Talk of the Town - Jack of arts January 27 2001

For some, this past week's Presidential Inauguration cast as bad a spell on you and the rest of the country as did the weather. Nonetheless, I managed more than a few optimistic moments, as I'm sure you did.
In what was certainly one of my highlights, I had a chance to have Carolyn Carr over to my studio for a fitting, right before she jetted off to the Sundance Film Festival this week. For those not in the know, I'm a clothing designer. Many of you may know of Carolyn as a kick-ass artist. I know her as a wonderful, open-hearted person who happens to be an artist. One of the many things we discussed was her travel, mainly to London, where she shot enough footage to make a movie. I'm not sure if it's a feature or something more on the lines of what she showed at her last opening, but I'll keep you abreast.
Speaking of art, this week presented several opportunities for people to see new works. Thursday night brought the 79th Art Directors Club Annual Awards exhibition to the gallery at the Art Institute. Unfortunately, it seemed the weather kept folks away. I was bummed because I was looking forward to the conversations. Part of my joy in going to openings is not to drink the free booze but to share in the many discussions that are had because of the art. Don't let the big white elephant intimidate you, folks. Try it; you might like it.
Following the disappointment of no téte-a-téte at the aforementioned function, I decided to go over to the W hotel and have dinner at Savu. Knowing all you movers and shakers as I do, I'm sure you've made the trek. For those who haven't, it's worth it. I highly recommend the whole fried snapper.
With the recent announcement of Vaknin Schwartz restructuring its business, I was looking forward to the reactions on folks' faces in the Sobu arts district Friday night. Just for the record, Vaknin Schwartz did not go out of business. Carolan Schwartz & Uri Vaknin have simply chosen to close their gallery and become private art dealers. With the acceptance factor of trying to do something a lil' unorthodox in Atlanta being so low, I don't quite blame them. Anywho, for those who braved the weather, you can attest that it was actually nice to be able to look at the art without tripping over someone's new Gucci loafers. The Amalia Amaki show, Delights, at Sandler Hudson Gallery; Aline Chapurlat's Space at Kiang Gallery; and works by Stephen Frederick at Marcia Wood Gallery are all worth checking out. If all that art isn't enough for you, do check out what has become a favorite post-opening night place to go — Aria — and continue your night of creative ecstasy.
For those wondering what will happen to the vacated Vaknin Schwartz space, it has been alluded to that Jason Wertz, of Kubatana Gallery, and a new partner will be moving into that locale. Since we're on that block, would someone please hurry up and do something with the now out-of-business Bliss restaurant. I guess the theory that good food can disguise bad taste doesn't apply here. Have you seen that exterior color scheme?
Before I dance off into another week of excursions, let me stop for a sec and break something down. For all who have looked forward to this weekly column in the past and all who, I hope, will embrace it as we move forward, please understand something. This is reality-based truth. What I'm trying to drop here is fresh science based on the many personalities I come in contact with who contribute greatly to this city's diversity. As it pertains to celebrities and gossip stuff, let's clarify. When a celebrity is relative to the column, I'll mention it, but to use it as a lure to get you here weekly — not my style. On the gossip note, simply put, not interested. I mention this in an effort to help better facilitate e-mails you might want to send to me on things you saw or heard. I really do appreciate your e-mails, but a gossip column under my reign here is not what I'm interested in.
Hug a Dread.