Contemporary Talks focuses on artists’ projects, curatorial platforms, and contemporary theory and connects you with individuals who represent a diverse range of disciplines as they consider, examine, and question contemporary art.
Contemporary Talks
October 23, 2025 / 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Panel Discussion | This Crown Belongs to Us
with Courtney Brooks | Moderated by Esohe Galbreath
Atlanta Contemporary invites you to a special panel discussion exploring the themes and creative processes behind This Crown Belongs to US, a powerful fiber art installation by artist Courtney Brooks.
Originally presented on the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside Trail in 2020, the project highlights the cultural significance of Black hair practices through oversized braided forms made of yarn and mixed materials. More than an installation, it became a collaborative experience centered on community, creativity, and self-expression.
This conversation brings together Brooks and her creative collaborators, Taryn Anchrum and Charmaine Minniefield, to reflect on the project’s impact and the broader intersections of art, identity, and cultural memory.
Together, the panelists will share insights into collaborative making, storytelling through visual and performance practices, and the importance of projects that celebrate sisterhood, unity, and cultural pride. The discussion will also touch on the CROWN Act, underscoring how art can amplify conversations around equity and representation.
The conversation will be moderated by Esohe Galbreath, a cultural strategist, curator, and advocate whose work centers on equity and creative community engagement.
Together, the panel will explore how collaborative making, storytelling, and cultural traditions can build community while challenging systems of inequity.
This event is free and open to the public.
Bios
Courtney Brooks
Courtney Brooks is an Atlanta based visual artist, art instructor and independent curator. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she rekindled her passion for painting by encouraging creativity and connecting communities through the arts.
Esohe Galbreath
In early 2015, Esohe Galbreath decided to dedicate 100% of her time to her entrepreneurial endeavors. Through consulting clients, Esohe discovered a love and passion for working with creatives, artists, and visionaries and with her husband George was inspired to co-found ARTiculate ATL – an annual art social featuring 30+ artists with 1,000 art enthusiast attendees; and the Youth Artists Program – a 501c3 non-profit bridging the exposure gap of some of Atlanta’s most visually talented youth. Esohe and George are also avid art collectors and recently published The Galbreath Collection: A Decade of Collecting Atlanta featuring over 100 pieces of artwork from 70 artists.
As Esohe continues to engage with Atlanta’s growing artist community, she recently held the role of President of the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association. She finds inspiration living in the historic arts district with her husband, George. Esohe was a 2016 Fellow of the New Leaders Council (NLC) and served as Co-Director of NLC-Atlanta from 2018 to 2020. She also acts as treasurer for College AIM and the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA). In 2025, Esohe and George founded art.ful, aiming to foster space and community for emerging artists, collectors, and art lovers.
Location
Courtyard
Related Exhibitions
Jun 21, 2025 - Sep 7, 2025
Courtney Brooks
This Crown Belongs to Us
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Join us for a family-friendly art workshop as part of the Contemporary Kids program, where kids of all ages can explore their creativity and engage with the themes of contemporary art!
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