As we move into the summer, ADAMA is more committed than ever to creating space for connection, creativity, and celebration. In a time when uncertainty and division often dominate the headlines, we believe in the power of gathering—in joy, in art, and in community.

 

ADAMA exists not just to showcase Black art, but to honor the fullness of Black life. Through exhibitions, conversations, and cultural experiences, we are building a sanctuary where stories from across the African Diaspora are elevated, remembered, and reimagined.

 

We’re excited to continue pushing the mission forward! With your support, we’re expanding what it means to be a cultural institution rooted in liberation, legacy, and love.

This is more than a museum—it’s a movement.

Let’s celebrate everything that makes being Black so beautiful.

ADAMA Arts Salon is a series of conversations featuring contemporary artists, curators, scholars, and more from across the African Diaspora. Join us for ADAMA's upcoming in-person Arts Salon. Oronike Odeleye will moderate a conversation with sculptural artists Ellex Swavoni and Grace Kisa.

 

About moderator: Oronike Odeleye is a skilled Arts & Entertainment Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in Business Administration, Account Management, and Event Planning and Logistics in service of artists, organizations, and projects aimed at creating meaningful public engagement with the Art & Culture of Africa and the Black Diaspora. From July 2022 to February 2025, Oronike has served as the Artistic Director of the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), a non-profit recognized as the oldest in the country dedicated exclusively to the support and promotion of Black art and artists.

 

Ellex Swavoni: At the young age of nine encountering art toys online ignited a lifelong passion for sculpture. With resourcefulness and the power of the internet, Swavoni taught herself the art of sculpting and creating toy-like figurative sculptures. She pursued graphic design at Campbellsville University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 2014. During her studies, she developed an art practice focused on Afro-futurism, depicting women as powerful entities and reimagining ancient ideas through a futurist lens.

Her work often involves the use of computer programs, 3D printing, and fine finishes. In her process, Swavoni creates detailed sketches using computer programs, which are then 3D printed, meticulously programmed, and finished with fine paint details. This blend of traditional and digital techniques allows her to craft intricate, futuristic pieces that challenge conventional narratives.

 

Grace Kisa: As a multimedia artist whose primary form of expression is mixed media sculpture, Kisa's work draws inspiration from a childhood spent in Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, Virginia and as a practicing artist in Georgia (US). By transforming what is familiar, she creates narratives that engage various histories while working through concepts of intersectional identities, examining migration processes and cultural exchange beyond borders.

 

🚨 Save the Date: Player's Ball - A Double Feature Coming Soon🚨

Get ready for a night of film, fashion, and culture!

In celebration of Juneteenth and our current exhibition Double Feature, ADAMA is bringing the spirit of 1970s Black cinema to the big screen with a special fundraiser event: Player’s Ball – A Double Feature.

 

📅 When: Saturday, June 14th
🕗 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Where:  Tara Theatre 
🎟️ Tickets available soon!

 

Join us for a back-to-back screening of two iconic Blaxploitation films, a red carpet experience, and a Best Dressed contest celebrating the glam and flair of the ‘70s. Come dressed to impress in your finest Player’s Ball attire and relive the era in true cinematic style.

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the powerful opening of Double Feature, our latest exhibition celebrating the legacy of Blaxploitation-era cinema through original, vintage movie posters.

 

Curated by Ric Ross, the exhibition showcases 30 bold and iconic posters from films like Shaft, Cleopatra Jones, and Blacula—each one a vibrant piece of history that captures the energy, style, and cultural impact of 1970s Black cinema. Guests enjoyed opening remarks from the curator, a fun round of Blaxploitation trivia, and a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that reminded us of the power of Black storytelling on and off the screen.

 

🎬 Missed the opening? There’s still time to experience the exhibit!

Double Feature is open through July 18th, and we invite you to join us during gallery hours to see it up close.

 

📍 Gallery Hours: Thursday–Saturday | 12 PM–5 PM
ADAMA | 352 University Ave SW, Atlanta, GA
🎟️ Free and open to the public

 

Don’t miss this cinematic journey through art, culture, and Black excellence.

 

The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA) is built on the shoulders of dynamic individuals offering their time and serving our organization to ensure its excellence and success!

 

We’re looking for passionate, reliable volunteers to help us hold down the gallery! If you love art, culture, and community, join us for gallery hours Thursday–Saturday, 12–5 PM.

Be part of the movement — sign up and help us keep the doors open and the energy flowing!

 

As we build this institution, our vision is to be one of true reflection; reflection of our community’s face, values, and vision.

Interested in having your work featured on our website? We are currently seeking talented volunteer writers and bloggers to join our team. If you have a passion for storytelling and creating engaging content, we would love to hear from you. Simply reply to this email for more info.