See & Do: Visual art: Artist’s Talks
Saturday, July 12th, 2008
Following the opening of several mini solo exhibitions, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center hosts the out-of-town artists for ARTIST’S TALKS Sat., JULY 12. Daniel Duford, graphic novelist and sculptor, hails from Portland, Ore.; performance artist and video maker Dave McKenzie comes in from New York; and L.A. artist Susan Silton will be on hand to discuss her projects relating to language, the military and architecture. Also on display in the space are the works of Atlanta artists Craig Dongoski, Tim Hunter and Eric Mack. Free-$5. 11 a.m. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, 535 Means St. 404-688-1970. www.thecontemporary.org.
(Photo by Dave McKenzie)
Depending on whom you ask, the new MILLENNIUM GATE in Atlantic Station is either a refreshing neoclassical monument that at last puts Atlanta in the same rarified architectural air as New York, Paris and Rome, or it’s a fatuous bit of retrograde schlock that even Las Vegans would consider too tacky to build. Decide for yourself at the grand opening of the monument Fri., JULY 4. All the components of a traditional Fourth celebration will be in evidence: bands, a parade, fireworks, champagne and refreshments provided by Atlantic Grill. And what would Independence Day be without Mr. Stars and Stripes Forever, John Philip Sousa? Check. Orchestra Atlanta gets the bombast started at 11 a.m. with Sousa’s world-famous music. Free. Atlantic Station, 371 17th St. 404-733-1221. 
It’s been half a decade since R. Land’s last major promenade in the public arena, but the multimedia painter, sculptor and illustrator returns Sat., JUNE 28, with SUMMERLAND, a new passel of outlandish images in the heart of Little Five Points. Land’s thumbprint has been heavy in Atlanta’s hipper ZIP codes – his signature grotesqueries have delivered the one-two punch to diners’ eyeballs at El Myr and to revelers at Buckhead’s Tongue and Groove. The current show, in the now unnamed former Soul Kiss building at 1154 Euclid Ave., promises more R. Land faves, as well as a slate of collaborative works. He’s not spilling the beans on exactly who he’ll bring on, but former collaborators have included graffiti artist Hense, the Rev. Howard Finster and the East Atlanta Kids Club. Music and a souvenir shop complete the mix. Through July 31. $5. Opening reception, 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.; Mon.-Fri., by appointment only. 1154 Euclid Ave. 404-525-0905. 
Eyedrum is best known for its outside-the-box music events and independently spirited art exhibitions. This Fri., JUNE 20, however, the premier alternative art space goes swap meet on us with its second BOOK SALE. Those with over-endowed libraries may bring tables and as many books that fit on, under or around them to sell to the general public. Eyedrum asks only that sellers cut them in on the profits. This event is being held during the launch of Marcus Williams’ and Jamie England’s design anthology FORM: ARTISTIC INDEPENDENCE 2008, a compendium of local art-and-design talent. Free. Book sale, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; book launch, 8 p.m. 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 8. 404-522-0655. 
Design-savvy locals know Museum of Design Atlanta best for bringing the world’s design to Atlanta. Continuing Fri., JUNE 13, MODA stays on the home front with its current exhibition, MADE IN GA, a look at contemporary industrial design emerging from the Peach State. If this sounds like an out-of-nowhere idea, consider that the world’s most recognizable consumer packaging in history came from Atlanta: the Coca-Cola contour bottle. Sketches, prototypes and finished products from a variety of industries will give visitors an overview of the industrial design life cycle, from concept to product. MODA will showcase student work from Georgia Tech and SCAD alongside blue-chip giants such as Newell Rubbermaid, Sunbeam and Bridgestone. Through Oct. 18. Free. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Marquis II Tower, 285 Peachtree Center Ave. 404-979-6455. www.museumofdesign.org.
In NEW PERSPECTIVES, Ernesto Cuevas and Cullen Washington Jr. serve up a double dose of politically charged painting and mixed-media work at the Rialto Center for the Arts, continuing Mon., JUNE 9. Cuevas continues to mine the history of his family of migrant farm workers, while Washington calls to account evolving categories of race, gender and class in his Hoodlores Series. Cuevas’ community mural work with Red Cielo has been taking him around the country, and Washington recently won first place at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creative Exhibition. Through July 11. Free. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and by appointment. 80 Forsyth St. 404-413-9820. 