CREATIVE ARTS: New beginnings for a new season
Openings and new exhibitions to see during the month of April
The more things change, the more they stay the same. As the season of spring approaches, there are many “changes” to either witness, or experience. The leaves on the trees begin to have a more vibrant hue, some of us decide to purge our closets; both of which symbolize a time of transition. For Buckhead’s Bill Lowe Gallery — now named Johnson Lowe — change doesn’t always have to be a negative thing.
Earlier this year, the gallery, one of the city’s most renowned art establishments, announced its rebrand under the leadership of Donovan Johnson, the previous co-director of the gallery. This move follows the legacy of the late Bill Lowe, who passed in 2021, giving this place a new feel, but also staying true to the things and people that made it truly special. Last month, the gallery hosted a new exhibition titled The Alchemist, co-curated by Johnson and art critic Seph Rodney, which featured works by twenty-nine artists constructing new forms of expression rooted in the Black experience and history of their ancestors.
Referencing cinema, literature, and music, the exhibition underscores how alchemy has long been a part of the Black experience and, thus, part of Black artistic practice. The Alchemists group show was fitting, to say the least. Its theme of creating things of beauty, from natural and artificial materials, and generating excellence from the worst of conditions is an ironic parallel to the gallery’s change in direction, as well as the arrival of a new season. Spring is supposed to bring sunny days, relaxing breezes and the like, but it always comes with inconsistent climate, rainy evenings, cold weekends, etc. — yet we still look forward to tomorrow.
Again, change doesn’t always have to be a negative thing. It’s all about perception, as is with most things in life. So, during the beginning of spring, here are some openings, shows, and exhibitions to check out.
Now through Apr. 23
Tiny Beautiful Things, Theatrical Outfit — Based on the New York Times bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted by Academy Award nominee Nia Vardalos, Tiny Beautiful Things explores Strayed’s time as the anonymous, unpaid, advice columnist Dear Sugar. While strangers on the internet tell her their most personal secrets (which they are terrified to even share with their own families), Strayed weaves together her own personal experiences to create a column full of light, laughter, and humanity.
$15 - $65. Now - Sun., Apr. 23. 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, 30303. 678-528-1500 theatricaloutfit.org @theatricaloutfit
Sat., Apr. 1
Dorrance Dance Company, Rialto Center for the Arts — Featuring dancers and musicians rooted in improvisation, the Dorrance Dance Company is an award-winning tap ensemble founded by 2015 MacArthur Artistic Director Michelle Dorrance. The company shares the incredibly dynamic range that this genre has to offer through performance and education. With the goal being to engage with audiences on a musical and emotional level, and to share the complex history and powerful legacy of this American art form throughout the U.S. and the world. Dorrance Dance explores what is most thrilling, brilliant, and beautiful about tap dancing — that it is, at once, movement and music.
$39 - $81. Sat., Apr. 1. 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta, 30303. 404-413-9849 rialtocenter.gsu.edu @dorrancedance
Through Apr. 8
Bruno Zupan Solo Exhibition: My Friend, The Earth, Millennium Gate Museum — Running through April 8, international artist Bruno Zupan’s 35-piece collection titled My Friend, The Earth is on display at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlantic Station. Zupan celebrates the Earth in each of his paintings and has spent his life in the pursuit of light, having traveled around the Earth and explored cities and beaches, mountains, rivers, and pastures – winter, night and day, spring, and summer. From the golden warmth of a Venetian sunset to the sparkling city lights of Boston, he captures the varied, yet simple manifestations of its beauty in his remarkable paintings. Zupan divides his time painting between Paris, Mallorca, Venice, New York City, and Columbus, Georgia — the hometown of his wife, Jane.
$12. Now -Sat., Apr. 8. 395 17th St. NW, Atlanta, 30363. 404-881-0900 thegatemuseum.org @milleniumgate
Apr. 21 - Apr. 23
Atlanta Baroque Orchestra Presents Triple Play, The Cathedral of St. Philip — Atlanta Baroque Orchestra players hit it out of the park in the season’s grand finale of concertos by J.S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. Atlanta’s hometown violinist Evan Few, ABO Assistant Concertmaster and Guest Director, leads this rally of greatest hits. Bases are loaded with concerto soloists Anna Marsh (bassoon), Adam Jaffe (harpsichord) and Evan Few (violin) as the ABO team delivers a “massive three-run blast” delighting audiences from Atlanta to Savannah. Local performances 7:30 p.m. April 21 at The Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta and 3 p.m. April 22 at Roswell Presbyterian Church. Special engagement on the Bach Ascending series 3 p.m. April 23 at Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Savannah.
$15 - $50. Fri., Apr. 21-Sun., Apr. 3. 395 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, 30305. 678-390-0657 atlantabaroque.org @atlbaroque
Apr. 1 - Apr. 16
Lucy Luckovich’s Pop My Cherry!, Cat Eye Creative — One of Atlanta’s top galleries is hosting a new exhibition for your viewing pleasure. Pop My Cherry!, the upcoming show from Lucy Luckovich, will highlight the artist’s love of the delicious fruit through some amazing work. This young, accomplished oil painter has been showcased at galleries such as Echo Contemporary, Swan Coach House, North Park Gallery, and more. On Saturday, April 1st, attendees can take a trip to Downtown Atlanta to enjoy a stellar exhibition and tasty refreshments from the friends of Cat Eye Creative.
Free. Sat., Apr. 1 - Sun., Apr. 16. 186 Mitchell St. SW, Atlanta, 30303. 404-547-8638 cateye-creative.com @cat_eye_creative
Apr. 19 - Apr. 30
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Fox Theatre — Based on the 2001 film of the same name, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is one of the most exciting stage plays in the world. Two years ago at the 74th Tony Awards, it received a total of 14 nominations and won 10 awards, including Best Musical. Now, it’s arriving at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta for two weeks of splendor and romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur, and glory. This world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment is brought to life onstage, becoming one of the first can’t-miss events of the year.
$31 + Wed., Apr. 19 - Sun., Apr. 30. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308. 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org @thefoxtheatre