One of the best things about the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory is that many…read moreperformances are open to the public and completely free, even parking (at certain times). Check out the Emory arts calendar for a schedule of upcoming performances at http://arts.emory.edu/calendar/index.html. You can park for free in the Fishburne parking deck which is conveniently located right next to the Schwartz Center. Parking rates apply, Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm, but the deck is free otherwise. On October 20, 2017, I attended the world premiere of the short film "In Her Image" (2017), written and directed by Emory alumnus Nikoloz Kevkhishvili. What was unique about this premiere was it took place in the Schwartz Center's Emerson Concert Hall (seating capacity: 825) and the Emory Wind Ensemble played the musical soundtrack to the film live as we watched it on a projected screen above the stage. The score for the movie was composed by Emory's director of orchestral studies, Richard Prior. I've been to independent film festivals and independent movie screenings/premieres before and In Her Image (official website: https://www.inherimagefilm.com/ | IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7483328/) was better than I expected. If you're a fan of high quality, well-made, and well-acted short films, it's worth checking out. The premiere was preceded by three arrangements performed by the Emory Wind Ensemble and an additional arrangement after the premiere. They were: 1. Four Scottish Dances (1957) by Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) 2. Aria Della Battaglia (1567) by Andrea Gabrieli (1510-1586) 3. Suite from Mass (1971) by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) - Film Premiere - 4. Zion (1994) by Dan Welcher (b. 1948) I was impressed with the quality of the performances. They were outstanding. They were conducted by Paul Bhasin who is Emory's director of wind studies. My favorite arrangement was the Suite from Mass which was written for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. It sounded magical like a John Williams score from a Steven Spielberg movie. Five brass soloists from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra joined the Emory Wind Ensemble for the suite. They were Stuart Stephenson (trumpet), Michael Tiscione (trumpet), Jaclyn Rainey (horn), Samuel Schlosser (trombone), and Michael Moore (tuba). The entire program, including the movie, lasted only about 1.5 hours. As for the Schwartz Center itself, it is very nice. It opened in February 2003. For comparison, the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech opened in April 1992 with a 1,155-seat auditorium. The concert hall is two stories and features a 45-pipe organ. There were staff members on the first and second level concourses greeting attendees and handing out descriptive programs. Seating was general admission. The seats were comfortable and there was not a bad seat in the house. Every seat seemed to have good to great sight lines and viewing angles. The acoustics were terrific. Along with the concert hall, the Schwartz Center also has a dance studio, theater lab and observatory, rehearsal hall, and classrooms. Outside, there is a courtyard with beautiful tree lights. The Schwartz Center is located on the southern end of Emory's campus. It's just a stone's throw away from Emory Village which has several great dining options like Double Zero, Falafel King, Keba, Rise-n-Dine, and Wagaya.

A beautiful venue that showcases some wonderful music groups throughout the year. Many concerts are…read morefree, so check it out for sure! The seats are comfortable and the acoustics are good. Nice bathrooms and overall a high quality feel to the venue. It is part of Emory University. Parking can be a pain if the deck next door fills up.

Healium is a small gallery and space full of charming people, music, art, and meditation. I didn't…read moreknow what to expect when a friend of mine mentioned going here to chill and do some painting. Upon arriving the owner warmly welcomed us and then explained what Healium was about: an atmosphere free to play and rejuvenate, essentially. For the painting sessions, you have a choice to paint on a canvas, bottle, or tile plate. To paint it was $10 for the supplies, discount or free if you donated wine or art supplies. The painting sessions aren't lead by anything, there is a base inspiration for the day that you can draw from, but the idea is really to have fun, try not to be overly serious, and just painting. Let go, sort of experience. There are also guided meditations and food toward the back of Healium. I don't go participate in a lot of meditation sessions, so it was really interesting to finally experience a singing bowl for an extended period of time. The open gallery showcases local work from staff and other artists all with either a fantastical theme or meditative spirit in mind. Healium seems to focus a lot on exploration of the soul and letting that blossom. It's also a safe atmosphere to do so. We ended up painting and painting til the place closed up, and still painting. So much for serious? Or maybe just having too much fun.

Where do I start?! This location is easy to find, plus I grew up near this area…read more This place is a gathering place for self-expression, healing and positive vibes. I visited here to attend a singing bowl concert. The owners are warm, welcoming, wonderful people; the Healium Center reflects the care they've put into this place. I was given a tour; I viewed the private art gallery, owned by the Family. I saw beautiful, vividly colored art featured by local artists. They also host meditations lead by Donna, in an exquisite, eclectic black light room. They also have open jam sessions on Wednesday. I felt so at home, it's unreal. This is an 18+ venue, and they also serve food and drink on certain days as well. Please check this place out. Will I be back??? Of course I will. I absolutely love the Healium Center and you will too!

We go to Trilith a few times a year, usually to eat at one of the restaurants in the area. Me and…read moremy husband went to an event at the hotel last weekends and decided to walk around the area a bit before heading out. There are cute shops, lots of options for sweet treats (bakery, gelato, specialty coffee and tea, etc.) as well as lots of options for light bites, heavy meals, group activities or fun drinks. We patronized a few businesses as we walked, but I also enjoyed these leaf dress displays on the corners (see pics). It reminded me of the art displays large cities often have were there'll be a painted animal (cow, fish, horse, etc.) on various corners. Trilith is a good location if you're looking to burn some time and take in a meal while doing it. I've never been to any of the special events in the area, but have heard good things.

Great day strolling and relaxing. The vibe is very artsy and peaceful. Be sure to check out the…read morebookstore, gelato and green space area. Love that there is comfortable seating along Trilith Pkwy to stop, relax and people while taking in the cool vibes.

The energy at Molly's Sanyour Studio is infectious--in the absolute best way! The founder herself…read morebrings such a welcoming vibe, and the entire team is so helpful and encouraging. I was first introduced to the studio through a Yelp event, where I had the opportunity to use the pottery wheel for the first time and created a little jewelry bowl. It was such a fun and memorable experience! I recently returned for an art exhibit and had the chance to admire some of the beautiful pieces created by the artists, especially Kat and Chanel. I absolutely love the vibe of this studio. It feels creative, welcoming, and like a place where you can truly come as you are and explore your creativity. I'm seriously considering joining the Clay Café or signing up for the 8-week program--I'm just checking my schedule to see where I'm being led! Overall, no need to overthink it--Molly's Studio is the place to be! If you've been looking for a fun, creative experience or simply want to try something new, definitely check them out.

My husband and I came for a two-hour workshop on my birthday last year, and I loved it so much I…read morecouldn't stop talking about the eight-week course. Life got busy, and I never made it back. Then, for my birthday this year, he surprised me with the course. I'm so grateful he did. I just finished my first eight weeks and have already signed up for another. From the start, everyone was welcoming and encouraging. Molly, the owner, sets that tone. She's personable, caring, and always willing to help. We learned different techniques throughout the course, but we also had the freedom to make whatever we wanted. Her guidance made me feel comfortable trying new things and more confident in what I could create. The art show at the end was incredible. I'd watched people build and glaze their pieces week after week, so seeing everyone's finished work on display felt so special. I invited friends and family to celebrate, and some of them left wanting to sign up for a class too! This studio has become a place I genuinely look forward to going. If you're thinking about trying a workshop or taking the eight-week course, I can't recommend it enough. Molly makes the experience.

Amazing, light-filled creative space that will attract a lot of artists and print appreciators to…read moreits new home on the southside. At the Grand Opening yesterday, you could feel the creative energy - the place was abuzz. A real jewel for Hapeville and for Atlanta's southside.

I cannot say enough good things about this studio. It's a wonderful space to work in, in addition…read moreto meeting other aspiring artist. Thus far, I've taken two classes with APS, Printmaking with Lucha Rodriguez and Enhanced Woodcuts with Jamaal Barber, and I was not disappointed!! Not only are they teaching you a skill, but can provide a lot of insight on how to sell your art, best practices in the industry, etc. I dabble across various art mediums, but because of my experiences here, I found my true calling and look forward to taking my artwork to the next level. You can rent equipment, studio time, and even become a member and sell your art during their annual show. What's not to love!!! If you're still hesitant on taking a class, check out their Instagram page and see all the beautiful things you can create with little to no prior formal training.

The Elysium team hosted a meeting for our management team and as always they didn't disappoint! All…read morewe had to do was show up! They provided a light lunch with a fresh garden salad from their community farm(who knew)! This spot is close to the job site, courteous, and professional. They also accommodate last minute requests with no problem. Thanks Elysium, YOU ROCK!!

I rented this BEAUTIFUL venue for my 50th Birthday Apr2026. PHENOMENAL!!! Ms Victoria was extremely…read morehelpful, professional and KIND. She answered all my questions promptly; even giving me pointers of things I wasn't sure of. The venue inside is breathtaking. The building is a stand-alone so there was plenty of parking and an outside seating area for use as well. My event was a total of 8hrs on a Saturday. It was enough time to set up, party and break down without rushing. the day of Coordinator was HELPFUL with setting my tables (because my Decorator canceled and we had to last minute DIY). The event was LOVELY! The space was FANTASTIC. My pictures look amazing in the background. We will rent again.

I decided to go on a little journey to explore Atlanta. In my quest of exploring I discovered…read moreHammond's House Museum. It's a fairly small museum which was originally the house of a successful African American doctor named Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds who had a love for the arts. ***Please note it is a SMALL museum but the art work is beautiful. It took me about 30 mins which mostly included me watching some of a short film to go through the entire museum. The reason for my four stars instead of five is as I was visiting the museum in one of the rooms that I entered there seemed to be two women who I believe were employees that sat at a table in one of the museum rooms and talked and discussed business as I entered an explored the art. It was very unprofessional! Other than that, a great hidden gem to explore in Atlanta. Students pay a discounted rate with IDs of $5.00, adults $10.00 and anyone under the age of 12 are free.

Thinking back on my visit, I am glad I opted to purchase the Groupon. Time went by, and I hadn't…read moreyet used to. So glad I gave this place a try. The House itself is an open love letter to the Westside of Atlanta. I believe the host told me the artist is named Shaniqua Gay. In the house there are beautiful painting on the walls showcasing the community's known figures. Captivating, historic, and memorable. I recommend everyone to visit to experience the artistry. Side note: Parking may be a bit difficult to locate but there's a library walking distance from the house.

I'm between 3 and 4 on this one…read more 4 stars for the talent I saw and the curve balls they threw into the play - "The mystery of love and sex" was the one I saw. Fun, funny, and wise. It was also R rated (full frontal nudity, both male and female but not pornographic or gross), with the cast cursing, drinking wine and smoking cigarettes/pot on stage. If you are easily offended, this wouldn't be a good place for you to go. If you are fun and open minded, give it a whirl. They also have a small bar with snacks and basic liquor along with beer/wine. 2 stars for the bathroom situation. It's a LGBTQIA audience so you may end up in a bathroom with a bunch of guys, straight and otherwise (I'm a girl). AWKWARD.. Especially with a mix of stalls and open urinals. And it wasn't just me. Everyone was commenting on it. Overall: I think they are new to the scene and still need to work some kinks out. I do hope the bathroom situation changes..

Out Front is the shining star of West Midtown…read more I've performed improv *and* been repeated guest here and I gotta say this theater is truly amazing. Folks who run it are super nice and they always have great cocktails flowing, too. But it's the community outreach they do that makes it so amazing. Lifting up queer voices should be the mission of *all* theater but here they walk the walk and talk the talk (and add in a few circle-snaps for good measure). Actually it's not just a shining star of West Midtown; it sets the standard for regional theater in the southeast, period.