ancestors, and with yourself. Come “Garden Like a Boss” —and see the wild side of wellness for yourself.

Oh, what a night! The Ebon Dooley Legacy Awards on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, saluted the visionaries who shaped and continue to impact Atlanta’s cultural landscape through art, advocacy, and community. The honorees were:   Shirley C. Franklin | Atlanta Arts World Changer  Sheryl Riley Gripper | Media & Bronze Jubilee  Deirdre McDonald | Media & BronzeLens Film Festival   John “Kole” Eaton | Arts Administration   Diane Carroll | Youth Development in Dance  Bem Joiner | Cultural Curation & Atlanta Influences Everything Take a look back at the beautiful evening with these photographs by Tafawa Hicks.

AXC Blog By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange The Honorable Shirley C. Franklin presents the Change Maker Award to Moving in the Spirit during the 2024 Ebon Dooley Arts & Social Justice Awards. A longtime supporter of ArtsXchange, Franklin served as mistress of ceremony for the program in the Paul Robeson Theater. PHOTO BY SHARON B. DOWDELL. Atlanta’s cultural landscape — the jazz festival that pulses through Piedmont Park, the films carried into neighborhoods by a traveling movie-mobile, the arts centers that transformed shuttered schools into living canvases — didn’t happen by chance. It happened because, in the 1970s, city leaders insisted that the arts were not a luxury, but a necessity. One of the arts’ greatest catalysts will receive a special award at this year’s Ebon Dooley Legacy Awards on Oct. 12. Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Clarke Franklin  has been named Atlanta Arts World Changer  by the ArtsXchange for her role in building that foundation. Long before she made history as the city’s first woman mayor, Franklin was the first director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, shaping a civic commitment to arts and culture that still resonates globally. “It actually started as an office,” Franklin recalled in a recent interview. “Mayor Maynard Jackson campaigned on increasing city support for the arts, and he asked me to chair a committee of artists, civic leaders, and arts organizations to create a plan. From there, we established an office (led by Michael Lomax). That became a bureau. And when I was in the position, it became a department.” Maynard Jackson’s Vision The late Mayor Maynard Jackson  was one of the fiercest champions of the arts, Franklin said. Under his leadership, Atlanta shifted from treating culture as an afterthought — funded only if there was money left over — to making it a line item in the city’s operating budget. Previously, the city spent about $60,000 annually on arts programming. With the committee’s push, that figure jumped to $250,000, giving rise to artist grants, outdoor symphony concerts, film series in various neighborhoods, and the city’s now-renowned jazz festival. “We knew success was possible,” Franklin said, “but the success of what we see today far exceeds what I could have imagined.” Breathing Space for Artists Funding was only part of the equation. Franklin also helped negotiate with Atlanta Public Schools to repurpose closed school buildings as homes for arts organizations. That decision seeded several institutions, including the Neighborhood Arts Center, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and the ArtsXchange — two of which continue to thrive today. “The ArtsXchange is an example of how a good idea can be realized with collaboration and partnership,” Franklin said. Why the Arts Matter For Franklin, the arts are not a frill but part of the very fabric of a city. “From the earliest civilizations, art and culture have been as much a part of life as family, religion, and industry,” she said. “The expression of creativity is part of life. If you want a healthy community, you must incorporate arts and culture.” Atlanta’s flourishing creative scene — its theaters, murals, film festivals, music venues, and grassroots collectives — stands as proof of that philosophy. A Legacy That Endures Decades later, the impact of Franklin’s work is everywhere. The city’s cultural infrastructure continues to expand, with organizations from True Colors Theatre to the Alliance Theatre and countless community-based arts groups carrying forward the momentum. “The foundation was already here,” Franklin said. “It just needed to be amplified by the city’s work,  and the benefits have been many.” *** A special Award will be presented to Shirley C. Franklin during a VIP reception for the Ebon Dooley Legacy Awards. Join us in the Jack Sinclair Gallery at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. Your membership is your ticket! Become a member today at the $100 level or above for admission to the VIP reception and the Legacy Awards program. BECOME A MEMBER:   https://www.artsxchange.org/memberships RSVP TO RECEPTION: https://www.artsxchange.org/event-details/vip-reception-2025-ebon-dooley-legacy-awards Below, Shirley C. Franklin is pictured at ArtsXchange in December of 2024, as mistress of ceremony for the 7th Annual Ebon Dooley Arts & Social Justice Awards. ALL PHOTOS BELOW BY TAFAWA HICKS. (BLOG COVER PHOTO BY SHARON B. DOWDELL)

By tenisio seanima | ArtsXchange Blog When most gardeners think about growing, they picture what happens above the soil — lush greens, blooming flowers, and heavy harvests. But the true foundation of every thriving garden lies beneath the surface. At Garden Like a Boss, we teach growers how to build long-term soil health using natural, sustainable methods. This fall’s class on Cover Crops & Soil Armor (Oct. 11 at ArtsXchange in East Point, GA) dives into how you can transform tired or compacted soil into a living, self-renewing ecosystem — with simple, inexpensive techniques you can start using immediately. Why Cover Crops Are Called “Soil Armor” Cover crops — plants like crimson clover, winter rye, oats, or vetch — act as nature’s protective blanket. Instead of leaving your garden bare through fall and winter, these living plants: Prevent erosion by keeping rain and wind from washing precious topsoil away. Feed the soil with organic matter as their roots and residues break down. Fix nitrogen naturally (especially legumes), reducing the need for store-bought fertilizers. Suppress weeds by shading them out and crowding them out of space. Support beneficial microbes that turn raw soil into nutrient-rich, life-filled humus. In short: cover crops armor your soil against the elements while regenerating its fertility. The Best Cover Crops for Georgia (USDA Zone 8) Georgia’s mild winters make it perfect for fall-planted cover crops. Here are some of the local favorites we’ll discuss and demonstrate during the class: Crimson Clover & Hairy Vetch: Nitrogen-fixing powerhouses that bloom beautifully and attract pollinators. Winter Rye or Oats: Great for breaking up compacted soil and building deep organic matter. Daikon Radish: Its long taproots aerate heavy clay soil — like living tillers. Mustard Greens & Buckwheat: Quick-growing crops that smother weeds and draw in beneficial insects. We’ll also explore how to create custom seed blends tailored to your garden’s needs — whether you’re enriching a raised bed, preparing for garlic planting, or rejuvenating an old plot. DIY Soil Amendments: Feed the Life Beneath Your Feet Healthy soil isn’t built overnight — but you can accelerate the process using natural, do-it- yourself amendments. In the workshop, you’ll learn how to create: Compost Teas & Extracts that deliver beneficial microbes directly to your roots. Biochar & Mulches that lock in nutrients and moisture. Homemade Mineral Mixes using local ingredients to restore balance to depleted soils. These are simple, affordable, and entirely chemical-free methods anyone can master — whether you’re tending a backyard garden or managing an urban farm plot. Why This Matters Now Healthy soil equals healthy food — and resilient communities. Every bag of compost you make, every bed you cover in clover, reduces your dependence on industrial fertilizers and helps fight climate change at the ground level. By practicing soil regeneration, you’re not just growing plants; you’re building living infrastructure that sustains your harvests and your health for years to come. Ready to Learn Hands-On? Join us for the class! Saturday, October 11, 2025 ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St., East Point, GA 30344 11 AM – 1 PM Register: www.artsxchange.org/communitygarden (Pay-as-you-go and walk-ups welcome!) You’ll leave this session with the knowledge, seeds, and confidence to build a thriving soil ecosystem — and the skills to boss your garden all year long. Call-to-Action Reserve your spot now — soil health starts today, not next spring. Join a movement of growers who are restoring the earth, one bed at a time.

By tenisio Seanima Planting Garlic in Georgia: Why Fall is the Secret Season for Big Harvests If you live in Georgia (USDA Zone 8), you may think the gardening season slows down after summer. But fall is actually one of the best times to set yourself up for a bountiful harvest next year — especially when it comes to garlic and perennial alliums. At Garden Like a Boss, we believe in teaching methods that go beyond the basics. Garlic, onions, and other alliums are powerhouse crops that not only flavor your food but also boost your garden’s health and resilience. And the secret to growing them successfully in East Point and beyond? Start in the fall. Why Plant Garlic in the Fall? Unlike tomatoes or peppers, garlic doesn’t mind the cold. In fact, it needs a period of chilly weather to form big, flavorful bulbs. By planting in late September through November, you’re giving garlic plenty of time to establish strong roots before winter. Come spring, the plants will surge with energy, producing larger bulbs than anything planted in spring. Think of it like a head start: fall planting = bigger harvests. Choosing the Right Varieties for Zone 8 Not all garlic is created equal. In Georgia’s climate, here are a few winners: Softneck Garlic (Artichoke or Silverskin types): Stores well, easy to braid, great for beginners. Hardneck Garlic (Rocambole, Purple Stripe): Rich flavor, produces edible garlic scapes in spring. Elephant Garlic: Technically a leek, but grows massive bulbs that impress at markets. And don’t overlook perennial onions like Egyptian Walking Onions or multiplier shallots — they come back year after year with little fuss. Step-by-Step: Planting Garlic in Georgia Prep the Bed: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Add compost or aged manure. Garlic loves rich soil. Break the Bulb: Separate cloves, keeping the papery skin intact. Only plant the biggest, healthiest cloves. Plant: Pointy side up, 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart. Rows can be 12 inches apart. Mulch: Cover with straw, leaves, or pine needles to protect through winter. Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy until the first frost. After that, nature takes over until spring. Bonus: Think Beyond Fresh Garlic In the forthcoming Garden Like a Boss class, we’ll also talk about how garlic can be turned into value-added products — like black garlic, garlic powder, or garlic-infused oils. These not only preserve your harvest but also add economic value if you’re selling at markets. Why Perennial Alliums Deserve a Place in Your Garden While garlic is a yearly crop, perennial alliums like walking onions, chives, and society garlic provide flavor and resilience year-round. Plant once, harvest for years. They’re perfect for busy growers who want productivity without replanting every season. Final Thoughts Fall gardening in Georgia isn’t about shutting down — it’s about setting up the next season for success. Planting garlic and perennial alliums now means you’ll be harvesting rich, flavorful bulbs when the summer garden is just getting started. Ready to learn hands-on? Join us for the Garden Like a Boss class on September 27th in East Point, GA. We’ll walk you through planting, caring, and even cooking tips for garlic and perennial alliums — and you’ll leave confident enough to boss your garden year-round. Call-to-Action (CTA): “Reserve your spot for the Garden Like a Boss class series today. Spaces are limited, and garlic waits for no one!” 2025 Garden Like A Boss | Fall - Winter | Garlic 2025 Garden Like A Boss | Fall - Winter | Garlic Sep 27, 2025 11AM – 1PM GET TICKETS $25 per class. Join us for the 2025 Garden Like A Boss Series led by tenisio seanima. Learn how to enhance your quality of life, reduce dependency on commercial systems, create a productive urban space and so much more. We can't wait to see you at the Fresh Oasis Community Garden.

Story by Maureen McGavin | Emory News Center, Aug. 20, 2025 Jim Alexander during a conversation at an Emory Libraries event in March 2023. Photo by: Bita Honarvar Thousands of iconic images of African American authors, athletes, artists and activists will soon be easier to access and explore, thanks to a three-year grant from the Getty Foundation for Black Visual Arts Archives . The Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library at Emory University recently received the $280,000 grant to process the Jim Alexander photograph collection . One aspect of the work made possible through the grant will be enhancing the finding aid with a more detailed description, making it easier for researchers and course instructors to find what they need. A documentary photographer, Alexander is known for his compelling images of Black musicians, politicians, protesters and everyday people. He started taking photos in 1952 at age 17 when he was in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the New York Institute of Photography in 1968 with a degree in commercial photography, but instead followed his passion and spent his life documenting the lives of African Americans and their experiences. His work has been featured in more than 60 exhibits, including some at Emory’s Woodruff Library, and he has taught photography at Yale University and other colleges. Alexander, who turned 90 this month, continues to take photographs. His historical images were exhibited in four Atlanta locations in June and July , including The Sun ATL Gallery  and the Fulton County Central Library. N'Kosi Oates, curator of African American collections at Rose Library, is the lead principal investigator (PI) on the grant project. Carrie Hintz, associate director of Rose Library, is co-PI. “The Rose Library has a very robust collecting area regarding African Americans in the arts, ranging from theater and playwrights to literature and writers to photography and artists,” says Oates. “Jim Alexander’s collection ranks among the top for scope and scale. The Getty Foundation’s support for processing Alexander’s collection is a testament to just how remarkable and valuable his archive truly is to visual culture, the Atlanta community and American history.”  Alexander’s photography at Emory The Alexander collection first came to the Rose Library in 2014, with subsequent additions made in 2016, 2018 and 2022. The collection consists of prints, negatives, slides and contact sheets — in all, thousands of photographs taken by Alexander from about 1960-2022. Many of the photos were taken at marches, rallies and protests in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast, including civil rights and anti-apartheid marches, KKK rallies, concerts and music festivals, and more. Images of prominent African American politicians, athletes, activists, authors, musicians and artists — including Romare Bearden, Ralph Abernathy, Julian Bond, John Lewis, Andrew Young, Angela Davis, James Baldwin, Duke Ellington and others — are among the collection materials. “Jim Alexander is one of the best-known historical civil rights era photographers of our time,” says Valeda F. Dent, vice provost of Emory Libraries, Carlos Museum and the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship. “It is an honor for the Rose Library to be the steward of Jim’s photography collection and to be graced with the opportunity to teach and support research using these collections. Jim is also a major supporter of the Emory Libraries and the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and we so value his presence and partnership. We are over the moon about this new opportunity!” The Alexander photography collection offers a rich visual story of Atlanta’s 20th-century arts and culture history, especially during the Black arts movement of the 1960s and 1970s. But much of it remains unprocessed, including images of key events like the National Black Arts Festival and Atlanta Jazz Festival, and settings like the Neighborhood Arts Center (a community arts center significant in Atlanta’s Black arts movement). Work funded by the grant intends to address this gap. The grant project will include two main components. First, a visiting archivist will process the collection to improve discoverability and accessibility. Second, an oral history will be created with Alexander. Oates has been training with the Emory Oral History Project team on how to prepare for and conduct the interviews. Among other topics, he hopes to ask Alexander about his artistic evolution and discuss the context of selected images. Clinton Fluker, senior director of culture, community and partner engagement for Emory Libraries and the Michael C. Carlos Museum, helped bring in parts of the collection over the years as a graduate student assistant and then as curator of African American collections of the Rose Library. “The Jim Alexander photograph collection is such a gift to Emory University and the world,” says Fluker. “Alexander’s photographs capture moments in history that span decades and tell us stories about the African American experience in this country that only a master can produce. Just as he has mentored photographers and artists all over the world, we’ll now be able to learn from his collection of photographs for years to come as it serves as an invaluable resource to researchers in the Stuart A. Rose Library.” Learn more about the Jim Alexander photograph collection through the Rose Library finding aid for the collection or email the Rose Library staff . Additional Resources Conversation with legendary Black photographers Jim Alexander and Tom Dorsey Related Stories Awash in history, with hearts still tender: A conversation with photographers Jim Alexander and Tom Dorsey April 13, 2023 Library exhibit ‘Creative Justice’ celebrates Arts and Social Justice Fellows program March 23, 2023

Oh sheila! Photographic works remembering shelia Turner, by members of Sistagraphy Oh sheila! Photographic works remembering shelia Turner, by members of Sistagraphy  On view - July 21 to September 5, 2025 ArtsXchange Community Gallery A women with passion, creativity and vision, shelia turner believed that African American women were just as talented as men in the  realm of photography. shelia acted upon her passion and invited women with the same ideals and held an exhibition of only African American women.   From that exhibition, she created a space for women to be creative in the photographic medium.  Thus, shelia founded Sistagraphy (named by Susan “Sue” Ross) which has been active for over 30 years. shelia encouraged Sistagraphy members to use their cameras, mixed media art and the like to  be artists, storytellers, and activists to tell the stories of the communities, cities, states and countries. This exhibition is a celebration of our founder shelia turner--her work, her creativity, her activism, her passion and her vision that led her to create Sistagraphy.  The members of Sistagraphy are presenting works by shelia, inspired by shelia and of shelia. About Shelia Turner Shelia Turner 1961 - 2018 In 1993, Shelia Turner , an Atlanta-based documentary photographer, wanted to  create a vehicle for Black women photographers to exhibit their work. At  the time, the world of photography was dominated by white males. There  was no collective of Black women photographers documenting the stories of Black women. Shelia contacted nine photographers that she knew  personally, and they all accepted her invitation. The inaugural  exhibition garnered critical acclaim. The collective’s next exhibition  was held in 1994 under its new name, Sistagraphy. Shelia passed away in  2018, but her commitment to the relevance and importance of photographic art created by African American women lives on. Sistagraphy encourages lifelong learning and promotes the art of photography through  interpretive theme-based exhibitions, educational programs, and  community outreach. Shelia Turner was posthumously awarded the Ebon Dooley Change Maker Award in 2018. Learn more about Sistagraphy

Sista Shaman's Memory Lounge is back! And it's all free. Carve out dedicated time to organize your beloved photos into albums surrounded by fellow memory-keepers, where the only agenda is progress at your own pace in good company. Digital and physical albums welcomed. Bring your own supplies and enjoy a supportive space designed for turning photo chaos into cherished collections. After such a successful first round this summer, Sista Shaman — a photographer, curriculum designer, jewelry maker and lightworker also known as N'Dieye Gray wanted to offer the Memory Lounge on regular basis, with dates in October, December, and more to come in 2026. " We gathered, sorted, laughed, and remembered," she said. "This session was full of stories, sisterhood, and stacks of photos—blurry ones, beautiful ones, and everything in between." Join her again on Oct. 11 and Dec. 6 Time:  10 AM – 2 PM (stay the whole time or drop in for an hour or two) Bring a bag lunch!   Suggested Sorting Supplies: Shoe boxes Cotton gloves Archival tape and pens Soft pencils (for labeling backs of photos safely) Sticky notes (for temporary sorting or categorizing) Photo-safe sleeves or envelopes Dividers or index cards (to separate themes, dates, or people) Microfiber cloth (to gently clean prints or screens) Small notebook or index log (to jot down dates, names, stories) For more info and to RSVP, see

ArtsXchange, in collaboration with the historic Academy Theatre in Hapeville, will welcome revolutionary artist and performance poet José Torres-Tama for a powerful residency that bridges history, memory, and movement. A bold and unflinching voice in performance art, Torres-Tama will offer three performance workshops and three showings of his searing multimedia solo performance, United States of Amnesia: In a System that Seduces You to Forget, Dare to Remember. WORKSHOPS: Workshop Tickets ArtsXchange Member - Free Pay what you can tickets - Free + General Admission -$10 Participants will explore performance ritual, spoken word, and the role of collective memory in resistance. These sessions are open to all levels and invite artists, organizers, educators, and truth-tellers to engage creatively with their histories and communities. Workshop with José Torres-Tama (at ArtsXchange) Mon, Sep 08, 2025 6-9 PM ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St, East Point, GA 30344, USA GET TICKETS Workshop with José Torres-Tama (at ArtsXchange) Wed, Sep 10, 2025 6-9 PM ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St, East Point, GA 30344, USA GET TICKETS PERFORMANCES: Performance Tickets ArtsXchange Member - Free Pay what you can tickets - Free + General Admission -$15 In the satirical, genre-bending show, he channels a “shamanistic time traveler” to conjure the past and expose the present. United States of Amnesia connects the dots across centuries — from the Three-Fifths Compromise and Indian Removal Act to Operation Wetback and Zero Tolerance immigration policies — tracing a brutal through line of dehumanizing legislation that exploits Black, Brown, and Indigenous labor. Through humor and radical remembering, Torres-Tama calls out the hypocrisy of the colonial settler system and demands an awakening from the induced amnesia of empire. United States of Amnesia | José Torres-Tama Performance (at ArtsXchange) Fri, Sep 12, 2025 7 PM ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St, East Point, GA 30344, USA GET TICKETS United States of Amnesia | José Torres-Tama Performance (at ArtsXchange) Sat, Sep 13, 2025 7 PM ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St, East Point, GA 30344, USA GET TICKETS About the Artist José Torres-Tama is an Ecuadorian-born interdisciplinary provocateur of Quechua indigenous descent. He is an award-winning performance and visual artist; published playwright and poet; photographer and journalist; and arts educator with the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. Among many awards, he has received a Louisiana Theater Fellowship, three NPN Creation Fund Awards, and a MAPFUND Grant award for his Taco Truck Theater diverse ensemble on wheels. From 2006 to 2011, he contributed post-Katrina commentaries that aired on NPR's Latino USA. He exposed the myriad human rights violations Latin American immigrant reconstruction workers endured while heroically contributing to the resurrection of the flooded port city of New Orleans. United States of Amnesia was developed through National Performance Network Creation Fund Award, and co-commissioned by the Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans and GALA Hispanic Theater in Washington, DC. Learn more About ArtsXchange ArtsXchange is a cultural facility founded in the Black arts tradition that empowers artists, social justice activists, and creative entrepreneurs to engage communities through the transformative power of the arts. The pillars of our programming are Visual Arts, Literature and Literacy, and Land Conservation. We serve our communities through workshops, exhibitions, concerts, health and wellness classes, films, performances, and community gardens. Our resident studio artist program supports emerging, mid-career, and established artists by providing affordable creative spaces. As cultural stewards, we foster resilience within our communities as a gathering, sharing, and organizing space. We make the arts accessible to individuals traditionally excluded from creative industries, responding directly to community needs through partnerships and collaborations with like-minded arts organizations, social justice advocates, and people-led initiatives. For more information, visit ArtsXchange.org , or follow on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . About Academy Theatre The Academy Theatre is the longest running professional theatre in Georgia. Founded in 1956 by Frank Wittow, the Academy pioneered a number of developments in Atlanta’s professional theatre community including the first professional theatre in the South to be integrated, and the first Southeastern Shakespeare Festival.Academy has premiered over 400 new plays and has, in addition to mainstage audiences exceeding 500,000, reached over 2 million children and 200,000 adults through its outreach programs alone. Today, the Academy Theatre continues its outreach work to people without a theatrical voice, incubates new theater companies, produces mainstage works, and remains a vital component of the Southeast’s theater community. For information, visit academytheatre.org .

ArtsXchange Executive Director, Alice Lovelace and Brandy Hall, Founder and CEO of Shades of Green Permaculture shared our garden project with the world! Huge thanks to Shades of Green for donating the redesign of our front yard into a permaculture wonderland; and to our funders, Partnership for Southern Equity and Greening America's Cities. Kelly Clarkson Show TikTok: @kellyclarksonshow | Instagram: @kellyclarksonshow  | Twitter: @kellyclarksontv  | Facebook: @kellyclarksonshow  | YouTube: youtube.com/c/kellyclarksonshow Kelly Clarkson: @kellyclarkson Imagine a space where artists find inspiration, neighbors gather, and the land thrives—where art and ecology unite to uplift and sustain our communities.   Your contribution will help ArtsXchange transform its front yard into that place: a permaculture wonderland for the community to use and enjoy!   Please donate today. Grow with us. Why This Project Matters   The landscapes we live in shape our daily lives. Yet, conventional landscapes—lawns, paved lots, and chemically-treated spaces—are failing us. They deplete our soils, waste water, and strip our communities of biodiversity. These problems aren't just aesthetic or environmental; they impact everyone—our food, our water, our health, and our future.   This project reimagines what a community greenspace can be: • Designed for and by the community • A thriving, biodiverse ecosystem that filters rainwater, nourishes pollinators, and grows organic food • A gathering space for artists, educators, and activists • A model for regenerative landscaping—one that restores the land   The Film   Led by Shades of Green Permaculture—with 16 years of experience in regenerative landscaping—and captured by award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Banks, this film documents The ArtsXchange and its transformation of an overlooked and underutilized greenspace into a thriving, resilient ecosystem. This isn’t just a story of a single garden—it’s a vision for the future of our shared landscapes.   Your Donation Directly Funds:   • A water system to capture and filter rainwater, protecting the land and the building foundation • Native plants, edible gardens, and pollinator habitats for a resilient, multifunctional landscape • Film production, editing, and distribution to spread this knowledge far and wide   Every dollar brings us closer to a future where landscapes heal communities, where artists are supported, and where community spaces flourish without barriers. The Southeast Community Cultural Center d/b/a the ArtsXchange is supported by business donors, annual members, and individuals like you. We are thankful for the support from the Threshold Foundation, Fulton County Arts & Culture under the guidance of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Fidelity Charitable, The Community Corps, Georgia Council for the Arts under the guidance of the State of Georgia Legislators and support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Our literary programs are presented in partnership with South Fulton Arts. The official accommodation provider is Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North. We encourage you to become a donor or member today!