News Briefs: Mobile art experiences; mural unveiling; High Museum Wine Auction relocates; traveling butterfly exhibit lands at Fernbank; FUTURE GALLERY & RAILROAD leaves Underground Atlanta

FUTURE GALLERY & RAILROAD recently announced that it will be leaving Underground Atlanta as of January 31, 2026. The gallery has been headquartered there since 2022, and founder EuGene V Byrd III shared a post on Instagram citing a lack of alignment with Underground’s ambitions to be community-focused. “I tried to stick it out; even thought I’d make it to the World Cup, but apparently some owners love a vacant building more than it loves artists. It is what it is,” the post reads. Fortunately, the caption also hints at a new home in the works for the beloved gallery and cultural center, though details and location have not yet been revealed. This is the latest in a spate of closures of art-centered businesses and galleries at Underground Atlanta and has some in the community speculating about the future of arts organizations based there. 

Thriving Together Atlanta is taking its programming on the road with the MARTA Mobile Art Experience, a public art project dedicated to addressing inequality in health care with cross-industry art programming. In this project, a MARTA bus has been transformed into an immersive space for healing, community and art, including aspects of music, dance, spoken word, visual art and interactive healing and educational activations. The project is presented by the National Black Arts Festival and curated by NEXT, a collaborative movement led by Atlanta artists, arts administrators and professionals to galvanize “members of the city’s creative class into a potent force for change,” according to the NEXT website. The experience, which will make a total of four stops at events throughout Atlanta, kicked off on January 12 at the King Center. Today, January 16, the bus will be at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Next up is the MARTA Artbound “See Our Voice” exhibit collaboration opportunity at Oakland City Station on February 7, followed by the Edgewood Art Walk activation at One Contemporary Gallery on February 28, 2026. 

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, PCOM Georgia has unveiled a striking new mural by celebrated local muralist Mr. Totem. PCOM stands for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the local college based in Suwanee offers a medical school, pharmacy school and a doctor of physical therapy program. Following a selection process that lasted more than a year and chose from among approximately 80 artists who applied from around the world, Mr. Totem’s design was chosen for his bold use of color and the 3D effect that brings the DNA ladder to life as a symbol of the college’s holistic, whole-person philosophy. “The core element of the mural design is a DNA double helix. Along the DNA strand, it shows the progression of unlocking the mind, challenging the body and enlightening the spirit, exemplifying PCOM’s mission of caring for the whole person,” said Mr. Totem.

At Fernbank, an outdoor traveling exhibition called Flight of Butterflies will land on March 14. Positioned along the nature trails of WildWoods, 25 oversized butterfly sculptures were designed by a diverse group of artists to embody the connection between humans and nature. “Each artwork embodies themes of metamorphosis and evolution, created with the hope of inspiring others to champion nature’s perseverance,” reads a statement from the museum. The art initiative first launched in Chicago in 2024, taking up residence along the city’s Magnificent Mile and throughout the Chicago Parks District. The outdoor installation will remain on view at Fernbank through June 7.

The High Museum of Art has announced a new location for its 2026 High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction. The 34th annual celebration of arts and wine will move to Pullman Yards from March 26 through March 28, 2026. In a release from the museum, the new location will facilitate “a series of elevated events centered on highly curated food and wine experiences, all to benefit the High’s mission to inspire and connect our community through art.” For more than three decades, the event has raised over $42 million to support the High’s mission-driven programming, exhibitions and art initiatives. “Our Wine Auction has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 30 years, and this was the right time to make evolutionary changes that ensure the Auction continues to be a signature event for the High and Atlanta,” said Rand Suffolk, the High’s director. “Pullman Yards is intricately intertwined with the arts in the city, so they are a fitting partner for our biggest fundraiser that is so essential to the High’s mission.” Over the three-day event, expect a Palette and Pour tasting reception as well as a marquee multicourse live auction luncheon.