Atlanta arts scene was abuzz with anticipation and excitement for the arrival of the Atlanta Art Fair, and for Georgia State University (GSU) Ernest G.Welch School of Art & Design, it was well worth the wait. Compelling artwork and installations from the school's faculty and alumni were on full display at just about every corner of the fair. The school participated both as a cultural partner and exhibitor featuring a solo-artist booth by alumna and recent Guggenheim Fellow Jessica Blinkhorn (M.F.A. 2010). The vibrant thought-provoking booth (including two live performances) centered on Blinkhorn's SPANKBOX.ATL project which places disabled sexuality in the forefront and allows those curious to self-educate and engage in an authentic and compelling conversation to implement change and, hopefully, lessen the numbers of sexual assaults in the disabled community. Read more here.
Throughout the fair, curated installations and local galleries featured works by many GSU alumni and faculty including Pam Longobardi, Craig Drennen, Sergio Suarez, Shanequa Gay, Corrina Sephora, Jane Foley, Jackson Markovic, Curtis Patterson, Cynthia Farnell, InKyoung Chun, Jamaal Barber, Sheila Pree Bright, Tim Short, Krista Clark, and Sonya Yong James among others. The GSU Cultural Partner booth was presented by a team of graphic and interior design students and faculty. It featured a highlights video alongside works by faculty members Stephanie Kolpy and Jill Frank.
Georgia State’s booth with Blinkhorn made a strong impression that resonated and struck a chord among fairgoers and media alike. The national outlet, Art News declared SPANKBOX ATL as…
“In a rare convergence, the most educational booth at the event was also the most entertaining.”
The review also included GSU alumni Shanequa Gay and Krista Clark, making it three of the six artists cited as “a bit of the best” at the fair. Read the review here.
(Atlanta Art Fair, Pullman Yards, Atlanta - Oct. 3-6, 2024)
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