Local Stories 2022
Local Stories is an initiative that uses creative storytelling to present lesser-known facts about Downtown Atlanta's rich history. In 2022, A&E Atlanta worked with curators EuGene V. Byrd III, Corey Oberlander, and Lindsey Stapleton to select Atlanta artists to each interpret a local story through a visual lens.
Local Stories are displayed on the digital sign at Margaret Mitchell Square (140 Peachtree St NW).
EuGene V. Byrd III (@eugenebyrdart) is an Atlanta artist that draws inspiration from life experiences and people around him. He studied Graphic Design at SCAD, receiving his BFA in 2002. He worked as a graphic designer/creative director for 15+ years for companies like Timberland, Worldpay, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney, and was also signage branding manager for Miami Dade and Dubai International Airport projects. In 2016, he left his job as a designer and stepped out on faith to pursue his art career full time. EuGene founded Future Dead Artists, and operated FUTURE GALLERY from 2018-2020. During this time, he mentored artists/curators, curated 20 exhibitions and over 200 artists.
Selected artists: Kristan Woolford, Karo Durojaiye, Melissa Holmes, and Na'iim Shareef.
Curator duo Corey Oberlander and Lindsey Stapleton (@CoreyOberlander and @lastapl) are co-founders of The Rib, an online platform that supports small arts communities in the United States. They also co-founded and directed GRIN, previously a brick-and-mortar exhibition space in Providence, RI that participated in international art fairs and hosted over 50 exhibitions, and focused on emerging-to-mid career interdisciplinary artists. GRIN exists now as a nomadic, independent curatorial effort.
Selected artists: Alexis Childress, Courtney McClellan, and William Downs.
Click on each artwork below to view the art and read the full story.