I’m sure a lot of you guys were out partying last saturday for Cinco De Mayo, but last saturday was also the opening day for R. Gregory Christie’s solo show: Southern Images. Thanks to everyone who came out for the event and for those that didn’t, the show will remain hanging till the end of the month so come check it out!

Greg is a children’s book illustrator based out of New Jersey who’s work takes influence from southern black history. When we talked he spoke of Bill Traylor’s life and art (currently displayed in the basement of the High) and how it inspired Greg to create pieces based off of Traylor’s story. Although Greg uses bright colors and joyful imagery there’s still a bit of struggle that comes through and pulls the viewer in and to me makes his pieces work as a narrative on their own without having to be in a children’s book.

Greg is a very well spoken guy and easy to talk to about his work. During the opening he was more than happy to talk to people as they came in, i even caught him coming in to the gallery yesterday to talk to people and share the message his work entails.

For more in depth information on Greg check out our other post or his website

Atlanta Streets Alive

Young Blood Gallery is excited to announce that we will be a sponsor of Atlanta Streets Alive this year! Here are some details so you don’t miss out:

On Sunday, May 20th from 2-6pm, you can experience the joy of open streets along a two mile stretch of North Highland Avenue. This event transforms neighborhood streets into a coordinated cultural experience starring physical activity, the arts, and sustainable communities.

Amusing activities are planned all along the route including the Great Atlanta Bicycle Parade, a walking play produced by Wonderroot, StoryCorps, viaCycle bike check-outs, CNU Atlanta and Tactical Urbanism, laughter yoga, salsa, double dutch, boot camp, Soccer in the Streets, kung fu, tai chi, cornhole, a bicycle rodeo and so much more. Starting at Virginia Ave near Murphy’s restaurant, the route traverses five Atlanta neighborhoods: Virginia Highland, Atkins Park, Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, and the Old Fourth Ward, ending at the Highland Bakery. The route connects to the popular Freedom Park Trail and the Atlanta BeltLine project.

Young Blood is also excited to sponsor, along with the Georgia Conservancy, and a few representatives from the Congress for New Urbanism and American Society of Landscape Architects, an activity that creates temporary installations that show how North Highland Avenue can be more pedestrian and cyclist friendly – which includes temporarily pulling the retail stores and restaurants to the sidewalk and temporarily painting bicycle sharrows and crosswalks in the roadway.

For all of us who have no idea what a sharrow is, here ya go: 

So, don’t forget and get excited! We will be set up outside with merchandise and our button making stamp! 

x0x0, Meg

Also coming in May: Betsy & Iya Trunk Show

Saturday, May 19th

2-7 pm 

The Origins Collection-Geometric Burst necklace

Vintage Metal- Louise Earrings

Have you ever wondered what dainty meets tribal looks like? How about refined elegance mixed with some quirky vintage? Vibrant pops of color with grit trims? Well, you’ll find these interesting combinations and much more with Betsy & Iya’s fashion-forward jewelry!

Shameless Love Collection- Amour Love Earrings

The Music Collection- Summer is the Champion Earrings

Textured Romance- Bus Fair Necklace

Punky Plastic Collection- Coral Lily Wreath Earrings

These eye-catching but not-too-overpowering delights will spice up any outfit or make one special someone feel oh so very pretty. The line, designed and handcrafted in Betsy & Iya’s Portland studio and flagship boutique, appeals to, well, pretty much everyone with good taste. This jewelry is a thoughtful balance of design, quality, and value and it is sold at 100+ independent boutiques around the country, including yours truely!

Saturday, May 19th

2-7 pm

Don’t miss out!!