"Explosive Radiance" by Radisha James

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA), a non-profit arts organization founded in Morris County that champions Black art excellence, returns with its fourth major exhibition at Mayo Performing Arts Center's Art Upstairs and Starlight Galleries. In its continued partnership with MPAC, ATA presents Black Joy.  The exhibit runs from January 17 through March 1, 2025.

Black Joy features the works of five artists: Rashida James, Kwesi Kwarteng, Therez Fleetwood, Serron Green and Meclina Gomes. “I am elated to bring together exciting, trailblazing, and thought-provoking artists whose work inspires and engages as well as spark deep reflection and empowerment,” says Wanda Croudy, Curator of Black Joy for Art in the Atrium.

“The array of artists selected for the Black Joy exhibition expresses the many aspects of our Blackness – history, achievements, and creativity,” she adds.  “During this time of recognizing and celebrating our oneness we find how varied we are - we are not one-dimensional. We express ourselves in a multitude of ways that is freeing and offering a means of connecting at the same time. I hope that every person who sees this exhibition will learn from, connect with, and feel the joy – the Black Joy in the artwork from these extraordinary Artists.”

A reception will take place Wednesday, February 5 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. The reception is free and open to all. Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey.

Artwork displayed at MPAC is available for purchase. The galleries are open prior to MPAC events, Tuesdays from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, and by appointment. Private group tours are also available. To make an appointment, call 973-539-0345, ext. 6587.

Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA) is a non-profit, culture-keeping institution founded in Morristown, New Jersey in 1991, that is committed to the celebration and advancement of Black culture. ATA supports and invests in black fine art by established and emerging artists by giving them visibility and a creative space to breathe. Since its founding, in addition to its exhibits, ATA has provided unique arts education programming that includes The ATA STEAM Academy and a scholarship program for promising BIPOC arts students majoring in fine art.

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2024-2025 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.