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.

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.

By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange Media If your favorite song became an image, what would it look like? The ArtsXchange invites the public to experience that question through Sonic Impressions: Abstract Visual Art Inspired by Music, a juried exhibition on view July 25-Aug. 29 in the Jack Sinclair Gallery at ArtsXchange. The exhibition opens with a free public reception from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, featuring an awards presentation recognizing the top three artworks selected by guest juror Oscar Harris, FAIA. An architect whose visionary work has helped define Atlanta's skyline and civic identity, Harris spent decades shaping some of the city's most recognizable public spaces, including the atrium at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Olympic light towers created for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Today, Harris, 82, brings that same spirit of innovation to the canvas as a full-time abstract expressionist painter, creating works guided by the rhythms, improvisation, and emotional energy of jazz. His unique perspective makes him an ideal juror for Sonic Impressions, an exhibition that explores the relationship between music and abstract visual art. Rather than illustrating musicians or instruments, participating artists translate sound itself into color, texture, movement, and form, inviting audiences into a cross-sensory experience where music becomes something to see. “Music has long been a catalyst for artistic expression across cultures,” said Sinclair Gallery Director Ric Washington. “Sonic Impressions invites artists and audiences alike to consider how sound moves through the body and imagination, creating visual experiences that are as personal and expansive as the music itself.” The exhibition features work by Carl Christian, Zerric Clinton, Kevin Cole, Sean Haynes, Adrienne Hills, F. Geoffrey Johnson, Annika Jones, Debbie Jung, Michael Morgan, Chantrice Rachelle, Raqstar Vernon Robinson, Pame Sawyer-Smith, Serenity, Tony Smart, and Clementine Willowilde. The Jack Sinclair Gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Admission to both the exhibition and opening reception is free. Sonic Impressions: Abstract Visual Art Inspired by Music Opening Reception: 3-5 pm, Saturday, July 25 | Free | On View July 25 - Aug. 29, 2026 MORE INFO & RSVP

Every year, our internship program here at ArtsXchange brings amazing students into our space and each intern gains real world experience while working directly with staff to helping expand our reach. Georgia Tech SCoRE Intern, Debbie Jung, took the lead with creating an immersive experience where students got a tour of the property and met with different studio artists to learn about who we are and what we do. __________ This summer, I (Debbie Jung) have been interning at ArtsXchange through Georgia Tech’s Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education (SCoRE). SCoRE’s summer internship program connects Georgia Tech students with local non-profits that contribute to sustainable community building. This month, I had the pleasure of planning my internship cohort’s visit to ArtsXchange. Thursday, July 16, 2026- The site visit began in the Robeson Theatre, with a brief introduction and history of ArtsXchange presented by Tia Davis. We had a large group of around 30 students. Each student received a small zine with information about ArtsXchange before the tour began. After the introduction, students received a tour of the Fresh Oasis Community Garden and Permaculture Garden, led by Tenisio Seanima. The tomatoes were ripe, and Tenisio was able to pick a few off to toss and eat. After a tour of the gardens, students toured the studios of Jim Alexander, Lisa Tuttle, Kenneth Zakee, CYEA, and I AM ARTS. They gained a behind-the-scenes look of the new Sonic Impressions exhibit being set up, as well as the artwork being dropped off for the Midsummer Auction. Ric Washington spoke with students about the gallery and the upcoming exhibition. There were hands-on activities throughout the tour that gave students a chance to experience the arts. At I AM ARTS, Wise Mingo led an African drumming session. Theresa Davis led a writing activity, and students were able to take home kale seedlings graciously provided by Tenisio. Charlie provided sunflower seeds, and Zakee provided incense to students. Overall, students walked away with new insight on the arts and sustainability being cultivated at ArtsXchange. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to see students experiencing the arts and engaging with the ArtsXchange community firsthand. I am grateful for the help of everyone who helped coordinate this site visit, including Tia Davis, Tenisio Seanima, Darrin Johnson, and all of our studio artists. After the site visit, several students expressed how much they enjoyed the visit and being able to engage with ArtsXchange. I am hopeful for future relationship building between university students and ArtsXchange. For students and faculty looking to get involved with the ArtsXchange, we offer a full array of community programs, internship opportunities, and volunteer events to join. Check out our Volunteer page and join our database to stay updated on opportunities.

If there is one thing June confirmed, it's this: our literary community is full of wonderfully curious people who will happily follow me down the most delightfully nerdy writing rabbit holes. And for that, I am forever grateful. Saturday Writers Workshop Realness!! Thinking in Chains: The Blitz Takes Over Our Second Saturday Writing Workshop was called Thinking in Chains, where we explored the wonderfully chaotic and addictive Blitz poem, a form created by Robert Keim. The Blitz is fast. It's repetitive. It's associative. One phrase grabs the next by the hand and says, "Come on, we're going this way!" Before you know it, you've wandered into ideas you never intended to write about. It's the literary version of following one internet link after another until somehow you've ended up learning about octopuses, ancient Rome, and sourdough starters. I wasn't sure where we'd end up, but our fearless group embraced the adventure. By the end of the workshop, we'd created not just Blitz poems, but four different pieces inspired by the process: a prewrite, a poem, a prose piece, and even short fiction. Every month I wonder, "Will they indulge another one of my word nerd experiments?" Every month the answer is a joyful, enthusiastic yes. I couldn't ask for a better group of writers. Java Monkey Speaks Reunion A Mini Poetry Family Reunion Our June XChange Open Mic felt less like an event and more like a family reunion. With Nate Mask visiting from out of state, it didn't take long before familiar faces from the old Java Monkey days began appearing. Suddenly the room was filled with Carlos, Adan, Kayla, Zach, Anisa, Kini, Khalil and friends who reminded us that poetry communities have a way of finding each other again. There were hugs. There was laughter. There were stories. Most importantly, there was incredible poetry. We also welcomed several new performers who fit right in, making for one of those evenings where music and spoken word reminded us exactly why we gather in the first place. Old friends. New friends. Same love for the arts. That's a pretty good recipe for an unforgettable night. Fourth Saturday Writers Workshop Legends Realness!!! We Are the Living Legend Our Fourth Saturday Writing Workshop took us on yet another glorious word nerd expedition. We Are the Living Legend: A Myth-Making Workshop on Resilience, Activism & Ancestral Storytelling invited participants to think about the stories we inherit—and the ones we still need to tell. Our opening question was deceptively simple: "What story about your family or community gets told again and again?" That single question opened the door to conversations about myths surrounding the communities we belong to, stereotypes that persist, cherished family stories, and perhaps the most important question of all: What stories are missing? From there we explored one of my absolute favorite poetic forms—the pantoum. I have a confession. When I'm stuck... When inspiration refuses to answer my calls... When my writing decides it's on vacation... I write a pantoum. The repeating lines somehow trick my brain into discovering ideas I didn't know were waiting. Almost every time, the poem surprises me and points me toward something entirely new. Judging by the writing shared in the room, I wasn't the only one who fell in love with the form. And then something wonderfully unexpected happened... We celebrated our very first Writing Workshop Friendship Date! One participant bought a workshop registration as a birthday gift for a friend. Honestly? That's probably one of my favorite birthday presents I've ever witnessed. Coffee dates are nice. Dinner dates are lovely. But a birthday built around poetry and creativity? That's my kind of celebration. We welcomed lots of new faces, filled pages with fresh poems, and left reminded once again that writing is always better when shared. Looking Ahead... I'm already plotting our next literary adventure (because apparently I can't help myself). And don't forget... July's XChange Open Mic is also a Poetry Slam! Dust off those poems. Step up to the mic. Throw your words in the ring. You just might leave with applause, bragging rights, and enough prize money to put a little gas in the tank. We'll see you next month. Bring a notebook. Bring a friend. And bring your favorite words.

Check out the Literary Programs coming to the ArtsXchange this month! EVENT HIGHLIGHT - 2026 Creative Careers for Youth | Summer Session Registration OPEN Visual Literacy and Media with Theresa Davis Session 2: Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Through guided workshops, collaborative projects, and exposure to professional tools and techniques, students will discover how creative communication shapes the world around them. From brainstorming story concepts to showcasing their finished zine at the week’s end, each participant will take home a tangible reflection of their ideas and growing confidence as creators. Parents can feel confident knowing this program balances fun and focus, keeping minds active, imaginations engaged, and communication skills sharp during spring break. Get Session 2 Tickets | Scholarships Xchange Open Mic Fri, June 10, 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, July 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 Club Sat, July 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 4th Saturday Writers Workshop Sat, July 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 Sat, July 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! 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