By Alaina Coats

Published October 30, 2023

The beginning of a new conversation for the city of Atlanta led hundreds to the historic Underground Atlanta venue for a two-day immersive art experience on October 29th and 30th.

The event was organized by Daniel Dickey’s management agency, The Resource Guild (TRG); Ais York Almahdi with York Promotions; and Amber Trammell, the Atlanta Arts Festival founder.

The trio brought to fruition a presentation of the best expressions of art by some of the most talented artists in the city. The vision was to use the diverse and creative tool of artistic expression to connect the city of Atlanta with art culture.

The exhibit included a representation of every genre of art within the city, specially hand-picked by Trammell, who is a graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and a skilled ceramics artist.

“It was important that we chose artists who created art from a place of meaning,” Trammell said. ”We want people to be passionate about what they do.”

As famed music MCs like DJ Mars kept the artistic scene amped, patrons grooved through all 33,000 square feet of the Underground Atlanta, enjoying more than 100 paintings that adorned the walls, independent film viewings, poetry readings, musical performances, dance, and fashion. Hollywood actor, musician, and model Jaden Smith hosted the event showcasing fashions from his clothing line, MSFTSrep, along with up-and-coming singer-songwriter Raury, who graced the stage with hits from his latest album, Strawberry Moon.

Upon entry into the venue, visitors were immediately engaged in self-reflective dialogues and discussions with artists about their modes of self-expression and diverse artistic manifestations. There was art for everyone, including men’s and women’s jewelry, eyewear, streetwear, drawings, paintings, textile art, and even a VR experience.

Art lovers were graced with the works of resin artist Wisdom Walker, who showcased her eclectic reflective mirror art; Shalingo, who displayed authentic Nigerian portraits; and Pixxel Gem, who modeled high-end fashion and streetwear, to name a few. Every artist’s contribution spoke a relatable language that embraced and allowed each spectator to have their own unique, emotive experience. It also brought to the fore the importance of using cultural arts as a means of strengthening society and community through the exploration of others’ creative expressions, lessons, and personal accounts.

“Art is a language,” York Almahdi said. “Communicating what you have in your mind, from your heart, from your soul through whatever form of art is therapeutic and a way to connect with people and to find people who speak the same language as you do. If you’re speaking my language, then I get your art,” he said.

Through a collaborative effort with promoters, Lyle Baldes, the Underground Atlanta’s site activation manager, is responsible for curating these types of meaningful conversations and memorable experiences for patrons who attend hosted events like the Atlanta Arts Festival, which is anticipated to return for its quarterly exhibit next year in March.

Since the Underground’s revitalization in 2021, Baldes has been trying to reactivate the site and get residents and tourists excited about the popular landmark again, to get them to remember the richness of its history, and to visit regularly.

“The Underground is a jewel of the city, the watering hole,” he said. “One hundred years ago it was the actual street level of downtown Atlanta. A part of the city came out of where we are right now. Getting it back up and activated requires someone to have an emotion or a moment, one like going to an art gallery and buying a piece of art, Baldes said.”

The Underground Atlanta is open Tuesday– Sunday from 11am until 4am.

Check the Underground Atlanta’s Instagram page (@underground_atlanta) for its calendar of upcoming events, and save the date for the next Atlanta Arts Festival. It is a fun-filled, memorable experience that you don’t want to miss.

Atlanta Arts Festival creates community, connection to art culture