This is a great weekend to be a patron of the arts—and party while doing so. From the newly renovated Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center to installations in downtown Atlanta to an exhibit by upcoming talents, there’s plenty to pick from.
The Creatives Project Annual Show and Benefit
Who says you have to be a Medici or a Carnegie to underwrite creativity? The Creatives Project is an inspiring nonprofit founded by Atlanta photographer Neda Abghari. It supports an artists residency program, arts education, and more. The Friday TCP benefit at the Goat Farm Arts Center includes the exhibition “Momentum: Exit to the Future,” showcasing 2011-2013 artist-in-studio residents—Jerushia Graham, Justin Rabideau, Ashley L. Shick, Marcy Starz, and Nikki Starz—and the 2012-2014 housing residents Gyun Hur, Andre Keichian, Masud “MAO” Olufani, and Charlie Watts. Friday, 8-11 p.m. thecreativesproject.org
Elevate
The nine-day program of art installations and performances kicks off Friday with a block party at the intersection of Fairlie and Poplar. The lineup includes: the Giwayen Mata Elephant Women (twenty female African drummers), dance troupes RemoteKontrol and Dragonhouse, and DJ Speakerfoxxx. Friday, 7-11 p.m. elevateatlantaart.com
The Art Party Is Back!
The fabled Art Party returns after an eleven-year absence to mark the unveiling of a newly renovated Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. The Contemporary celebrates its fortieth anniversary with exhibitions from Fallen Fruit and Steven L. Anderson and open studio tours. Music and entertainment by DJ Kemit, Nonsense, the Dames Aflame, and others. Saturday, 7-midnight. thecontemporary.org
Lewis Black
If all that high-minded arts stuff gets to you, get a dose of ranting and raving as the easily irritated stand-up performs at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Saturday, 8 p.m. cobbenergycentre.com
Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
One could argue that every day is Halloween in L5P. But things get kicked up a notch with bands, artists, food, drinks, and one heck of a parade. Saturday, noon – 11 p.m. Parade is at 4 p.m. l5phalloween.com
AIDS Walk Atlanta
It’s the twenty-third annual 5K walk/run to benefit the programs and services of AIDS Atlanta. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Run starts at 1 p.m., walk at 2 pm. aidswalkatlanta.com
Learn more: Our interview with AID Atlanta’s interim executive director Cathy Woolard