Curator Cole helps artists find their voice in new exhibit at ArtsXchange

By Angela Oliver (ArtsXchange Media)

Star Power by Dr. Zerric Clinton

As an artist and arts educator for more than 40 years, Kevin Cole often asks himself about the needs of the arts community. Across 40 years as a community cultural center that aims to keep art accessible, the ArtsXchange also works to meet the needs of artists on all levels.

Together, they hope to help a group of emerging artists thrive with a vibrant new exhibition.

In Search of Myself will open with a reception from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 in the Jack Sinclair Gallery at ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point. The artist talk will be from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9. The exhibition will be on view until March 22. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. The gallery is free and open to the public.

“While interacting with young artists, their biggest concern was, ‘Where can I

exhibit my work? Where can I get some exposure?’” Cole said. “I interviewed over 61

emerging artists ranging from ages 23 to 68. I noticed they were all trying to find their voice. Each one is searching for that something.”

The exhibit is a vibrant constellation of deeply narrative art that reflects the personal journeys and experiences of 12 emerging artists: Sheila Bussey, Courageous C,  Zerric Clinton, Tony Coppage, Kaylah Hagler, Loni Harshaw, Etienne Jackson, Ashli Ognelodh, S. Darius Parker, Toni Toney, Cedric Umoja, and Daniel Wingo. Beyond Atlanta, the artists also hail from Alabama, Louisiana and South Carolina. Cole said he hopes the ArtsXchange will be the same gift to them as it was to him years ago.  

“The ArtsXchange is very dear to me,” he said. “My first major review of my artwork was at the Sinclair Gallery and the it has always been that one place where artists of color felt at home.”

Boldly colored butterflies mask the eyes and brown faces of the figures in the works of Ognelodh. Tender strokes of vibrant colors revisit the joy and playfulness of children as they draw, shoot water guns or ride their bike in Hagler’s paintings. Harshaw’s chalky drawings explore the censorship of Black history’s foremost scholars and writers. Courageous C’s striking collages mimic protest signs, depicting the story of social movements across generations. And gut-wrenching writings by incarcerated youth in Montgomery fill the enlarged notebook pages in Toney’s trio of works.

“The exhibit tells a beautiful story,” said gallery director and artist Ric Washington.

Pictured below (L-R): Exhibit flyer; Star Power by Zerric Clinton; artist/curator Kevin Cole