Podcast: Burning Man, Hurricane Helene & Atlanta Artists on ATL Arts Collective

Alison Law joins us as we meet an Atlanta artist bringing an enormous memorial sculpture to Burning Man, examine the preservation of textile art as a traditional craft, learn how Andrew Aydin’s use of graphic novels gives voice to the experiences of Hurricane Helene survivors and share ArtsATL’s “Best Bets” for the week.

Prefer to watch while you listen? We’re @atlartscollective on YouTube.

Alison Law and Atlanta’s creative community

Our featured contributor is Alison Law, an editor, writer, voiceover artist and self-described “book evangelist.” She and Kim talk about creativity, trying new things and how the arts community in Atlanta supports individuals who take risks. Alison also shares her thoughts on the entertainment industry in Atlanta and why she recently enrolled in beginner improv classes. For our Beats, Bites & Sites segment, she details a favorite place for performance, food and inspiration around the city. These include the intimate atmosphere of Dad’s Garage and Mediterranean food at Ela in Virginia Highland. Plus, she explains why she has made an effort to return to movie theaters, particularly the Tara Theatre, to reconnect with the enchantment of viewing movies on a large screen.

Charlie Blackcat Smith Takes Atlanta to Burning Man

Atlanta-based artist Charlie Blackcat Smith has been attending Burning Man since 1998. This year, he’s bringing something new to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert: The Burning Book of Brian, an enormous steel sculpture in memory of his late friend, author Brian Doherty. Standing more than 13 feet tall, the kinetic sculpture features a giant open book with a suspended heart at its center. Unlike the traditional Burning Man effigies that are ultimately destroyed, Smith’s steel sculpture is designed to remain intact and serve as a hearth where Burners can gather, prepare meals, share memories and honor a friend’s legacy. Kim visited Smith in his West End warehouse with ArtsATL Editor Danielle Charbonneau before he heads 2,000 miles to the Playa.

Making It Work: Camisha Butler

Gulch magazine’s Jasmine Hentschel visits with Atlanta native textile artist, craft preservationist and arts educator, Camisha Butler for our Making It Work series. Interviewing Butler at the Hapeville Depot Museum, Hentschel learned about the challenges of her work, including obtaining grant funding and establishing institutional collaborations. She also discusses why preserving craft matters and her vision for expanding textile education in Atlanta. 

Andrew Aydin’s Hurricane Helene Graphic Novel

Law speaks with Atlanta native Andrew Aydin, co-author of the groundbreaking March trilogy with the late Congressman John Lewis and illustrator Nate Powell. March became the first comics work to win the National Book Award. Now, Aydin is turning to a very different chapter of American history with Islands In The Sky: A People’s History Of Hurricane Helene, a graphic novel documenting accounts from the storm’s survivors. The project grew out of Aydin’s experience living through Helene and his frustration with outsiders controlling the narrative about the region. 

ArtsATL’s Best Bets

ArtsATL Executive Editor Shane Harrison rounds out the episode with his weekly recommendations for Atlanta arts and culture, including Yacht Rock Revue at Synovus Bank Amphitheater; I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders at the High Museum of Art; Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize-winning Purpose at Alliance Theatre; and comedian John Heffron at The Punchline.

Looking to stay connected to the people, performances, exhibitions and ideas shaping Atlanta’s creative community? The ATL Arts Collective brings you the stories behind the city’s culture every Wednesday.

Join us on social at @artsatlanta and @atlartscollective.

Thank you to the CP Group and Downtown Atlanta Inc. for providing the ATL Arts Collective with a home at CTR Culture Studios.

Our theme music is K Michelle Dubois’ “Hit the Deck” from her album Astral Heart, courtesy of Wicked Superb Records.

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