ARTS TRAIL
Buckhead
The community of Buckhead embraces artists with galleries galore. Buckhead is home to almost 60 art galleries, some might call Buckhead Georgia’s Art Gallery.
From Alan Avery Art to Wind and a Prayer Studio, from the new Atlanta Art Gallery (on Peachtree) to Fay Gold (In Miami Circle) celebrating over 28 years; from photographs to oils, Buckhead offers something for every pallet. An especially exciting operation is the newly opened Hagedorn Foundation Gallery on Peachtree Hills Avenue where all revenue goes to charity.
Beyond the doors of the galleries and studios are 43 sculptures on public display in Buckhead. These and every gallery and studio are detailed in the Buckhead Guidebook, starting with historic cemeteries dating back to 1826, 20 historic sites in Buckhead, and 72 historic markers.
What really sets Buckhead apart though are its Decorator Districts – Bennet Street, Peachtree Decorative Arts Plaza, Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, Galleries of Peachtree Hills, and Miami Circle Market Center. Here decorators can find accessories, antiques, art, bronzes, fabrics, fountains, furniture, interiors, jewelry, lighting, marble, mirrors, porcelain, rugs, and silver in over 250 storefronts.
Cumming
Experience a wealth of arts and entertainment. The Cumming Playhouse features regular plays, musicals, concerts and dining at Tam’s Backstage Restaurant. Take advantage of artist studios and galleries that are open to the public and seasonal festivals that run throughout the year. In addition to the Cumming Fair and Festival, the Cumming Fairgrounds hosts concerts, attractions and exhibits for visitors to enjoy. Organizations such as the Forsyth Arts Alliance and the Sawnee Artists Association work to preserve and enrich the arts in the Cumming-Forsyth community. Admire Gregory Johnson’s bronze statues that adorn the downtown streets of Cumming and enjoy arts and crafts fairs around the county. Soak in the art and culture of this charming community.
Sandy Springs
You’ll find arts and entertainment opportunities in every season throughout Sandy Springs. Heritage Sandy Springs presents Concerts by the Springs, an outdoor summer concert series presented one Sunday each month, May through September. This free series is open to the public and has become a celebrated community tradition. In late winter, the 23-day Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, the largest film festival of any kind in the state of Georgia with over 38,600 attendees in 2015, takes place at multiple venues in Metro Atlanta, including 2 theaters in Sandy Springs. Contemporary and classic independent Jewish films from around the world are featured at the festival.
For over 25 years, Café 290 in Sandy Springs has been known as Atlanta’s legend in Jazz, the most respected venue for mainstream, contemporary and funk jazz. With frequent cameo appearances by nationally and internationally-know performers, it’s a can’t-miss experience. And for theater enthusiasts, Act3 Productions offers a full award-winning repertoire of musicals, dramas, improvisation and original productions performed by professional and amateur actors of all ages.
Finally, set to open in mid to late 2018, the Performing Arts Center at City Springs will serve as a gathering place for artists, audiences, and students of all ages, with performance seating for 1,000 people. The Center is designed to become a creative common area where residents and visitors can experience the best in music, dance and theater.
Dawsonville
Dawson County is a growing arts community. The Bowen Center for the Arts offers a new exhibit each month of local and regional artists. It provides performing and visual arts events, classes in all areas of the Fine Arts, Cultural History exhibits and houses space for meetings, receptions and small events. Around Back at Rocky’s Place is the “Ultimate Folk Art Galley of the Southeast” featuring a plethora of artists such as Cornbread and Charlie Frye. There you will find paintings, pottery, woodcarvings and other whimsical and primitive art. If you are interested in art glass be sure to visit Blue Ridge Glassworks where you will find custom art glass pieces of uncompromising workmanship in the design and construction of architectural art glass.
Roswell
Roswell has an abundance of cultural experiences. Visit the Historic District where you will find a unique and creative spirit. Amidst the array of colorful galleries with opportunities to “meet the artists,” you immerse yourself in artistic expressions created in paintings, sculpture, fiber, pottery, photography, wood, glass and clay that define Roswell’s character. From an immense Dr. Seuss collection of artwork at Ann Jackson Gallery, to the Amish barn-type structure of Raiford Gallery filled with the works of over 400 fine artists and craftsmen, numerous galleries and studios, arts festivals, First Friday Art Walks and a variety of special events, exhibits and activities that fill the calendar year-round, you’ll enjoy exploring Roswell.
Canton Street, overflowing with restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries and shops in period storefronts has been officially designated as a Georgia Great Street. A crowd pleaser all year, but especially the Third Thursday night of each month April – October when it host the “Best Street Party in the Atlanta Area” – Alive After Five Roswell and Alive at the Square.
Performing arts add to the fabric of Roswell. From the casual Riverside Sounds concert series to toe-tapping and classical performances, a lively music scene abounds. Award-winning Georgia Ensemble Theatre provides professional theatre featuring drama, comedy and musicals. From a wide array of entertainment at Roswell Cultural Arts Center to an eclectic dining music scene, you’ll find it in Roswell.
Living history reenactments, pre-Civil War architecture, and 3 historic cemeteries enhance the artistic and cultural offerings that define the essence of Roswell.
Dahlonega
From Visual Arts Galleries to Performing Arts, Dahlonega’s unique scene offers culture seekers both one-of-a-kind collectables and memorable experiences. Local artist groups produce monthly activities and demonstrations as well as annual Festivals. There are year round theatrical performances, concerts, and traditional music jams at the Historic Holly Theater, intimate music venues, and outdoor parks. The Downtown Historic District is alive with turn of the century architecture spotlighting the art of design and preserving the charm of the shops, eateries, and entertainment venues.
Dahlonega’s colorful community fabric is not just found at seasonal festivals but also at the University of North Georgia. The UNG Department of Visual Arts showcases such attractions as Outdoor Sculpture Exhibitions and the Bob Owens Art Gallery while the UNG Appalachian Studies Center promotes the many arts of Appalachia culture. The Department of Music presents a variety of public student and faculty performances each year including world-class guest artist concerts, and the Media Department offers Film events.
Alpharetta
Alpharetta’s expanding arts scene is simply not to be missed. If music is your passion, make the magnificent, 12,000-capacity Ameris Bank Amphitheatre destination with big name acts like the Rod Stewart, Keith Urban, Dave Matthews Band and the Grammy award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. For a more intimate venue, stop by Matilda’s Under the Pines, where a quirky stage is nestled in the pines with acoustical music by some of the country’s best musicians and songwriters. For a more exclusive experience, catch a show at the cozy living room of The Velvet Note, designed by musicians for musicians to provide the purest vocal and instrumental reception available to a live audience.
Alpharetta is also home to stunning art galleries, including Chic Evolution in Art, featuring provocative ever-changing selections including avant-garde home furnishings, modern paintings, casted glass and other sculptures, crafts, and collectibles; Sis and Moon’s – vintage store and home to Treehouse, a working studio and art gallery; and the Alpharetta Arts Center, 10,000 square-foot center including a black-box theater space, gallery exhibits and art events. The Alpharetta Arts Streetfest is a “don’t miss” art festival with over 40 artists held each May in downtown Alpharetta. Alpharetta Art in Brooke Street Park is a monthly outdoor artist market (between May – September) featuring pottery, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, photography and much more.