Elevate 2012 Brings Art and Inspiration to Downtown Atlanta
October 11,2012
“We are delighted to present Elevate, a contemporary art series designed to heighten the downtown Atlanta cultural experience,” states Camille Russell Love, Director of the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs. “Some of the artwork will be temporary, but a number of the large-scale paintings will be permanent aesthetic additions to the urban landscape. From witnessing the creative process of world-class graffiti artists including Hense and Push, to attending a spectacular gallery event, we invite you to join us October 19-27. All activities are free and open to the public.”
Here’s an overview of Elevate 2012:
Friday, October 19 from 8-11 pm - Unveiling of “Banho de Luz” @ Carnegie Education Pavilion
This mixed-media installation and interactive video event features the art of Lillian Blades, Linda Costa and Roni Nicole Henderson. Musical entertainment will be provided by Yamin Semali. A led light-studded, quilted drapery will enclose the pavilion and images will be projected in a unique photographic “light painting.” You’ll see the marble monument at the corner of Peachtree & Baker Street in a whole new way!
Saturday, October 20 from Noon-2 pm – Elevate Downtown 5K Run/Walk Artwork Tour
Tour includes map and will be guided by the national civic organization, Back On My Feet. Featured artworks on this day are by printmaker, Jessica Caldas. Also on view are large scale Elevate sculptures by Randy Walker and Adrian Barzaga. This pedestrian friendly Art Tour begins and ends at the Trinity House-Big Bethel located at 21 Bell Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30303. Refreshments provided!
Mon, Oct 22-Wed, Oct 24 and Friday, October 26 from Noon-2 pm - Elevate Walking Art Tours
Led by the Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program, these tours will provide insights into the wealth of temporary and permanent public art in downtown. Bring your walking shoes and prepare to enjoy the fall weather while you learn about the amazing new artwork! Tours begin at Peachtree Center Plaza Courtyard. (10 blocks)
Wednesday, October 24 from 7-11 pm – The Imaginary Million Creative Tie Gala @ 200 Peachtree
The artwork of 100 artists will be on display in the 200 Peachtree Street Atrium – formerly Macy’s. During the evening each of the 100 artists will bid on the work of his/her peers with $10,000 in “play” money in a free-wheeling, fun auction. At the end of the night, artists will take home the work they’ve won, even though no real money has been exchanged, only “the imaginary million.” Hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCAGa), Kennesaw State Museum and WonderRoot.
Thursday, October 25 from 6-8 pm – Elevate Evening Walking Art Tour
Led by the Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program, the tour will provide an overview of public art in downtown, as well as highlight artworks from Elevate. Experience what the city has to offer at night! Tours begin at Peachtree Center Plaza Courtyard, loop around and end at the Carnegie Pavilion where you’ll experience the second evening of the “Banho de Luz” interactive “light painting” from 8-11 pm.
Friday, October 26 from Noon-6 pm – Elevate South Broad Mural Painting
See some of the world’s most interesting graffiti artists creating paintings on five South Broad Street buildings. Locations are in the 100 block of South Broad (near the intersection of Broad & Mitchell Street.) Artists Hense (Atlanta), Tilt (Toulouse, France), Sever (Atlanta), Push (Los Angeles) and Born (Atlanta) have been commissioned to help breathe new life into this downtown Atlanta block. This is a unique opportunity for art students and art lovers! Bring your cameras and sketch pads and come be inspired.
Saturday, October 27 from 4-8 pm – Elevate South Broad Street Festival
Broad Street will be closed to vehicles in order to create a vibrant street party in view of the beautiful new murals. There will be several performances by renowned French choreographer Pierre Rigal and his hip-hop dance troupe, alternating with entertainment from the Atlanta Music Project. Food trucks and vendors will allow guests to shop and purchase delectable treats and unique items during the event.
Not only will the events of Elevate be free, entertaining and educational for the one week of activities in October, but the art series also serves to help in the ongoing process of refurbishing areas of downtown Atlanta. Working in cooperation with groups like Hands on Atlanta and Central Atlanta Progress, the Office of Cultural Affairs is dedicated to their mission of presenting art and culture in a welcoming, safe environment.
Programming for Elevate is made possible by the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) whose mission is to solidify the role that arts and cultural resources play in enhancing the social fabric and quality of life for Atlanta citizens and visitors. The OCA creates and supports programs that educate and expose the public to a rich and diverse range of cultural expressions. The OCA’s Public Art Program is charged with developing, administering and managing public art projects for the City of Atlanta and as such will oversee the artist commissions and events of Elevate. The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs is a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Partners for Elevate include Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), Underground Atlanta, Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association (ADNA), the Atlanta Conventions and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and France In Atlanta.
This year’s Elevate sponsors are BINDERS, Fallen Arrows, 200 Peachtree, Peachtree Center, Creative Loafing, Love Your Block, Parker Davidson Video Production, Focus Firm LLC, Breen Smith, Alma Cocina, and Sunbelt Rentals.