ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY FETES 45 YEARS WITH A ’70S-THEMED BASH

STORY: Claire Ruhlin

Founded in 1973 as a grassroots artist collective, the Atlanta Contemporary has become one of the primary art centers in the Southeast. In addition to commissioning and showcasing new works by artists from across the globe, the organization also makes art accessible to everyone by providing free admission every day. In support of this initiative, the center’s annual Art Party on August 25 celebrates the center’s artists, patrons and donors with an evening of DJ music, food, dancing drinks and, of course, artwork.

“Art Party originated as the party of the year and ran for decades—it was a night of celebrations, art and experimentation,” says Veronica Kessenich, executive director at Atlanta Contemporary. “In 2013, Atlanta Contemporary brought the party back as a way to celebration the renovations completed with our capital campaign.”

This year, in honor of the center’s 45th anniversary, admission to the event will cost $45, and the celebration will follow a ’70s theme as an homage to its founding year. Guests are encouraged to wear their grooviest attire to the event, which will be rain or shine from 10 p.m. to midnight.

In addition to food stations throughout the event, there will also be a celebratory craft cocktail created by a mixologist-in-residence. Guests will also be able to view site-specific installations and works by artists such as Allison Janae Hamilton, Charles Harlan, Monica Kim Garza, Hasani Sahlehe, Jacolby Satterwhite, Patricia Satterwhite and Nick Weiss.

After viewing the on-site installations, visitors are encouraged to meander throughout the campus. “Peruse, circulate and shop—support our acclaimed artists participating in the Studio Artist Program,” says Kessenich. The on-site store offers hand-selected, artist-made goods, books and magazines for sale.

“Atlanta Contemporary succeeds because of…our artists, patrons, donors and friends,” says Kessenich. “Art Party is just one night where we recognize the range of voices necessary to create a vibrant arts community.”

atlantacontemporary.org