New Jersey is a vibrant tapestry of culture and creativity, and nowhere is this more evident than in the heart of Morris County, where the 33rd annual Art in the Atrium (ATA) exhibit recently unveiled its stunning collection. Titled “Another Slice of Sweet Potato Pie,” this year’s showcase features the incredible talents of over 75 Black and Afro-Latino artists, offering a rich and diverse perspective on contemporary art. The grand opening, a public reception held at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, served as a powerful anchor for the broader Juneteenth Arts Celebration – a multi-day cultural experience organized in collaboration with ATA, the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Morris Arts, and the Morris Museum. For those eager to delve deeper into the Garden State’s artistic offerings, be sure to explore more about New Jersey’s rich art and culture scene.
This annual exhibit isn’t just about admiring beautiful artwork; it’s a profound celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Black community, perfectly aligning with the significance of Juneteenth. Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, speaking at the reception, highlighted the county’s pride in hosting this vital exhibit each year and its commitment to recognizing Juneteenth as a county holiday. He emphasized the county’s dedication to expanding educational opportunities for African American students and others through initiatives like the Morristown and Dover College Promise programs, and career-focused programs at the newly opened Morris County Career Training Center at the County College of Morris (CCM). To further champion these efforts, the Morris Ambassador Program was launched in December 2023, a committee dedicated to raising awareness of these impactful programs.
Simone Craig, the insightful CEO of Art in the Atrium, Inc., eloquently shared the deeper meaning behind the exhibit. “This work is not just about what’s on the walls,” she stated, “it’s about expanding the narrative of who gets to be seen, valued and remembered in our cultural institutions.” Her words resonate deeply, emphasizing ATA’s crucial role in elevating Black artists and enriching the cultural landscape of New Jersey. The organization itself has a rich history, founded in 1991 by Craig’s pioneering parents, Charles and Viki Craig. Viki, whose legacy is beautifully honored with a plaque on the fifth floor of the atrium, laid the groundwork for an organization that continues to champion artistic expression and cultural understanding.
This year’s exhibit, thoughtfully curated by Onnie Strother, pays a special homage to the late Russell Murray, an original ATA curator and a founding member of the influential Newark Art Colony in the 1970s. Murray, who passed away in 2009, was a visionary figure who tirelessly worked to bring Black art into public spaces, alongside other remarkable artists like Nette Forné Thomas and Bisa Washington. Strother’s decision to feature Murray’s work is a testament to his unique talent and profound impact. “Russell was so uniquely talented, so different. His work is exciting and meaningful, and we wanted to pay homage to him,” Strother explained. The exhibit’s title, “Another Slice of Sweet Potato Pie,” is not just a whimsical phrase; it’s steeped in cultural significance. “Sweet potato pie invokes images of the Black community because sweet potato pie is a staple at big family gatherings of African Americans,” Strother elaborated, “But it also reminiscent of Langston Hughes’s anthology ‘The Sweet Flypaper of Life.’” This thoughtful connection adds another layer of depth and resonance to the entire exhibition.
Visitors to the exhibit are greeted by Murray’s striking portrait and namesake painting, “Another Slice of Sweet Potato Pie,” at the entrance of the fifth-floor gallery. This powerful introduction sets the stage for a captivating journey through four floors of diverse artistic expressions. The collection includes an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media, all housed within the Morris County Administration and Records Building at 10 Court Street in Morristown. This incredible exhibit is open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 7 p.m., running through September 19th.
The Juneteenth Arts Celebration extends beyond the walls of the exhibit, offering a series of engaging events. The celebration kicked off with an enchanting outdoor concert at the Vail Mansion Lawn, featuring the award-winning vocalist Lynette Sheard. The festivities continue with events at the Morris Museum, including insightful curator-led tours, additional art exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and a compelling screening of a short documentary on New Jersey artist Danielle Scott. These events collectively underscore the importance of Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19th, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This significant date marks when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the last enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Today, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of Black Americans.
Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA) stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural advocacy in New Jersey. Founded by the visionary Charles and Viki Craig in 1991, ATA has grown to become New Jersey’s largest exhibitor of African American fine art. As a Black-led, critically acclaimed nonprofit, ATA is dedicated to supporting Black artists through dynamic exhibitions, enriching educational programming, and invaluable professional development opportunities. Beyond its prominent exhibits, the organization also reaches out to the next generation through its ATA STEAM Academy and provides crucial scholarships for Black arts students, ensuring a bright future for artistic talent in the Garden State. Discover more about the diverse and impactful art and culture initiatives happening across New Jersey by visiting Explore New Jersey’s Art & Culture page.