The Atlanta Art Fair (AAF) is gearing up for its return to Pullman Yards, scheduled for September 25 to September 28. As planning progresses for this year’s event, a significant announcement has already been made regarding the guest curator selection.
In its inaugural edition, AAF successfully hosted 60 galleries, established an advisory board featuring local arts professionals, and created various cultural partnerships. The event drew considerable attention, welcoming 3,000 visitors on opening night alone and earning international recognition from respected publications including The Art Newspaper, Vanity Fair, Artsy, and Hyperallergic.
On May 9, AAF revealed that Melissa Messina, curator of the Mildred Thompson Estate, has chosen three female artists—Sonya Yong James, Vadis Turner, and Krista Clark—to create unique installations for this year’s fair.
As an esteemed guest curator, Messina’s role is significant, aligning her creative vision with the Fair’s objectives. With decades of experience in curatorial practices, her track record suggests she is well-equipped for the task. Her background includes notable positions such as senior curator at the Savannah College of Art and Design and national program director for ArtTable, showcasing an impressive career steeped in the arts.
However, questions surrounding Messina’s selection arise when compared to last year’s curators: Karen Comer Lowe and Lauren Jackson Harris. Both women have established themselves as formidable figures in the art community, with Lowe serving as curator-in-residence at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art and Harris working in various independent capacities, including co-founding Black Women in Visual Art, which aims to nurture Black arts professionals.
These similarities in the profiles of the curators have prompted some to wonder whether AAF is adhering to a predictable formula. With the Fair in its second year, many anticipate it could explore more diverse perspectives by inviting curators from outside traditional networks.
Kelly Freeman, director of Art Market Productions—the organization responsible for producing the AAF—provided insight into the selection process. After the success of the first edition, Freeman noted the importance of connecting with the local community, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement by asking critical questions like: ‘What can we do better? How can we start doing better right now?’
This approach demonstrates a commitment to making AAF an event that resonates within the Atlanta community rather than being viewed as an external occurrence. The Fair’s connections to local partners suggest it is not just about bringing art to Atlanta but collaborating with the community itself.
Freeman elaborated on this collaborative ethos, indicating that the knowledge gained from last year’s participants helped inform the choice of guest curator for this edition. The process involved gauging availability and interest among potential candidates, ultimately leading to Messina’s selection.
While the mechanics of this selection might seem pragmatic, Freeman’s insights further bolster confidence in AAF’s direction. Messina is recognized and supported by the local arts community, reinforcing her suitability for this role—one that emphasizes both national stature and local significance.
In essence, Messina’s appointment reflects AAF’s overarching mission: to celebrate and uplift the artistic voices of Atlanta. For attendees and participants alike, this focus on community collaboration is undoubtedly a commendable goal.
As always, attention remains on how AAF will evolve and what new creative experiences will be presented as the event approaches. With a strong foundation built upon feedback and community engagement, the anticipation for this year’s Atlanta Art Fair continues to build.
image source from：artsatl
