Welcome to Atlanta
Wednesday, May 13 — FIFA World Cup 2026 matches begin in June, and this city is doing what Atlanta has always done when the spotlight finds it – making itself into something worth seeing.
Public art projects are a key part of that effort.
That impulse – to put art center stage as Atlanta puts her best face forward – runs through both stories in this week’s Sketchbook.
One previews a new campaign, placing the work of 1,000 Atlanta artists across more than 400 community parks this summer. The other is a creative incubator program already reshaping one of downtown’s most iconic buildings, expanding into studio residencies for the next generation of Atlanta creatives.
The work is already underway. How are you contributing to Atlanta’s moment?
—Sherri Daye Scott
ATL art everywhere
🌳 The I’M SO ATL public art campaign – launched by the Atlanta Music, Arts, and Culture Foundation ahead of Atlanta’s big summer on the international stage – is placing large-scale installations across the city. In partnership with Atlanta Parks and Recreation, I’M SO ATL is building toward a free three-day event at Piedmont Park in August.
This Deserves a Spot on Your Spring Calendar
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
🎨 You’ve seen Amy Sherald’s iconic portrait of Michelle Obama. Now, her largest exhibition to date comes to Atlanta, featuring rarely seen paintings and monumental portraits spanning nearly two decades. This is one show you won’t want to miss.
Can only make it in the evening? We’ve got you covered. The show stays open after hours every Friday. Grab a drink, snag an exclusive exhibition poster, and explore the galleries at your leisure.
A new CTR for creativity
🧑🎨 The murals went up first. Now comes the residency program. We talked to Neda Abghari – curator of CTR Culture at The CTR, the reimagined former CNN Center in downtown – about the new CTR Culture Studios artist residency program, open to area creatives across disciplines.
➡️ Preview the CTR Culture Studios program.
Art Happenings
🖌️ Raphael Bahindwa: New Paintings Opening | 5:30-7 p.m., May 14 | Rialto Center for the Arts. (Pictured)
🎨 Amy Sherald: American Sublime Opening | 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 15, timed tickets required | High Museum | Read the preview of “American Sublime” from Georgia Voice here.
⚢ Reflections: Women’s Voices in Art Opening Reception | 5-8 p.m., May 15 | Chastain Arts Center & Gallery.
⚽ The African Game Opening Reception | 6-9 p.m., May 15 | ADAMA.
🪜 Folio House Mural Jam | 12-6 p.m., May 16 | Cat’s Eye Creative.
👒 Garden Workshop: Hosted by Eric Mack & Claire Kinzler | 2-5 p.m., May 17 | Whitespace Gallery.
Post of the Week
🏺 Watching Atlanta-based ceramic artist @mollysanyourceramics
smooth out rough edges before a sculptural planter goes into the kiln is almost as satisfying as seeing her finished pieces.
🔗 See the post.
🖋️ Today’s Sketchbook was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
