Question Bridge: Black Males

January 27 - March 17, City Gallery at Chastain, Free
Internationally acclaimed artists Hank Willis Thomas, Chris Johnson, and Bayate Ross Smith present Question Bridge: Black Males, a transmedia art project that seeks to represent and redefine black male identity in America.  Through video meditated question and answer exchange, diverse members of these demographic groups bridge economic, political, geographic, and generational divisions.  This exhibition will be represented with video and photography by artists including Hank Willis Thomas, Chris Johnson, Bayate Ross Smith, and Kambui Olujimi. Question Bridge is presented by City Gallery at Chastain.  Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 AM-5 PM and Saturday:10 AM-2:30 PM.

Halima Taha: Collecting African American Art

February 19, 3pm, Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, Free
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Art enthusiasts and lovers of American art have long considered collecting art a hobby reserved solely for the wealthy. Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas by Halima Taha effectively dispels this misconception. In these pages, lavishly illustrated with almost two hundred works by a wide range of artists, readers will find practical guidelines for becoming an informed collector, including specific criteria for working with dealers. By providing succinct advice on framing, insurance, and tax and estate planning, as well as pointers on how to care for one’s collection, author Halima Taha makes collecting an enjoyable – and affordable – pastime for everyone. Insightful and accessible, it is the first book to define the role of the collector of African American art. During her presentation, Ms. Taha will discuss collecting African American art and how the landscape of art collecting is shifting and new opportunities are opening for collectors.  Free and open to the public. Presented by NBAF Department of Education and Public Programs. For more information contact Dr. Collette Hopkins at chopkins@nbaf.org.

Celebrating Jamaica's 50th Anniversary of Independence with author, Gillian Royes

Sunday, March 4, 3pm - 5pm, Auburn Avenue Research Library, Free
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
The Goat Woman of Largo Bay begins the detective series featuring Shad, a bartender in a fishing village in Jamaica, who is the community problem solver and right hand of Eric, an American who owns the bar and a hotel left in ruins by a hurricane.  When Shad sees movement on the island offshore, he thinks it’s just a goat.  But it turns out to be Simone, an American who has run away from her professional and personal life in the U.S., an intriguing woman who captures Eric's heart.  Always keeping his ear to the ground, Shad discovers that a gunshot heard near Simone’s place late one night isn’t exactly friendly fire, but tied to a plot to harm Simone and ultimately manipulate local elections. But why does someone want to harm Simone? And what does she have to do with the elections?  Only Shad can find out.   An irresistible character is born in The Goat Woman of Largo Bay and Royes wonderfully blends suspense and the soul of the islands in this smart debut.  Free and open to the public. Presented by NBAF Department of Education and Public Programs. For more information contact Dr. Collette Hopkins at chopkins@nbaf.org.

Fine Art + Fashion

Thursday, March 15, 6pm - 9pm,  Neiman Marcus, $500+
Fine Art + Fashion is a fundraising benefit that supports visual arts programs, a juried exhibition, related public programs, as well as marketing and public relations support of major exhibitions of visual artists of African descent from throughout the region. This event provides an opportunity to bring together multi-generational, multi-cultural lovers of art and fashion. Approximately 400 of Atlanta’s fashion, business and social community will attend the 6th Annual Event that includes a pre-show cocktail party, art exhibit, fashion presentation and post-show party sponsored by Neiman Marcus.  Contact Judy Hanenkrat for more information: Judy Hanenkrat, jhanenkrat@nbaf.org,404.730.6369 (office), 404.372.4572 (cell)

Click here to download FA+F Registration Form
Click here to Reserve Your Seat Online

First Glance Film, Visual Arts & Spoken Word Competition Call For Artists

Are you or someone you know an amazing teen filmmaker, visual or spoken word artist ready to take the next steps?  If so, enter the First Glance Film, Visual Arts and Spoken Word Competition today! NBAF invites the International community of young artists to create original work around the theme “Connect, Inspire, Transform”.  Winners are eligible for up to $1000 in prizes, master classes with professional artists, access to professional mentoring and an opportunity for your work to be featured at the National Black Arts Festival. This program is sponsored by Turner Broadcasting through the Turner Voices Initiative.  The deadline to enter is April 15, 2012. Visit the First Glance page a www.nbaf.org for more information.