A glimpse into the ‘rapidly mutating’ art of R.C. Hagans

Plus: Atlanta Shortsfest returns and ‘Between Riverside and Crazy’ opens

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Blue Mark Studios presents the opening of Better Than the Truth, a solo exhibition by the “self-taught and rapidly mutating” artist R.C. Hagans. Hagans is an Alabama-based artist whose work is inspired by everything from current events to ancient symbols to “dumb jokes.” The exhibition will feature more than 20 works by Hagans and his “unrelenting exploration of cultural iconography.” Free. 7 p.m. Fri., July 7. Blue Mark Studio, 892 Jefferson St. N.W. 404-310-1269. www.bluemarkstudios.com.

Though short films usually garner less attention from audiences, their production requires no less dedication or talent. Founded to celebrate the artistry of short films, the eighth annual Atlanta Shortsfest will feature 10 short films produced by filmmakers from across the world. With a running time under 45 minutes, the films shown will tackle a variety of genres, topics and experiences. $10-$50. 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., July 7-8. Synchronicity Theatre, 1545 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-484-8636. www.atlantashortsfest.com.

The 2015 Pulitzer Prize winner for drama is coming to Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company. The play, Between Riverside and Crazy, follows ex-cop Walter Washington in New York City as he pursues a lawsuit against the city’s police department after to being shot by another police officer. Meanwhile, Walter must also deal with his wife’s recent death and his son’s release from jail. The Atlanta production is directed by Eric Little and features Jerri Tubbs. $10-$20. July 11-Aug. 6. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, 887 W. Marietta St. N.W. 404-532-1901. www.truecolorstheatre.org.

In the second installment of his zine-making workshop, Screen Printed Zines with J. Kenay Parker: Element of Chance, J. Kenay Parker will focus on “the space between conscious creation and random occurrences.” Hosted by WonderRoot, the four-part workshop explores the art of zine-making and independent publishing, and will equip attendees with tools to create, publish and distribute their own zines. $5. 6:30 p.m. Thurs., July 6. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. 404-254-5955. www.wonderroot.org.

The Center for Civic Innovation has hosted mayoral, city council and school board candidates every month to educate and engage the people of Atlanta for Georgia’s 2017 elections. For the month of July, CCI is hosting its Leadership breakfast with John Eaves, a current mayoral candidate. Eaves is currently serving his third four-year term as chairman of the Fulton County Commission, and will be discussing his plans for the future of the city. $10-$100. 7:30 a.m. Tues., July 11. Center for Civic Innovation, 115 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive S.W. www.civicatlanta.org

As the United States continues to practice mass incarceration and build private prisons, the prospect of criminal justice reform often seems impossible. On Sat., July 8, the Center for the Study of Liberty and America’s Future Foundation will hold a community discussion tackling viable alternatives to our current criminal justice system. Origins & Alternatives of Criminal Justice will bring philosophy professor Dr. Chris Surprenant and policy analyst Adam Bates to discuss common conceptions about criminal justice. Free. 9 a.m. Sat., July 8. Georgia Pacific Center, 133 W. Peachtree St. N.W 202-331-2261. www.americasfuture.org.

Atulkumar Babubhai Patel was in ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody at the Atlanta City Detention Center when he was pronounced dead. Patel was the second detainee to die in ICE custody in Georgia in the span of two days. Residents of Atlanta will hold a [https://www.facebook.com/events/735653246613875/?acontext={“source”:5,”page_id_source”:325143847498140,”action_history”:{%22surface%22:%22page%22,%22mechanism%22:%22main_list%22,%22extra_data%22:%22{\%22page_id\%22:325143847498140,\%22tour_id\%22:null}%22},”has_source”:true}|Candlelight Vigil for Patel] in front of the Atlanta City Detention Center, calling an end to detention centers and deportations. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., July 6. Atlanta City Detention Center, 254 Peachtree St. N.W. www.gadetentionwatch.wordpress.com.

ICON returns to the Jungle, this time to celebrate Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaj. Curated by Barry Brandon and For All Humans, ICON is a monthly event in celebration of iconic recording artists throughout history. Previous events have celebrated Beyonc̩, Lady Gaga and Janet and Michael Jackson. ICON: a celebration of Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaj will feature performers like LaRico Potts, John James and Melissa Coffey. $10-$15. 10:30 p.m. Sat., July 8. Jungle Atlanta, 2115 Faulkner Road N.E. 404-844-8800. www.forallhumans.co.

As if Sister Louisa’s Church wasn’t already one of Atlanta’s favorite spots, a new drag show is taking over the bar every first Thursday. [https://www.facebook.com/events/2146634328896352/?acontext={“ref”:46,”source”:2,”source_dashboard_filter”:”discovery”,”action_history”:”AMEN: First Thursdays at Church will debut this month, with performers like Biqtch Puddin’, JayBella Banks and Molly Rimswell. AMEN is hosted monthly by Taylor Alxndr. Free. 10 p.m. Thurs., July 6. Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, 466 Edgewood Ave. S.E. 404-522-8276. www.sisterlouisaschurch.com.

Of the 70,000-plus people buried in Oakland Cemetery, many suffered peculiar deaths and even more peculiar burials. On Sat., July 8, those curious about the mysteries of the supernatural will have the chance to explore Oakland Cemetery’s strange and fascinating past. The [https://www.facebook.com/events/309817022769848/?acontext={“ref”:46,”source”:2,”source_dashboard_filter”:”discovery”,”action_history”:”Oakland Cemetery History, Mystery and Mayhem with Silver Willow will explore the rich and eerie histories buried in the cemetery ground, led by the Historic Oakland Foundation. This weekend’s Malts & Vaults of Oakland is sold out, but the next one is around the corner on Aug. 19. Sold out. 6 p.m. Sat., July 8. Historic Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave. S.E. 404-688-2107. www.oaklandcemetery.com.

Start your Saturday with mimosas and hip-hop yoga led by instructor Jaimee Ratliff. Ratliff’s mantra as an instructor is that yoga is for everyone, regardless of shape, color or size. Hip Hop Yoga Warriors & Mimosas invites all those interested for a 75-minute yoga session set to the best hip-hop songs, followed by a serving of mimosas to help you cool down. $25. 11 a.m. Sat., July 8. City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave. N.E. 404-946-3791. www.citywinery.com.






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