By Nikki D. Bosompem. This was my first visit to the High Museum of Art since I was a small girl and it’s been 20 years since I stepped over its threshold. I have always wanted to go back to the High (as we Atlantans call it) because my experiences were enthralling but as adulthood ensued, I never made the time. I was born in the 70’s, raised during the 80’s. I was bathed in culture ]]>By Nikki D. Bosompem.
This was my first visit to the High Museum of Art since I was a small girl and it’s been 20 years since I stepped over its threshold. I have always wanted to go back to the High (as we Atlantans call it) because my experiences were enthralling but as adulthood ensued, I never made the time. I was born in the 70’s, raised during the 80’s. I was bathed in culture with such exhibits featured at the High like the “China Exhibit” in which I can recall a memory of a huge card-catalog – like box filled with drawers of Asian spices one could pull out and sniff. During field trips we frequented the museum when the “Sensations” exhibit came and we would stick our hands in holes filled with various items to heighten sensory awareness. Not knowing what was at the end of that hole was what kept us loving when “Sensations” was at the High. My early contact with the High garnered life-long memories and now it was time for me to pass some of that on to my four-year-old and my girlfriend’s 15 year old daughter.
Therefore, on a day in late January, the three of us trudged through the cold and drizzle in search of artistic displays that could warm us at least visually and aesthetically. After checking our coats, (which is free!) paying the for the ticket (only $18, and tickets were buy one get one free on that day) the enthusiastic guide handed me a map of the museum and asked us, with even more enthusiasm if we were going to see the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit which was one of the featured attractions and one of the artists recently covered in my young friend’s art class. We headed up to the second floor of the immaculate space and made our way to see what gifts the great Italian artists and scientist left behind for us.
We were all excited to see authentic pieces of the work of the one of the most famous artists in the world. The da Vinci Exhibit, which will be at the High until February 21st, contained about 50 works but boasted only 20 pieces that were actually done by the hand of the artist himself. Most of these were drawings done in the early stages of his career. At that time, according to the information written on the wall signs next to the pieces, da Vinci was very interested in horses and equestrian arts and many of the pieces displayed exemplified that. One of the most impressive features of the exhibit were the huge statues made by Giovan Francesco Rustici, giving evidence to the influence Leonardo da Vinci had on the younger artists following him. Moving through the exhibit, we could see three stages of Leonardo da Vinci’s career: the beginning, when he himself was a student, the phase when he was perfecting his craft as a sculptor, and finally, as a teacher, when artists inspired by him learned from his expertise and benefitted from his guidance.
The High had so much to offer that the different exhibits felt as if they would never end! As soon as we thought we might be done discovering, we stumbled upon more to see. Our observations ranged from the John Portman Exhibit on Art and Architecture showing models of buildings from around the world to paintings highlighting local culture by Hale Woodruff featuring the consequences of erecting “housing projects” like Hearndon Homes on Northside Drive. A beautifully colorful and moving political piece, the painting entitled, “Results of Good Housing,” speaks to the era in American history when housing projects were seen as the solution for the poor (which equaled out to blacks) to receive adequate places to live during the Depression. In actuality, this undertaking further pushed blacks into the bondages of racism and stereotyping. Right now, Hearndon Homes is being demolished for many good reasons. One of the positive effects will be eradicating racial scars of the past.
Some of the most amazing paintings were of the Civil War era from the American Art exhibit. On the walls were expansive portraits depicting the beautiful landscapes of the southern most regions of America. The beauty of the pictures contrasted with the desolation of deserted farms and plantation houses as the War swept through the land and the slaves ran for freedom.
The African Exhibit featured many different examples of the rich culture of the African peoples and was refreshing after viewing paintings that were both pleasing to the eye and painful reminders of a shameful past the Civil War can evoke. My daughter, whose father is from Ghana, was excited to observe pieces from his home land and we marveled over huge masks made from wood used by the Bwa peoples from Burkina Faso. Pieces from Nigeria, the Congo, Rwanda, and the Ivory Coast were also proudly displayed.
After three hours and complaints from my daughter that her feet were hurting, I turned to my friend and asked her if she was ready to leave. She looked at me, gave me a hug, and told me she was glad we came. She said she learned a lot and that she was anxious to get to school to let her art teacher know how much she had learned over the weekend. I asked my daughter what she liked the most as we left the building and she said, “The Ghana stuff.”
The visit made an impression on all of us and definitely made me realize that going to the High is a great way to instill knowledge and culture within us without even leaving the city. Take an afternoon, grab a friend or co-worker and check out all the wonders the High Museum of Art has waiting for you.
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By Rachael Rene. Michael Jackson’s This is It DVD Release Party, Origin at Emory University, Dine and Dance at Northlake Mall, Young Frankenstein at The Fox Theatre, Flamingo Fridays at the Sanctuary Nightclub & Lounge, Scary Kids Scaring Kids at The Masq, and more.]]>“Michael Jackson’s This is It” Release Party at Blockbuster
(25th at 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.)
All over Atlanta fans are invited to celebrate Michael’s movie release on DVD at midnight. Starting at 9:00, there will be performing and teaching of the infamous songs “Beat It” and “Thriller” by Choreographer Desiree Nathanson of Dance 101. In honor of his fashion statement, Atlanta Coats of Love will be collecting gloves and coats. This will be at the Brookhaven Blockbuster on 3944 Peachtree Road.
Directions
Origin at Emory University
(25th – 28th at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; 29th at 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. )
Celebrating Charles Darwin’s 200th anniversary of birth and The Origin of Species, which is his 150-year-old work of art. In this free exhibit you will explore 4 works of his art and see his evolution thoughts through his eyes. The presentation will be inside the Woodruff Library at Emory University, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta.
Directions
Northlake Mall presents Dine and Dance
(26th at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
Every last Tuesday of the month, this dancing event will be held in the Northlake‘s Food Garden. The John LaMatittina Band will be providing music for the night. This social event is free and open to the public. The mall is at 4800 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30345 which is only 12 miles northeast of the downtown.
Information
The Fox Theatre presents Young Frankenstein
(26th - 29th at 8:00 p.m.; 30th at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.; 31st at 1:00 pm & 6:30 pm.)
The winner of three Tony Awards, Mel Brooks, created this new musical comedy based off Mary Shelley’s memorable book. This enjoyable revision of the Frankenstein legend will surely please every audience. The Fox is at 660 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.
Tickets
Flamingo Fridays at the Sanctuary Nightclub & Lounge
(29th at 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.)
The Sanctuary continues their notorious Latin dancing every Friday night. Salsa, Merengue and Bachata will be the core dances at this Buckhead hotspot. Ladies are free before 10:00 p.m., and there is a free beginner/intermediate Salsa lesson at 9:00 p.m. The Sanctuary is at 3209 Paces Ferry Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Information
The Masquerade presents Scary Kids Scaring Kids
(30th at 6:00 p.m.)
Scary Kids Scaring Kids, named from a Cap’n Jazz song, are a post-hardcore/indie rock band that formed in 2002. They are known for a reckless and rousing live show.
Dance Gavin Dance, a more emo-leaning band, will also be in the showcase. Come support SKSK this Saturday on their very last tour! The Masquerade lies at 695 North Avenue NE.
Tickets
The Silver Scream Spook Show at the Plaza Theatre
(30th at 1:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.)
For thirty minutes a live stage show full of comedy, dancing girls, magic tricks, and frights! Afterwards, on 35mm film the classic horror Buck Rogers Planet Outlaws will be showing. Located at 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue.
Information
Ferst Center of the Arts presents Natalie MacMaster And Donnell Leahy
(31st at 5:00 p.m.)
The married couple are two of the world’s most notable fiddlers. Along with their Celtic music fiddling, they will be singing and dancing. This uplifting performance is not one to miss. 349 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta 30332 is where the center is.
Information
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By Rachael Rene. Start year 2010 with some great ideas for fun things to do in Atlanta. Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour, Hip Hop Jam Session at the Apache Café, free salsa lessons, live salsa and meringue music, Downtown Artswalk, Christian Finnegan at The Punchline, Dweezil Zappa at the Variety Playhouse, etc.]]>Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour
(Every January night at 7:30pm)
Our southern city has been through a lot in its years of existing. In the tour you will experience places where the active spirits are still present. Tours begin at the corner of Ponce De Leon and Peachtree Street at the corner of the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
Reservations
Hip Hop Jam Session at the Apache Café
(5th at 9:00pm)
The session will include guest DJs and artists, and a chance for everyone to have the mic and jam out with the band. Apache is a very welcoming place, and the cover charge is only five dollars. The café is located at 64 Third St., Atlanta, right in Midtown.
Information
Ladies Night at Loca Luna
(6th at 8:00pm)
Starting off the night, free salsa lessons will begin at 8:00pm. After that, live salsa and meringue music will be played for your dancing pleasure. It is a free event, but you are welcome to take advantage of their tasty tapas dishes! Loca Luna is located at 550-C Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, 30306.
Directions
First Thursday Downtown Artswalk
(7th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm)
The first Thursday of every month, downtown holds an open walk through galleries at numerous venues for free. You can move at any pace you would like through the cultural and historical downtown.
Information
Christian Finnegan at The Punchline
(7th at 8:00pm; 8th at 8:00pm & 10:00pm; 9th at 7:00pm, 9:00pm, & 11:00pm; 10th at 8:00pm)
Mr. Finnegan is well known for being a panelist on VH1’s “Best Week Ever” series. He is continuously making appearances on Comedy Central; you may have even seen him on “Chappelle’s Show”. The Punchline strives to present the best working comedians, and with Christian, they are definitely succeeding! The location is 280 Hilderbrand Drive, ATL, in the Balconies shopping center.
Tickets
Improv Act
(8th at 10:30pm)
The improv act is titled Ask Dr. Frapples. In this act the audience members guide their questions to this psychiatrist, and get possible solutions to your troubles. Dad’s Garage is located inside Inman Park facing Lake Avenue. The exact address is 280 Elizabeth Street, Suite C-101, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Tickets
Behind the Sun plays at Andrews Upstairs
(9th at 9:00pm)
Behind the Sun is a tribute band devoting their performances to their love of music by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Detroit Mutant Radio will be rocking out with their alternative hip-hop type music as well. East Andrews prides itself as “Atlanta’s most intimate concert setting”. It is located at 56 East Andrews Drive Suite #10.
Tickets
Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11th at 8:00pm)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets
This past weekend, there were a slew of art and photo shows, but only a handful of them were recent graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design. In Atlantic Station, taking over the former location of Chaplins, Jennifer Hope Jacoby had her first photo show. Ten photos adorned the walls, each of them had a phone number beneath them and a stop number included. When one dialed the number and entered the stop number, the subject of the picture spoke a thousand words about themselves.
Jennifer told me that she originally wanted twenty-five people to participate in the show, but due to time constraints and various other outside factors, the field was narrowed down to ten. The subjects of the picture included her mentally handicapped sister, a former roommate of hers, friends and even one friend that she had known for two decades, after re-connecting on Facebook.
One of the photos from the show
Each of the pictures captured the subject with something that defined them as a person. For one, it was the jewelry she makes. For another, it was her children. Everything from a laptop to a snake were brought to define the subject of the photo. Listening to the subjects talk about themselves was an experience in and of itself. Each person revealed something about themselves that they normally would not.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and each person at the show probably drew their own story from the picture, without even hearing what the subject had to share. Food was provided and there was an open bar, complete with beer and wine. At the end of the tour, there was a total of ten pictures and each person was asked to write their own story about what was behind the photograph.
Jennifer Hope Jacoby’s show will be running through Tuesday, the 22nd of December, viewings are available by appointment only. For more information, please contact Jennifer Hope Jacoby at JHJ.Photography@gmail.com or visit her website at www.JenniferHopeJacobyPhotography.com
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By Rosey Sumrall. These times of economic instability find the market for art dwindling, and many galleries are unable to stay afloat. Here in Atlanta, we have lost many galleries to the harsh reality of declining sales. Despite the mess, Gallery 4463 in Acworth has been able to survive.
The structure of the building itself is quite striking. Brick walls and high ceilings offer enough space to accommodate a crowd. They house a number of different artistic mediums, including (although certainly not limited to) paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and pottery.]]>
By Rosey Sumrall.
These times of economic instability find the market for art dwindling, and many galleries are unable to stay afloat. Here in Atlanta, we have lost many galleries to the harsh reality of declining sales. Despite the mess, Gallery 4463 in Acworth has been able to survive.
The structure of the building itself is quite striking. Brick walls and high ceilings offer enough space to accommodate a crowd. They house a number of different artistic mediums, including (although certainly not limited to) paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and pottery.
Luckily for Clemens Johnson, the Executive Director of Gallery 4463, the artists on display are very talented and able to bring in customers. The artists are not the only thing allowing this gallery to survive; however, it is also due to an operating framework that is unique among area galleries.
Gallery 4463 has come up with a new way to make money while still offering local artists invaluable exposure for their work. Once a year, for $30 ($20 for students) artists can purchase an online registry under the Gallery website. The artwork will be on display for the public through this registry and is officially affiliated with the Gallery.
Artists who have yet to achieve gallery recognition the old fashioned way can proudly display their artwork and pad their resume with this new virtual art gallery. For a beginning artist just trying to get noticed, the difficulty in getting a gallery to accept your artwork is one of the toughest obstacles to overcome.
Like most art galleries, Gallery 4463 has a panel of experienced artists who come together to judge a prospective new artist’s work. They meet and make a final decision as to whether or not the new artist can display their art in their gallery. This process is daunting to someone with no experience, which is exactly why having their work displayed online is so beneficial.
In addition to new artists and the gallery itself, this registry also benefits art lovers. It offers a chance to see fresh new artists with a broad spectrum of different art mediums, without being constrained to what is physically available on the Gallery floor.
If you or someone you know would like to be a part of this online registry, you can sign up through their website at www.gallery4463.com. Click on ‘registry information’ on the left hand side of the screen.
If you are interested in visiting the Gallery in person, you can find them at 4463 Cherokee Street , Acworth , GA 30101
Any person who wants vocal lessons in Atlanta will have a varied choice of both teaching methods and locations of interest. There are many teachers situated here who are certified to teach singing. You can be assured of finding a teacher with years of experience. However, there are also less experienced teachers with highly individual and even experimental training methods.
If you are interested in finding the right teacher for vocal lessons in Atlanta you can approach The National Association of Teachers of Singing and also The Music Teachers National Association in order to verify a teacher’s credentials. Teachers who are members of these associations are both suitably qualified and experienced enough to give singing lessons.
It is not unusual for the best singing teachers in Atlanta to have performed in the city’s cathedrals. Another good indication of a singing teacher’s abilities is if he or she has sung with The Atlanta Opera.
There are many different genres of music and teachers in the city specialize in one or more specific styles. You will find studios dedicated to opera, classical, blues, rock, pop, hip hop and more. What is important is to find a studio that provides the techniques you need for your choice of genre.
You won’t be bored while taking lessons in Atlanta. There are many music venues frequented by music students as well as interesting sites. Some of the more interesting and popular sites are Stone Mountain, CNN Centre, Martin Luther King Jr Center, City Hall, and Jimmy Carter Museum. This city is filled with historical buildings, churches and theaters that can be viewed down Peachtree Drive. The home of the author Margaret Mitchell who wrote ‘Gone with the Wind’ is situated in the city.
A simple online search will indicate a high standard of vocal lessons in Atlanta does exist. Experienced teachers provide placement, interpretation, breathing, strength and teach musicianship. A learner is taken from novice to advanced level. An established teacher will groom you for auditions that take place in Atlanta and the interesting location will keep you entertained.
Abel G. Jones is an expert musician and the director of SingingCenter.com. He has reviewed many singing programs and recently published Singing Success review on his website. Abel G. Jones provides honest reviews on singing programs like Singing Success review and much more. Check out the website today!
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