Supporting the next generation of artists
Apr. 17 — I’m excited to bring you another great week of art news. This week’s edition is all about opportunities – for young artists, arts organizations, and art collectors.
First, if you’re looking for something fun to do tonight, famed “Saturday Night Live” photographer Mary Ellen Matthews is signing her new book in Buckhead. Check out my colleague Sammie Purcell’s story below for details.
This weekend, SCAD will present the 2025 Spring Fine Arts Show which will facilitate the exhibition and sale of more than 400 works made by SCAD students, faculty, and alumni. Want to see what kind of art the young kids are making these days? This would be a good chance to check it out!
I also had a chance to speak with Alan Mothner, CEO of Spruill Center for the Arts, about the new Larch Creative Fund grant. Open to artists and arts organizations across the state, this new fund is now seeking applications through June 1.
As always, thanks for reading!
Isadora
In conversation with ‘SNL’ photographer Mary Ellen Matthews
📸 Mary Ellen Matthews has been the resident photographer at “Saturday Night Live” since 1999. Now, she’s sharing her famous portraits in a new book.
Released in conjunction with the sketch comedy show’s 50th anniversary, “The Art of the SNL Portrait” features a collection of photos taken by Matthews during her tenure with the show – think the photographs that pop up of the host or musical guest when the show transitions from a commercial break back to live programming.
Matthews is set to appear at a book signing on April 16 at Don Purcell Jeweler in Buckhead Village from 5-7 p.m. Guests will be able to meet Matthews, buy the book, and have it signed.
➡️ Check out Sammie Purcell’s interview with Matthews here.
Experience Oakland After Dark This Weekend!
SPONSORED BY HISTORIC OAKLAND FOUNDATION
🌙 Illuminate your evening with art, live music, interactive exhibits, and colorful lighting in Atlanta’s beloved historic gem. As the sun sets, sculptures, animations, paintings, and site-specific installations by Vanna Black, Kevin Chambers, FRKO, Bojana Ginn, Angie Jerez, Navin June Norling, and VAYNE bring new life to Oakland Cemetery’s stories and mysteries.
🍷 Grab a drink, take your time, and experience Oakland in a way you never have before—after dark, alive with creativity and color. Join us this weekend, April 17-20 and on April 24-27!
Spring Fine Arts Showcase returns to SCAD
🖼️ This weekend, SCAD will present the return of the Spring Fine Arts Showcase. This large exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view and buy over 400 works made by SCAD students, faculty, and alumni.
Sales are facilitated through SCAD Art Sales, the university’s in-house art consultancy. SCAD is the only university to offer exclusive representation to students, alumni, and faculty to international buyers.
➡️ Read more about the Spring Fine Arts Showcase here.
Spruill deepens statewide connections through grant program
💰 “As you’re probably aware, Georgia ranks dead last in the country for arts funding, and artists have been in this perpetual struggle to find funding for their projects,” Spruill Center for the Arts CEO Alan Mothner said.
No stranger to the plight of nonprofits and artists, Mothner is proud to present the new $50,000 Larch Creative Fund grant opportunity open to creatives across the state.
“Funding is imperative for artists to grow, find success, and continue to do their work,” he said.
➡️ Read more about Spruill’s new grant program here.
Art Happenings
📷 Jackson Fine Art welcomes acclaimed artists Cig Harvey and Julie Blackmon whose works explore themes of female identity, family, memory, and home. Opens tonight, Wed., April 16 from 5-7 p.m. (pictured)
🖼️ In Athens, Third Thursday promises a night of free exhibitions at the Georgia Museum of Art, Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, Lyndon House Arts Center, Athenaeum, tiny ATH gallery, and ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery. Thurs., April 17, times vary.
🔦 Cat Eye Creative has partnered with Oakland Cemetery to present a curated after-dark art experience on the grounds for “Illumine.” Runs Thurs., April 17 through Sun., April 27. See more details and buy tickets online.
⛰️ “Lost Horizons,” a group exhibition of works by Heather Bird, Jennifer Diaz and K. Tauches, will debut at The Pollinator Art Space. Expect themes of nature, sense of place, and lost vs. found. Thurs., April 17 from 5-9 p.m.
🎷 Friday Jazz returns to the High Museum of Art with performances in the Robinson Atrium and Orkin Terrace, featuring music by Jazz-fusion band The 4 Korners, plus gallery tours. Fri., April 18 from 6-10 p.m.
🎞️ The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA) presents Double Feature, a cinematic exploration of Blaxploitation films through vintage poster art. Opens Fri., April 18 at 7 p.m.
🎉 Underground Atlanta presents Downtown DIY, a day celebrating accessible opportunities in the Atlanta arts community. Expect to see Scraplanta workshops, Dad’s Garage improv, and Public Art Futures Lab’s VR Film Screening and Artist Talk during Downtown Day. Sat., April 19 from 2-9 p.m.
🎨 This weekend, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces is hosting the 14th annual Sandy Springs Artsapalooza with 125 artists selling their work, children’s area, interactive art, food, and music. Sat. and Sun., April 19-20.
Post of the Week
🍷 Nick ‘Turbo’ Benson posted this video showing the incredible mural he just completed in Alpharetta. Congrats, Nick, on your largest and most ambitious mural to date. It is amazing!
