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by Quanda Rodriquez
Would you like an extra helping of art with
your dinner? Many Atlantans choose restaurants for the ambience
as much as the culinary offering. Some of Atlanta’s most eclectic
and impressive art collections are housed in restaurants. To see
for yourself, make time to visit some of these Atlanta favorites.
is a contemporary restaurant of dramatic proportions. The menu is
an exciting blend of modern American cuisine with a splash of Asian
flavor. The restaurant’s art collection is an amazing mix
of eclectic, contemporary masterpieces.
is
graced with modern art, photography, and tropical aquariums. The
restaurant uses its art collection to inspire diners to look for
beauty and charisma in emotionally charged works throughout it’s
gorgeous space.
in College Park provides diners with the white-on-blond-wood look,
which evokes a 1930s supper club. Try Oscar’s for something
unique and artsy.
One of Atlanta’s most beautiful spaces where food meets art
is
in Buckhead. Jill Renee Brummond, Roys’ Sales and Marketing
Manager, shares insight into why visual art is important to the
dining experience for customers. “ Art and architecture really
set the tone of a restaurant. When patrons come to Roy’s,
they know that they are in a white tablecloth restaurant with an
amazingly laid back feel. We have created an environment that takes
our guests on a culinary journey to Hawaii and the art really contributes
to the overall dining experience.”
Many of your favorite restaurants may prominently feature the work
of local, national and even international artists. So next time
you enjoy dinner out on the town, take a look around. The art that
you find may surprise you.
 
by Quanda Rodriquez
Music, dance, theater, and all forms of visual art
are considered both academic and creative disciplines. When coupled
with traditional subjects in schools, the arts can become a catalyst
for improved academic achievement and higher levels of socialization.
The statistics supporting strong arts education are compelling.
According to Americans for the Arts, young people who participate
in the arts are:
• 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic
achievement
• 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within
their schools
• 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
A strong arts foundation has also been proven to increase reading
and math test scores, decrease delinquent behavior, improve problem
solving abilities, and positively impact language development.
There are many ways to increase arts education in schools.
Bring more professional artists into schools - Young Audiences of
Atlanta, a local division of a national organization, has a roster
of 120 diverse artists and ensembles who provided over 6,000 programs
to more than one million students in 47 counties last year. Visit
<http://www.ya-atlanta.org/> www.ya-atlanta.org to find out
how schools can arrange art oriented residencies, assemblies and
workshops.
Ask for more arts funding from the government - Advocacy at the
local, state, and national level is an increasingly effective tool
to support the arts in public schools. For more information about
arts advocacy, visit www.americansforthearts.org
Become active at a local school or after school program –
Volunteer to assist your community with arts related programs and
projects at a local school or aftercare facility. For arts related
volunteer opportunities, visit www.handsonatlanta.com or contact
your favorite arts organization.
The arts, like all community and social causes, requires the full
participation of the community in order to thrive. Schools have
been hard hit with major budget cuts and national school standards
issues. Investing human and capital resources into school arts programs
is an investment that is sure to bring a positive return.
by Quanda Rodriquez
Why was Edward Ellington called “Duke?”
How did Louis Armstrong revolutionize jazz? What defines Latin jazz?
How did Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker change American music?
And why did they call it bebop?
If you know the answers to the questions above, congratulations!
You just may have a grasp on some jazz basics. However, this rich
and complex music is at once hard to define, but amazingly intricate
and original. Jazz, an original American art form, continues to
capture the creativity of the spirit. This musical genre, unlike
most other forms of music, is only partially notated. Jazz music
requires that both its listeners and its players become active in
music making because of its heavy reliance on improvisation.
While jazz music is steeped in a rich history and embraced by many,
the art form has suffered greatly due to the popularity of other
musical forms. Jazz music CDs have experienced a 17 percent decline
in sales from 2001 to 2003. Various Jazz concert audiences have
declined as well. The key to maintaining jazz as an art form is
to educate young people about its history and its artistry so that
they, too, can enjoy the music and preserve the legacy.
Gordon Vernick, Head of Jazz Studies at Georgia State University
shares his thoughts on the most critical area of audience development.
“The little ones – that’s the audience that we
need to tap into. So, once they get older the sound is not so foreign
to them. Jazz audiences are getting smaller traditionally throughout
the country. I believe that one of the reasons is that we have not
taken it upon ourselves to reintroduce jazz into elementary and
middle school levels.”
True, school systems are focusing more on “traditional”
curriculum in schools. In order to achieve some level of balance,
several institutions like Young Audiences of Atlanta, the Georgia
State Jazz Ensemble, Spivey Hall, and the City of Atlanta’s
Bureau of Cultural Affairs have introduced jazz education programs
for both youth and adults. If this weekend’s Atlanta Jazz
Festival (May 29-31) was any indication of interest and support,
jazz in Atlanta will be around for quite a long time.
For more information about jazz education in Atlanta, please visit:
http://www.ya-atlanta.org/e_program.phtml
http://www.music.gsu.edu/index.asp
http://www.spiveyhall.org/
www.atlantafestivals.com
by Quanda Rodriquez
Have you ever feared yet another typical Friday night
of apple martinis and way-too-loud music at some over popular Midtown
eatery, when a friend dials you up at work with what appears to
be a strange request?
“Meet me at the High,” your friend suggests. “The
High, as in the museum? It’s 6 and museums close by 5, don’t
they?” you respond. “It’s Friday Jazz at the High!
It’s basically a late evening get together of a pretty diverse
group of people who drink, eat, listen to jazz, and mingle. Oh,
I guess some people actually look at the art, too,” she explains.
“Hmmm, now that’s an interesting concept.”
The merger of social events with high culture is not a new phenomenon.
But, it’s an increasingly popular one. As we all balance the
demands of work and family, it is important that we include a steady
diet of art and culture in our lives. While traditional cultural
experiences often require quiet visits to art galleries or sitting
for extended periods for plays or concerts, new events are cropping
up all over town that combine art and social activity in a culturally
diverse setting. From Martinis and Imax at Fernbank to Jazz at the
High Museum, art is becoming more accessible to the working public.
Museums and galleries are extending their hours. Theatres and dance
companies are offering more show times and formats. All are reaching
out to new audiences by supplementing their traditional programs
with a host of exciting events that bring a variety of people together.
For the most up-to-date lists of happening social events that cross
the culture lines, visit the Hushbox
Hotlist for kebo’s latest picks. kebo, Atlanta’s
self proclaimed “Cultural Ambassador” is well known
in the fashion, interior design, and art communities for promoting
innovative social experiences that provide an alternative to the
norm. While he often recommends eclectic offerings at the Defoor
Centre, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and the Alliance Theatre,
he also hosts his own gatherings that highlight virtually every
type of art in just as many genres. Alas, art is more accessible
and engaging as ever – so you have no excuses. Now if one
can just figure out a way to get on kebo’s VIP list…(hint,
hint).
by Quanda Rodriquez
Visual art like paintings, drawings, sculptures, and
photographs are powerful means of artistic expression. At once the
medium can reflect our heritage, challenge our assumptions, and
broaden our understanding. It is vital that people, regardless of
creed, color, and gender, explore their personal connection to the
visual arts. Through visual art, we are able to see ourselves and
others more clearly. In essence, we become more connected to our
own humanity.
Dr. Andrea Barnwell is the Director of the Spelman College Museum
of Fine Art, the only museum of its kind dedicated to women of the
African Diaspora. She shares her thoughts about the importance of
visual art, especially to the African American community, “African-American
art is really essential to the soul of the American public. African-American
art has been so under explored and under researched. It really has
to do with a creativity that is untapped and in many instances,
unparalleled…Without these works, we really don’t have
the connection to a creative past or a creative future.”
In addition to Spelman’s Museum, other locales for visual
art continue to explore African-American culture through a variety
of mediums. Clark Atlanta University galleries, Kubatana Moderne,
the Contemporary and even the High Museum of Art regularly host
exhibitions that celebrate and chronicle the African American culture.
Beyond viewing African-American art, young professionals all over
the country are starting personal collections. Collectors of African-American
art often seek visual images that reflect distinct people and places
of the African Diaspora. “Many people of color want their
artwork to reflect them, gallery owners must learn to understand
that if they want to sell to the African American collector. On
the other hand, collecting for profit is important too. I have a
good friend is more motivated by value. He has a diverse collection
that is very strong,” states Keith “kebo” Brown,
founder of hushbox.com.
Whether you collect artwork or view art in gallery and museum settings,
learn to appreciate it as a vehicle through which to communicate
our triumphs and tragedies. Using art to understand the African
Diaspora and other historic times of our past is critical to gaining
a global and holistic view of the future.
ArtsTalk is also a radio broadcast carried by Jazz 91.9FM WCLK on
Wednesdays at 7:50am, 10:50am, and 3:50pm. For information about
ArtsTalk, visit www.wclk.com. To submit your show ideas or subscribe
to the ArtsTalk monthly enewsletter, email us at artstalkatlanta@yahoo.com.
by Quanda Rodriquez
Do you know a senior citizen or ailing child who loves music? Have
you ever wondered what the connection is between music and health?
Have you personally considered music therapy as an alterative method
of healing physical and emotional scars?
According to the American Music Therapy Association, "Music
therapy is an established health care and human service profession
using music to improve our quality of life by optimizing health
and wellness and addressing the needs of children and adults with
disabilities or illnesses." The importance of music therapy
is a topic of great interest and intrigue. It is well known that
music has a deep physiological affect on one’s personal health,
level of concentration, memory recall, state of mind, and general
view of life. Tests specifically performed on seniors bolster these
conclusions and note a significant improvement in cases of Parkinson’s,
Alzheimer’s, and clinical depression.
While many music therapists practice at local hospitals and special
care facilities, music’s healing power in a variety of settings
and practices is unlimited. As demonstrated by attending concerts,
listening to recordings, and playing instruments, musical encounters
have been clinically and anecdotally proven to improve our quality
of life.
Sherry Blackshear, Founder and President of the Celebrate Life Foundation,
uses the fundamentals of music therapy to bring a host of programs
to senior citizens in the metro Atlanta area. Ms Blackshear shares
the mission of her organization, “Our mission for Celebrate
Life is to bring professional performing arts to senior citizens
to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. The social settings that Celebrate
Life creates decrease isolation and depression.” Through Celebrate
Life, seniors are able to attend concerts and special events throughout
Atlanta, enjoy onsite performances by professional musicians, and
participate in a program that partners seniors with youth volunteers.
Of course, music therapy is accessible to everyone in a variety
of forms. From listening to the radio in the car to regular treatments
by a licensed professional, music’s healing power is truly
food for the soul.
by Quanda Rodriquez
We all remember our favorite hooks from the early
80’s and late 90’s…bust a move, move somethin’,
get up, get out and get somethin’…and the list goes
on. The underlying theme, of course, is that action is better than
inaction. While the mantra may be most commonly referred to in the
confines of clubs with throbbing rhythms and gyrating bodies, we
can just as easily apply the analogy to life. Instead of being the
proverbial wallflower, we all have the opportunity to exercise our
passion about certain interests that could greatly benefit from
a greater degree of our time, energy and resources. For those of
us concerned about arts and culture, arts advocacy is a means to
positively change the landscape of cultural policy.
Citizens advocating on behalf of causes that are important to them
is a central element of American democracy. Arts advocates are currently
faced with a myriad of issues from art education to public funding.
We, as members of society, have a voice that deserves to be heard.
If you are interested in becoming an arts advocate in your community,
Americans for the Arts, a national arts advocacy organization suggests
the following steps:
First – Get the facts. Use a variety of information
sources to become educated about the arts issues facing your community.
Second – Start at home. Support art causes
by increasing the level of artistic activity in your own home. For
children, encourage them to write plays and paint pictures. Families
and individuals can patronize performances and visual art exhibitions.
Finally – Find others who share your interest
in arts advocacy and create a plan of action.
Clearly, arts advocacy is an opportunity to impact society by choosing
a position on an issue and working with community leaders to change
social, political, and education policies. For some people the issue
may not be arts and culture, but child welfare, education, senior
citizens, or animal rights. Whatever the cause is, each participant
in society really should recognize his power and influence. Beyond
recognition, action on behalf of our chosen cause is one of the
best ways to fight injustice and support our beliefs. So, instead
of pondering the value of your contribution to society, begin today
by doing just one thing that brings you closer to advocacy. While
it sounds ridiculously corny, it’s true – together we
can make the world a better place.
For more information about arts advocacy, please visit www.americansforthearts.com.
by Quanda Rodriquez
Did you make it to the APEX Museum this February for
Black History Month? What about the King Center? Or, the Herndon
Home (if you’ve never heard of it look it up)? If you did
not visit places of interest in the African-American community last
month, don’t despair! All are open the other 11 months of
the year.
Atlanta is actually a city rich with historical ties to the African-American
experience. Tourist attractions, cultural institutions, art organizations,
and businesses in Atlanta benefit from the city’s large African-American
population and popularity as a travel destination. The Minority
Traveler report, published by the Travel Industry Association of
America, found that travel by minority Americans increased significantly
over the previous three years, far outpacing the overall growth
of U.S. travel. African-American travel increased 4 percent (from
72.2 million to 75.2 million) in the U.S., while travel overall
grew only 2 percent. Atlanta has long courted African-American tourists,
who account for as much as 25 percent of the area's 17.3 million
visitors each year.
As more African-Americans visit and migrate to Atlanta, it is critical
that the overall community becomes active in the art and cultural
scene. While there have been great triumphs for proponents of African-American
culture like the Alliance Theater’s production of Crowns and
exhibitions held at Spelman College’s Museum of Fine Art,
there have also been great challenges like the cancellation of Jomandi
Theatre’s current season. Clearly, the artistic community
needs broad based, consistent financial and community support in
order to thrive. So, as you ponder how your family will spend the
weekend, turn off the television and turn on the history and culture
that can be found in one of Atlanta’s many cultural gems.
Coretta Scott King, Romare Bearden, W.E.B., and thousands of others
Dubois will surely thank you.
Getting Started…
1. APEX Museum
The African-American Panoramic Experience (APEX) is an entertaining
and educational museum; multimedia exhibit of Sweet Auburn's history;
Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 1p-5p; 135 Auburn Ave, 404-521-2739
2. Auburn Ave Research Library on African-American Culture
& History
Built 1991 (photo); 50,000 sq. ft library with study rooms, auditorium,
more than 1,700 subject heading files, 6,500 microfilms, 23,000
books, distinguished movie and sound collection as well as its Ethnic
NewsWatch index for full article retrieval for selected Black newspapers
since 1992; Mon-Thu 12a-8p, Sat-Sun 2-6p; 101 Auburn Ave, 404-730-4001
3. Martin Luther King, Jr Center for Nonviolent Social Change
Freedom Hall complex has over 2 million documents and personal artifacts;
among the programs its features are non-violence programs for kindergarten
through graduate school and seminars to lead youths away from gangs;
449 Auburn Ave, 404-524-1956
4. King Visitors Center
A perfect starting point to understand the contribution of Dr King
and others in the Civil Rights Movement, with sensitive lifelike
depictions that traverse major episodes in the movement across from
the King Center for Non-violent Social change; daily 9a-5p; 526
Auburn Ave NE; 404-331-3920
5. Ballethnic Dance Company
Although they are trained to perform classical ballet, some performances
blend African dance forms and modern jazz in the mix; the next major
performance is The Leopard Tale at Georgia Tech’s Robert Ferst
Center from March 18 to March 21, 2004; 404-762-1416
Listen to ArtsTalk on WCLK Jazz 91.9FM starting Wednesday,
March 3, 2004 for your weekly update on issues facing Atlanta’s
cultural community.
by Quanda Rodriquez
Is Atlanta the cultural Capital of the South? With a major arts
complex like the Woodruff Arts Center, cutting edge theater at 7
stages, innovative dance at Several Dancers Core, and national festivals
like the National Black Arts Festival and the Atlanta Jazz Festival,
most people would emphatically answer “yes!“ However,
a recent Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau study cited that
amongst tourists Atlanta is known for the Olympics (35% of respondents),
the Braves (24% of respondents), Historical Sites (11% of respondents),
the Civil War (8% of respondents), and even Six Flags (5% of respondents)
more than it is know for arts and culture (a mere 4 % of respondents).
So, people’s perceptions of Atlanta are more closely aligned
with tossing balls in the air than engaging the mind, body, and
soul in the uplifting consumption of cultural experiences.
Many groups and individuals are committed to
changing the perception that “there’s nothing enlightening
to do in Atlanta.” One such group is the Metropolitan Atlanta
Arts and Culture Coalition (MAACC). This collaborative initiative,
a product of the Metro Atlanta chamber of Commerce, is embarking
on a major campaign to position metro Atlanta as a premier region
for the arts through bolstering a shared vision, providing regional
leadership, and creating sustainable funding. Bill Nigut, the newly
appointed Executive Director shares, “This is the first time
that government leaders of all the counties plus the city of Atlanta,
the key corporate players, the foundation community, and arts leaders
have come together to sit the same table and said, it is definitely
time to begin this process.” The group consists of about 20
metro leaders who are pioneering an innovative marketing project
as the first major contribution to the effort to bring cultural
consumers and marketers together. Bill explains the project, “We
are going to develop a comprehensive, easy to access, website that
will become the premier way for people to go to find out what is
going on. We are also building an education campaign to help the
community to understand why the arts matter so much…we have
to raise the value for arts and culture of people who live here.
“
Will the MAACC succeed? Only time will tell.
Until then, Atlantans and visitors alike and bolster the cultural
community by buying more tickets, visiting more galleries, and donating
more resources to the arts institutions that call metro Atlanta
home. We, the consumers, vote with our dollars. So, the next time
you have a choice to see a performance or to see a sporting event.
Choose art. Your soul will thank you. And maybe, the South really
will rise again.
For more information about the Metropolitan Atlanta
Arts and Culture Coalition, please visit www.metroatlantaarts.org
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Art & Culture
