Contemporary Talks
Past Event October 22, 2020 / 6:00pm – 8:00pm

The Importance of Collecting

A conversation on collecting, exhibiting, and promoting contemporary art.

Talk

Join us for a conversation on The Importance of Collecting with prominent Atlanta-art dealers, Susan Bridges, Arnika Dawkins, and Anna Walker Skillman. Moderated by Atlanta Contemporary executive director, Veronica Kessenich, each gallerist offers her unique perspective on collecting, exhibiting, and promoting contemporary art. Echoing the themes present in She Is Here, this conversation emphasizes the necessity to acquire works by women and artists of color.

With the uncertainty of COVID-19, the continued work towards eradicating racism, and the universal struggle to understand ones place in the world – art and artists help us navigate. Listen in and learn just how essential art is.

This virtual lecture will be streamed via Zoom.

Watching via Zoom
Viewers can watch via Zoom. Zoom participants can join in via audio, video, and text chat during the open conversation portion of the lecture. Register here for the meeting and receive a link to join when it begins. Zoom participants are capped at 100 people.

Zoom Conversation guide

First-time users can watch this video on how to join a Zoom meeting.

  • Zoom viewers will enter the conversation with audio and video muted. Please stay muted until the open conversation portion. We promise we want to talk to you!
  • Start by introducing yourself with your name and pronouns.
  • We are here to grow and learn! Be open to different styles and areas of knowledge.
  • Share the floor – Be conscious of others joining in with questions and comments.

Bios

Susan Bridges

For 15 years, Atlanta native Susan Bridges curated pop-up shows around the city in churches, U-Haul facilities, shipping containers, and an underground parking garage. In 2006 she opened Whitespace Gallery in a former carriage house behind her Victorian home in Inman Park. Today the gallery represents more than 40 local and national artists, who’ve shown work at the Smithsonian Institution, the Venice Biennale, and Art Basel Miami Beach.

Arnika Dawkins

Arnika Dawkins is the owner of her eponymous fine art photography gallery established in Atlanta in 2012. The gallerist shows work by talented emerging and mid-career artists with a specialization in showing fine art photography by African Americans and images of people from the African Diaspora. Her passion is connecting collectors to photography that is significant, inspiring, and provocative. As a fine art photographer and avid collector herself, she is a valuable resource to collectors and artists alike. She is passionate about the medium, having obtained a Master of Arts in Digital Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Anna Walker Skillman

Anna Walker Skillman has been a loyal and active participant in the arts community for the last 29 years. Graduated in Art History from the University of Georgia in 1991, she began her career working at the Haines Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery in San Francisco. In 1993, Anna moved to Atlanta to manage the studio of Atlanta artist Todd Murphy. After working with Mr. Murphy to help establish his career, Anna turned to photography and joined Jackson Fine Art in 1997. In March of 2003, she purchased Jackson Fine Art from Jane Jackson, who became curator of the prestigious collection of Sir Elton John. Ms. Walker Skillman is honored to continue a reputation of excellence in exhibiting photography by both emerging and established artists. With a focus on a blend of 20th century and contemporary work, she continues her commitment to the arts in Atlanta and beyond.

RSVP

Location

Virtual gallery map

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.

Upcoming Events

April 27 / 2:00pm
Special Event

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Folks get to activate MuSEA’s mobile library by relaxing at the Atlanta Contemporary and reading selected texts out loud to each other.

April 28 / 12:00pm
Contemporary Kids

Contemporary Kids

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A free and interactive family-friendly program, Contemporary Kids introduces children to contemporary art and artists through approachable media and hands-on activities.

May 2 / 6:30pm
Activity

Figures in Motion

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Sit amongst the art and follow the flow and movement of the choreographers as you hone your drawing skills.

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