Wednesday

06-18-2025 Vol 1995

Courtney Brooks Celebrates Joy and Creativity in Atlanta’s Arts Scene

Courtney Brooks is a multifaceted artist making waves in Atlanta’s vibrant arts community.

As a multidisciplinary artist, muralist, curator, and now a gallerist, her passion for creativity shines through in all aspects of her work.

On June 12, she opened the doors to CBROOKS Gallery, located at The Upton, commemorating a decade of her involvement as artistic director and curator for over 20 exhibitions across the city.

The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, titled kNOw Regrets, showcases the works of 22 Atlanta-based artists and will be on display until August 2025.

Brooks expresses her delight in becoming a gallery owner and highlights the immense support and love she receives from her community, stating it is truly inspiring.

Beyond her professional milestones, Brooks draws strength and gratitude from her faith.

“God is good all the time and all the time God is good,” she reflects, emphasizing how her spirituality allows her to maintain a sense of peace and love throughout life’s ups and downs.

Family connection remains vital to Brooks, especially with her sister Shannon, who resides in Denver.

Regular FaceTime calls allow them to share laughter, catch up on life, and even enjoy random TV shows together, enriching their bond despite the distance.

Every Wednesday night, Brooks indulges in the soothing vibes at Block & Drum, where she participates in High Bias Listening Sessions powered by Controllerise.

These events, featuring curated vinyl sounds from Stlndrms and DJ Empress Rah, provide her with a welcomed retreat from the daily grind, where chill ambiance and music come together.

Recently, Brooks completed a pool mural during her artist residency, which beautifully reflects her artistic style.

Observing her work from above while engaging with the jovial atmosphere of laughter and splashing water on her balcony brings her immense joy.

Another significant installation, This Crown Belongs to Us, is part of the Journey of a Black Girl exhibition at Atlanta Contemporary.

Curated by Floyd Hall, Brooks feels honored to be featured in this dynamic space that celebrates artist activations and community events, including ARTFUL ATL and its engaging programs.

Simple pleasures also find a place in Brooks’ life; she shares her favorite snack, cucumbers dressed with black pepper, adobo seasoning, and ranch dressing, which she enjoys multiple times a day.

Her love for hip-hop culture is deeply rooted, and she fondly remembers the late DRES Tha BEATnik.

Having known him and seen him perform at iconic Atlanta venues like MJQ and A3C, Brooks acknowledges his impactful presence within the community, sharing his authentic voice and artistry.

To honor his legacy, she expresses gratitude, wishing him peace and love.

When it comes to enjoying a refreshing cocktail, Brooks describes her introduction to the French 75 by Esohe Galbreath as a delightful experience.

While she usually opts for a classic old-fashioned, this light drink offers a refreshing alternative that she savors when seeking a touch of fancy.

Lastly, Brooks shares her self-care routine, spotlighting her love for coconut oil as a moisturizer.

It enhances her glow, especially when she soaks up the sun’s rays.

Overall, Courtney Brooks’ journey as a gallerist, artist, and community member showcases her deep connection to her faith, family, and fellow artists, underscoring her commitment to enriching Atlanta’s artistic landscape.

image source from:https://www.artsatl.org/artist-and-curator-courtney-brooks-11-good-things/

Benjamin Clarke