The Southside of Atlanta is set to gain well-deserved recognition through the inaugural South of Center Arts Experience, envisioned by organizers as a potential annual tradition.
The event aims to provide an inside look at the rich artistic soul of the area, showcasing the evolution of the local art scene.
Corrina Sephora, an accomplished metal artist and co-founder of the event, highlights the significant changes the South Atlanta art scene has undergone.
She notes that artists, driven by the search for affordable studio space, have discovered a vibrant community.
Sephora describes the area as a ‘final frontier’ full of beauty and creativity, stating her belief in the event’s ability to change perceptions about South Atlanta.
In the past decade, South Atlanta has emerged as a refuge for artists who have been priced out of more central neighborhoods.
Former industrial sites have been transformed into studios, galleries, and performance venues.
This transformation has been fueled by grassroots arts organizations, established art institutions, and city-led revitalization initiatives.
What was once deemed a creative frontier has blossomed into a thriving, yet largely unnoticed, arts ecosystem.
During the event, Sephora and other participating artists will open their studios to the public, offering live demonstrations and a chance to engage with their creative processes.
The line-up of artists includes both emerging talents and renowned figures, such as Krista M. Jones (Jonesy), Steven Anderson, Fahamu Pecou, Lisa Tuttle, Joseph and Jeanne Guay, Stacie U. Rose, Tom Swanson, Craig Drennen, Rachel K. Garceau, Curtis Patterson, and Grace Kisa.
These artists represent a diverse range of mediums, including metalwork, printmaking, sculpture, and street art.
Key art institutions in South Atlanta will also participate in the event, welcoming visitors to explore their exhibitions and offerings.
Locations such as the Atlanta Printmakers Studio, the B Complex, Black Art in America, and the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta will all be part of this creative gathering.
Additional venues include the Goat Farm Arts Center’s satellite locations, Day & Night Projects, ArtsXChange, and the Emma Darnell Aviation Museum and Conference Center.
Organizers emphasize the significance of events like South of Center, providing artists with opportunities to engage with the public and connect with each other.
Allie Bashuk, creative director of the Goat Farm Arts Center, mentions that open studios allow artists to reveal their work, which is often kept hidden in a city where many operate in isolation.
Over the course of two days, attendees can freely explore over a dozen venues featuring live demonstrations, art shows, artist discussions, and more.
The event will culminate on Sunday with a community finale at East Point City Hall, from 1-7 p.m., featuring live music, performances, food trucks, and dancing.
This celebration is designed to encapsulate and honor the creativity showcased throughout the weekend.
For those interested in attending, the South of Center Arts Experience will take place across studios and venues in West End, East Point, Hapeville, Chattahoochee Hills, and beyond, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 27.
Entry is free, and further details can be found at southfultonarts.org/socae.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/2025/04/south-atlanta-artists-open-their-doors-for-south-of-center-event/
