Local events + happenings you should know about 9/23

ATLANTA

Georgia State University presents natural hair art exhibit

The Center for Collaborative and International Arts at Georgia State University will present a limited time exhibit entitled “The Hair Craft Project” opening Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Welch School Galleries, 10 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta.

The exhibition strives to bridge the boundaries between hair salons and art galleries as sites of aesthetics, craft, and skill. The exhibition, which runs through Nov. 11, explores hair as an indicator of race, social status, a symbol of age and authority, a statement of contemporary style, an object of beauty, and adornment. 

The exhibit is curated by Sonya Clark, an African-American multimedia artist and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts professor. Clark will give critiques and lectures as part of the Welch School Visiting Artist and Scholar Series on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10.

The gallery is open to the public free of charge Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cencia.gsu.edu.

Sweet Auburn Music Fest offers free food, fun and music

The Sweet Auburn Music Fest will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1– 2, in the Historic Auburn Avenue District at 320 Irwin Street N.E., Atlanta.

The two-day music fest is a blend of music, food and culture featuring upcoming hip-hop acts along with nationally-known R&B, rap and alternative music artists.

Attendees can enjoy an art expo and a variety of food trucks and vendors. The event is free and open to the public.

Event organizers expect high attendance and recommend taking MARTA to Auburn Avenue. For more information, visit www.sweetauburnmusicfest.com.

DEKALB

Join poet Gwen Russell Green at Stonecrest Library

Join award-winning writer Gwen Russell Green as she shares her poetry collection, Woman’s Work, on Monday, Oct. 3, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia.

Green is celebrating more than three decades as a professional creative writer in South DeKalb County.  An open mic segment will culminate the evening. For more information: 770-482-3828.

Pine Lake to host 16^th Annual LakeFest
The 16th Annual LakeFest will be held in the city of Pine Lake at the lake on Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 2, noon to 6 p.m.

The two-day festival showcases handmade art and crafts by 45 local and regional artists, live music, and poetry by Georgia writers and lots of fun activities including crafts for kids, chalk art and sandcastle contests on the beach, a pet show, and “Floatzilla!” a wild water parade led by the “Seed and Feed Marching Abominables.”

The music lineup features a variety of styles, with rock n’ roll by Uncle Don’s Band on Saturday night and headliner A.J. Ghent leading a blues safari to close the program Sunday night.
Admission and parking are free. For directions and a full schedule of events, visit: www.pinelakefest.com.

Saint Philip A.M.E. to host 5K and wellness festival

Saint Philip A.M.E. Church is hosting the 7^th Annual Rev. George Moore, Sr. Stroke Awareness 5K Run/Walk, and 12^th Annual Wellness Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to noon, 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta.

The race will start and end on the Candler Road side of the church and wind around the historic East Lake Golf Course. The festival will feature over 50 vendors focusing on traditional and alternative medicine, cooking demonstrations, fitness training, preparedness training and a healthy cooking competition.

Proceeds from the race will be donated to the American Stroke Association in honor of the Rev. George Moore, Sr., who served as St. Philip’s pastor from 1970-2011.

St. Phillip A.M.E. is under the leadership of the Rev. William D. Watley.

Register for the race at www.Active.com, or register on race day.

Gwinnett

Gwinnett County Library System offers fall planting workshop

Join the Gwinnett Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for a workshop on fall gardening at the Five Forks Library, 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville.

The fall months are the best time of the year to plant trees, shrubs and several other types of plants. Take advantage of cooler weather to give plants a greater chance of surviving and thriving.

Registration is required by Sept. 27 by contacting the Gwinnett Public Libraries at events@gwinnettpl.org.

Emory University commemorates 50^th anniversary of the Black Panthers

The James Weldon Johnson Institute at Emory University will host a public conversation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., at the Glenn Memorial Church Auditorium, 1660 N Decatur Road, NE, Atlanta.

The dialogue will offer reflection on the Party’s legacy in ongoing struggles for racial justice and honor black women’s leadership in the black power movement. Featured guest Elaine Brown, legendary activist and former chairperson of the Black Panther Party, will be joined by Spelman College professor Beverly Guy-Sheftall in this powerful one-on-one exchange. Doors open at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in Fishburne lot next to the church school.

For more information: jamesweldonjohnson.emory.edu

ROCKDALE

Conyers-Rockdale Library to host local Author Expo

Calling all local authors! The Conyers-Rockdale Library System is hosting another Local Author Expo on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 to 4 p.m.

Local authors are invited to network and promote their book. Space is limited. Register today with the Adult Services Department at 770-388-5040, ext. 118.

Yellow River Paddle & Jam set for Oct. 1

Join the Georgia Conservancy and the Yellow River Water Trail for a peaceful 7-mile paddle on the Yellow River and music festival, Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Porterdale Train Depot 2001 Main St., Porterdale.

Play and picnic along the way while drifting through quiet wooded areas. Enjoy close encounters with some of the local wildlife such as blue herons, kishfishers turtles, deer and otters. This lazy section of river is shallow, sandy-bottomed and slow—great for kids, newbies, and anyone who wants to kick back. Park your boat and grab some craft beer and food at the music festival.

For more information or to make reservations: www.georgiaconservancy.org/yellowriver.