With an abundance of murals, galleries, studios, and performance spaces, the tri-cities of the ATL Airport District all have their own creative story to tell! Whether you're a consumer or a creator, there's something special in each neighborhood for everyone. Read on to learn more about the artistic opportunities available in each community.
College Park
Outdoor Artwork
College Park has so much art to discover - it literally lines the streets! It’s the perfect place to take a walk and enjoy the decorative scenery, including Yoyo Ferro’s “Living Walls” mural (pictured left), which brings color and energy to the downtown area. In addition to Ferro's work, College Park is home to several other murals by Atlanta artists. It's easy to see how this city embraces the role that art can play in community development.
The City Muse
3383 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Renovated from a 100-year old neighborhood bar, this large open space gallery and teaching studio is run by resident working artist, Millie Gosch. The City Muse is an historic site that doubles as a private workshop and public art exhibition space. Inviting students to practice their still and plein air oil painting, Gosch welcomes the community to enjoy the indoor gallery as well as the outdoor studio, named the “Secret Garden.”
Push Push Arts
1805 Harvard Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Founded in 1997, PushPush Arts began as a black box theatre in Atlanta’s Virginia Highlands neighborhood. In January 2024, the PushPush Arts Cooperative campus opened in downtown College Park, close to the MARTA station. Their mission is "to incubate artists and their original work through creative development and programmatic opportunities that focus on collaboration, inclusion, experimentation and innovation." Today, PushPush serves not only as a theatre, but also provides low-cost apartments and studios to artists. They host original plays, live music and comedy, workshops, and classes that aim to teach artists how to build a sustainable career.
Hapeville
Hapeville's Arts Alliance & Main Street
The Hapeville Arts Alliance works in conjunction with the Hapeville Main Street Board to support the dreams of local artists. They are committed to establishing Hapeville as a home for the arts, in no small part by creating a vibrant, walkable arts neighborhood. Below are just a few of the events and projects they bring to The Hapeville Arts District.
The Mural Project
The Mural Project was commissioned to create a lasting visual impact in the city's historic downtown. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the city’s striking and energetic murals. Favorites include the iconic "Rise Hapeville" by artist Killamari and the Lotus Eaters Club - a collective of multidisciplinary artists, as well as "Flowers Divine," by Atlanta-based Charmaine Minniefeld. Gracing the walls of City Hall is a vibrant tribute to Ms. Marjorie Protho, Hapeville's first African American business owner, who opened up a florist shop.
Gallery Crawl
A few times a year, you can experience a night of creativity and culture at the Hapeville Gallery Crawl. Local artists transform downtown Main Street businesses into pop-up galleries, each showcasing a solo exhibition of their work. Attendees are provided with a map of the participating local vendors and artists along the route, or you can simply follow the sound of live music and entertainment from venue to venue.
Butterfly Lantern Parade
One glorious evening each Spring, the streets of Hapeville are illuminated with handmade butterfly lanterns on parade! This special annual event is hosted by Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons and is open to anyone who wants to create their own floating butterfly. Participants walk the one-mile parade route which is shared with live musicians and an enthusiastic crowd. Instructions, inspirations, and workshops are offered for any first-time puppet-makers. The festival is held at Jess Lucas Park and typically runs from 5 - 10 PM.
Hapeville Shutter Fest & Art Containers
Cat Eye Creative helps bring an annual Fall photography exhibit to Hapeville. Located in the Hapeville Depot Plaza and Arts Alley, this event brings photography to life with large images hanging on the fences. There are also exhibits in the two Art Containers located in Jess Lucas Park and Arts Alley - each of which normally serves as a studio space for selected artists in residence to work on their craft in a public setting, allowing them to engage with the community.
Academy Theatre
599 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
The Academy Theatre is Atlanta's longest running professional theatre. In fact, they made history by being the first integrated theatre in the South. Since 1956, part of their mission has been to enrich the community with live performance and educational outreach. In 2013, Academy found a home at the Hapeville Performing Arts Center, where they have entertained and enlivened audiences with seven to ten Main Stage productions a year. They also host script readings of new works, Sunday Variety shows with live music and improv, and even the occasional film series.
Hapeville Maker Space Art Gallery
3578 S Fulton Ave, Atlanta, GA 30354
Celebrating innovation and creativity, the Hapeville Maker Space Art Gallery supports local artists through exhibitions, artist talks, community events and more. The beautiful art gallery houses pieces from famous local artists, alongside work by artists across the nation. Inside the 6,600 square foot Victorian home are several studio and office spaces for rent, where professionals in fashion, painting, podcasting, and even culinary art can set up shop and practice their craft.
Union City
The Gathering Place Community Center
6280 Bryant Street, Union City, GA 30291
Formerly the Union City Elementary School, the spirit of education and cultural programs are still alive in The Gathering Place Community Center, which hosts fun activities and events with a mission to enrich the lives of Union City residents. Included in the 25,000 square foot space is an auditorium for live performances, a dance studio where you can express yourself through movement, and a versatile outdoor courtyard that's perfect for special events or social gatherings among artists.
The Creative Exchange
Hosted at The Gathering Place, Union City places a call to local artists to showcase their original work. Submissions to The Creative Exchange are made in many mediums - print, photography, painting, and more, and the call is open to artists of any age or skill level (although they also host a separate event specifically for kids K-12). The goal of the exchange is to engage community members in a free exhibit of "visual stories told by local artists."
Local Murals
Unveiling its restoration in 2018, Union City partnered with Birmingham-based Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United to revive the significant, yet faded, mural in celebration of its 110th anniversary. Located downtown, the mural is a symbol of unity between the city and the Coca-Cola company and how their partnership fostered community growth throughout the years. Artist Benetz also worked with the city to refresh the mural that highlights the side of City Hall. This work of art acts as an inspiration and a reminder of UC's mission statement - to reclaim, renew, and reimagine Union City.
Now that you know how much art there is so appreciate here in the District, let us know where you find inspiration! Upload your #ATLDistrict pics here.
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