Why the Atlanta art scene is becoming so exciting:

There’s this phenomenon new to our generation that includes an upheaval of collectives, non-profits, and spaces for emerging artists.  While not directly saying “goodbye hoity-toity, snooty galleries”, or “fuck the establishment”, as an act of rebellion, or a subconscious reaction to Thomas Kinkade’s commercial success, this movement still has a lot to say.

 Our events are so interesting people write about them.  We have Burnaway, Creative Loafing, and numerous art/artist blogs. If you want to check out a show and which to go to there’s Thoughtmarker.

 When attending events like Dodekapus’ Carnival for Living Walls: The City Speaks, Living Walls all in itself, or Flux/10, and the numerous openings at MINT, Young Blood, Beep Beep, Eyedrum, Wonderroot, Kibbee, I was reminded of when I was in school studying Art History, and how I yearned to experience something at even 10% of the level as the Flux or Dada movements of the past, and if I succeeded I would die a happy girl. This surge of creative entities is putting Atlanta on the map for the visual arts. We’re doing something successful this city has long been in need of. None of these organizations look or seek fame, wealth, attention, but thrive by being a part of the community, coming together for common causes, helping any artist get their foot in the door.  Although, always grateful for any donations, and as an artist it is nice to make some sales, many of us do what we do because we love it and are passionate about this route and are unconcerned with what monetary gains it brings us. Yeah, there is LA, and NYC, but being a part of what is taking place in the ATL is a little bit of magic.  Building something out of numerous years, days, and hours of hard work and watching it grow is fulfilling.  And that fulfillment is wealth enough for me.

 The term “emerging artist,” is conflicting in that it really was in short a way to say, a not-yet successful artist in societal and financial standards: being someone who has not yet achieved any fame, commercial success. Of course, being an “established artist,” is the goal of most, but just being able to be called an “emerging artist” and be a part of this craziness is a success all on its own.  Will this period in time happening right now be remembered years from now? Hells yeah it will.