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Of Origins and Belonging, Drawn from Atlanta

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“Of Origins and Belonging, Drawn from Atlanta” follows lauded 2013 and 2015 exhibitions and continues Museum’s commitment to supporting local artists

This summer, the High Museum of Art will present “Of Origins and Belonging, Drawn from Atlanta” (June 1–Sept. 29, 2019), an exhibition featuring six Atlanta-based artists who address issues related to place, belonging and heritage in their work: Jessica Caldas, Yehimi Cambrón, Xie Caomin, Wihro Kim, Dianna Settles and Cosmo Whyte.

“Of Origins and Belonging” is the third in a series of exhibitions at the High focused on work by Atlanta-based artists. The series began in 2013 with “Drawing Inside the Perimeter,” featuring all Atlanta-based artists, and continued in 2015 with “Sprawl! Drawing Outside the Lines,” highlighting artists from around the metro area and other Georgia cities.

Compelled by the national debate and dialogue around immigration reform, this iteration of the Atlanta-based drawing project includes artists whose distinct voices, diverse perspectives and personal experiences represent worldviews informed and enriched by their cultural heritage and the bond they share as members of a diverse creative community in Atlanta. Among the participating artists, Caomin and Whyte immigrated to the United States as adults, and Cambrón is a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient.

“Conversations in Atlanta about social justice, racial bias or invisibility and the trauma of being ‘othered’ are often framed in terms of black and white. Of course, these conditions affect many of Atlanta’s thriving immigrant communities, from members of the African diaspora to people of Asian and Latin American descent,” said Michael Rooks, Wieland Family curator of modern and contemporary art at the High. “With this exhibition, we aim to shed light on how artists’ work is a mode of exchange, mirroring the transnational exchange of people, ideas and values that is at the heart of American immigration and that is so vital to our city.”

More about the featured artists:

Jessica Caldas
Caldas is an artist, advocate and activist whose work connects personal and community narratives to larger themes related to sexual and gendered violence, systems of disempowerment and social justice.

Yehimi Cambrón
Cambrón is an artist, educator and activist whose work draws on her own experience as an undocumented immigrant in the United States to frame a perspective on the highly politicized immigration debate.

Xie Caomin
Originally from China, artist and educator Alan Caomin Xie creates works that explore issues of acculturation, spiritual enlightenment and cycles of creation and destruction and dissolution and coalescence.

Wihro Kim
Kim, born in New York and raised in Georgia, creates dreamlike paintings and installations that suggest an emotional interiority conditioned by memory and longing.

Dianna Settles
A Georgia native, Settles is a Vietnamese-American artist, musician and gallerist whose work focuses on everyday, commonplace settings to counter fetishized and passive images of women of color.

Cosmo Whyte
Whyte, an artist and educator, was born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, in 1982. His work contends with the legacy of colonialism and the urgency of forced migration.

Exhibition Organization and Support
“Of Origins and Belonging, Drawn from Atlanta” is organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta. This exhibition is made possible by Exhibition Series Sponsors Delta Air Lines, Inc., and Turner; Premier Exhibition Series Supporters the Antinori Foundation, Sarah and Jim Kennedy, Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot, and wish foundation; Benefactor Exhibition Series Supporter Anne Cox Chambers Foundation; Ambassador Exhibition Series Supporters Tom and Susan Wardell, and Rod Westmoreland; and Contributing Exhibition Series Supporters Lucinda W. Bunnen, Corporate Environments, Marcia and John Donnell, W. Daniel Ebersole and Sarah Eby-Ebersole, Peggy Foreman, Robin and Hilton Howell, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Jones, Margot and Danny McCaul, and The Ron and Lisa Brill Family Charitable Trust. Generous support is also provided by the Alfred and Adele Davis Exhibition Endowment Fund, Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Fund, Barbara Stewart Exhibition Fund, Marjorie and Carter Crittenden, Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment Fund, Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Fay and Barrett Howell Exhibition Fund, Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, Helen S. Lanier Endowment Fund, Isobel Anne Fraser–Nancy Fraser Parker Exhibition Endowment Fund, John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Exhibition Endowment Fund, Katherine Murphy Riley Special Exhibition Endowment Fund, Margaretta Taylor Exhibition Fund, RJR Nabisco Exhibition Endowment Fund, and Dr. Diane L. Wisebram.

About the High Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, the High Museum of Art connects with audiences from across the Southeast and around the world through its distinguished collection, dynamic schedule of special exhibitions and engaging community-focused programs. Housed within facilities designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architects Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High features a collection of more than 17,000 works of art, including an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American fine and decorative arts; major holdings of photography and folk and self-taught work, especially that of artists from the American South; burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture, new media and design; a growing collection of African art, with work dating from pre-history through the present; and significant holdings of European paintings and works on paper. The High is dedicated to reflecting the diversity of its communities and offering a variety of exhibitions and educational programs that engage visitors with the world of art, the lives of artists and the creative process. For more information about the High, visit www.high.org.

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Center for Puppetry Arts Shares Global Holiday Traditions Through Puppetry

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Puppets from Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer on set at the Center for Puppetry Arts

This holiday season, Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts is proud to present groundbreaking displays highlighting how puppetry — an ancient form of storytelling — brings together diverse religious and cultural traditions.

Running from November 12 to December 29, this special holiday exhibition invites visitors to experience a global celebration of unity — all under one roof.

Two remarkable exhibits at the heart of this year’s holiday programming are Jane Henson’s Nativity Story and The Famous Chelm Players by Robert Rogers. These powerful displays bring to life Christian and Jewish traditions through the art of puppetry, alongside contributions from other world cultures.

In addition to these new exhibits, the Center’s signature Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ performance returns, making the Center for Puppetry Arts a must-visit holiday destination.

Puppets of Comet and young reindeer from the Rudolph production at Center for Puppetry Arts
Comet and young reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts (2010); photo credit: Clay Walker

A rare display of Christian artistry: Jane Henson’s Nativity Story

Jane Henson’s Nativity Story, a masterful crèche, brings the birth of Jesus to life through puppetry. Created by the co-founder of The Jim Henson Company (and wife of Muppets creator, Jim Henson), Nativity Story adds emotion to the traditional display, making it an engaging exhibit for all ages.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is one of the few museums in the world to publicly showcase Jane Henson’s work, offering a rare chance to experience her artistry. This unique celebration of Christian tradition is also a tribute to an often-overlooked female pioneer in puppetry.

Puppetry creche of the nativity scene by Jane Henson
Jane Henson’s Nativity Story; photo courtesy of the Center for Puppetry Arts

A closer look: The Famous Chelm Players

Another highlight of the holiday exhibition is The Famous Chelm Players, created by renowned puppeteer Robert Rogers. These characters, inspired by Eastern European Jewish folklore, depict the Wise Men of Chelm, a town known in Jewish stories as the “village of fools.”

The puppets bring to life the lighthearted and well-meaning — yet comically misguided — characters who share wisdom and are used to tell stories about holidays and everyday lessons. They have been a beloved part of many Jewish traditions.

Designed with intricate detail, the Chelm puppets evoke the shtetls (small Jewish towns) of the past, capturing the essence of Jewish cultural heritage. Originally performed in Rogers’ New York playhouse, the debut at the Center for Puppetry Arts marks a rare opportunity for Southern audiences to see these whimsical puppets and learn about the timeless tales of Chelm.

Puppets of the Chelm Players created by Roger Roberts
The Famous Chelm Players by Robert Rogers; photo courtesy of the Center for Puppetry Arts

A global holiday experience

In addition to these special exhibits, The Center maintains a rich collection of global puppetry in its permanent collection, some include:

•  Puppets of Hindu deities, crafted by Indian artist Anupama Hoskere, depict stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, showcasing the intricate traditions of Indian puppetry.

•  Muslim folk characters from various regions illustrate how puppetry has been used to convey religious stories and community traditions from the Middle East to Southeast Asia.

•  Asian puppets, including shadow puppets from Indonesia and China, show how they are used in religious ceremonies and folk storytelling.

Puppet of Yukon Cornelius from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts
Yukon Cornelius at Center for Puppetry Arts (2010); photo credit: Clay Walker

Rudolph returns for holiday fun

No visit to Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts during the holidays would be complete without Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Running fromNovember 13 to December 29, this family-friendly adaptation of the 1964 Rankin/Bass television special features fully staged puppetry performances that capture the timeless story of Rudolph, Santa, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snowman. 

Santa with the original 1964 Rankin Bass Santa and Rudolph Puppets
Santa with the original 1964 Rankin/Bass puppets; photo courtesy of the Center for Puppetry Arts

An Invitation to All Faiths and Communities

The Center for Puppetry Arts is extending a warm invitation to religious and interfaith organizations to participate in this celebration of global traditions.

By bringing together these diverse stories, the Center is offering a rare chance for communities of all backgrounds to come together through the common love of art and storytelling.

Plan Your Visit

Dates: November 12–December 29; Performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ begin November 13.

Location: The Center For Puppetry Arts: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. Parking is free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: puppet.org/programs.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer flyer for Center for Puppetry Arts
image courtesy of the Center for Puppetry Arts

Rudolph performance tickets include the show, as well as admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, Festive Features special exhibition and a Create-A-Puppet™ Workshop. 

To purchase a membership, visit: puppet.org/visit/become-a-member.

About the Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is the largest nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated solely to puppetry, offering live performances, interactive workshops and a world-class museum. Home to the Jim Henson Collection, featuring original Muppets, Fraggle Rock characters and Sesame Street icons, the Center provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at beloved TV and film favorites.

With over 4,000 puppets from around the world in the museum, the Center immerses visitors in diverse cultural traditions, making it a must-visit destination for families. Supported by local institutions, it remains a key player in Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene. 

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Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

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A group of award winners in front of a Partnership Gwinnett sign

Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown named Redevelopment Champion of the Year

The Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS), presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, offered an exclusive look at major redevelopment projects shaping the future of the region.

This year’s event not only highlighted emerging trends in the redevelopment industry but also provided valuable networking opportunities for professionals across metro Atlanta. Attendees gained insight into best practices through discussions on successful revitalization projects.

The summit’s marquee moment was the presentation of the annual MARS Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements in redevelopment that are transforming the metro Atlanta landscape.

The keynote address was delivered by Joe Minicozzi, a renowned urban planner and founder of Urban3, who shared his expertise on land use, urban design and economics. In addition to the keynote, the event featured dynamic panel discussions with local leaders and key partners from across the metropolitan area, spotlighting successful projects and innovative strategies in the region.

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson concluded the summit with closing remarks, emphasizing the continued growth of the region and the collective efforts driving its future.

2024 MARS Awards winners

The MARS Awards ceremony celebrated projects that have made significant economic impacts on their communities and honored Tim Perry, an individual who has dedicated his career to advancing successful redevelopment initiatives.

Runner upPaul Radford, Sugar Hill city manager


Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Historic Jones Building

The historic Jones Building, one of the oldest structures in Cherokee County, has been revitalized to meet modern needs while preserving its storied past. This ambitious 28-month restoration culminated in August 2024, breathing new life into this cornerstone of downtown Canton and creating a dynamic space for work, dining, and play.

Runner up: The Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op


Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center is a transformative development in the heart of Snellville. With 33,000 square feet of restaurant space, 10,000 square feet of retail and the new Elizabeth H. Williams Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library, The Grove offers an ideal blend of dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Runner up: Springside Powder Springs


Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Works

The Works is an innovative, 80-acre adaptive reuse community that reimagines a historic warehouse district in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The first phase, spanning 27 acres, introduced a dynamic mix of 218,000 square feet of unique retail and dining spaces, 118,000 square feet of creative office space and Westbound at The Works — a modern 306-unit multi-family residence.

Runner up: The Forum at Peachtree Corners

“Community redevelopment is essential in creating vibrant, thriving spaces that enhance the quality of life and drive sustainable economic growth for the entire region,” said Deven Cason, vice president of economic development for Partnership Gwinnett.

“We proudly congratulate this year’s award winners and finalists for their innovative contributions and tireless efforts in revitalizing our communities. Their work is not only reshaping local landscapes but also fueling long-term economic prosperity in metro Atlanta. We are grateful for their dedication to building a brighter, more prosperous future.”

2024 sponsors

The program was held at the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, Maison6405, and welcomed more than 200 industry attendees.

Sponsors included Evermore CID, Gateway 85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, C2H Air, Hogan Construction, Northside, Primerica, The Forum, Gas South, Jackson EMC, Select Fulton, True North 400, ABEV Power Solutions, City of Suwanee, Curiosity Labs, Geo Hydro Engineers, Georgia Power, Lose Designs, City of Lawrenceville, City of Norcross, City of Peachtree Corners, City of Sugar Hill and Town of Braselton.

For more information on revitalization and redevelopment efforts in the region, visit partnershipgwinnett.com.

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Greek Film Expo Brings Acclaimed Features and Short Films to Atlanta

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two movie posters of greek films

The 9th annual Atlanta Greek Film Expo will showcase five critically acclaimed Greek feature films (all with English subtitles) and four short films on October 25–27 at the iconic Tara Theatre on Cheshire Bridge Road.

With the goal of elevating and promoting Hellenic (Greek) culture and arts in Atlanta, the annual expo showcases some of the most dynamic, innovative and highly acclaimed films from Greece and Cypress.

One of the films showing at this year’s event, Murderess, is Greece’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Annual Academy Awards (which will air in 2025).

Free parking will be available at the venue each day of the expo. And the three-day event concludes with an open-to-the-public, celebratory closing reception at the Hellenic Center, located at 2500 Clairmont Road, NE.

Atlanta Greek Film Expo Schedule

Friday, October 25, 7 pm — Little Things That Went Wrong 

This comedic drama is a clever and touching exploration of fatherhood, failure and redemption.

Saturday, October 26, 4 pm — Mary, Marianna, Maria

A documentary which chronicles the early years of Maria Callas in Greece, offering a rare and insightful look into her formative years.

Saturday, October 26, 7 pm — Murderess

This year’s Oscar entry for Greece offers a dark portrayal of moral and existential dilemmas, staying true to the literary masterpiece by Alexandros Papadiamantis.

Sunday, October 27, 2 pm — Guest Star

A satirical and engaging film that explores themes of fame, personal identity and the often absurd nature of public personas.

Sunday, October 27, 5 pm — The Last Taxi Driver

A gripping drama that delves into obsession, unfulfilled dreams and the hidden turmoil beneath a seemingly ordinary life.

Sunday, October 27, 7:30 pm — IT’S A WRAP Closing Reception

Eat, drink and celebrate in Greek style at the beautiful Hellenic Center!

Tickets and information

Ticket prices range from $10-$25 for the films and $45 for the closing reception. Special VIP and Film Lover packages are also available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit atlantagreekfilm.org.

If you have questions about the event, email atlantagreekfilm@gmail.com

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