On a warm morning earlier this year, I attended a preview of the High Museum’s Andy Warhol exhibition, complete with a tour of the artworks by Jordan D. Schnitzer, the collector himself.

As our group gathered around a meticulous grid of Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup can prints, Schnitzer’s narrative turned to the topic of kids. One of the things he loves so much about art, he explained, is that, in a world where young people are subject to a constant barrage of communication, opinions and influence from TV, social media and the Internet, art remains a deeply personal experience—a haven, you might even say—in which the viewer is free to form his or her own opinions and interpretations. As someone who frequently feels overstimulated and, I admit, puts pressure on myself to accurately decipher everything from song lyrics to novels to art, Schnitzer’s sentiments really resonated for me.

That’s exactly why I’m so thrilled to dedicate this issue’s cover story to all of the surprising and unexpected places and ways there are to enjoy art in our city. Although that morning at the High was one of my favorites I’ve had here in Atlanta, visiting a museum or an art gallery is by no means the only way to enjoy art here. In fact, it’s everywhere. It’s in light-up signage, it’s on the streets and the sides of buildings—it’s even on the plates, glasses, coffee mugs and tchotchkes we so often overlook at our favorite local restaurants. Cooler yet is that, whether you pass by a colorful mural on the BeltLine or spot a scratchy looking sketch in the stall of a music hall bathroom, chances are, it’ll mean something different to you than it does to the next person who views it. The idea is fun, and freeing.

Whether you enjoy some of our city’s more surprising art forms in the pages of this issue or go out and experience them for yourself (hopefully, you’ll do both), I hope they bring a little extra color, joy and thoughtfulness to your life. Enjoy!

Lindsay Lambert Day
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF