On Saturday, September 23, The Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences will premiere 5 short films on the creative process followed by a panel discussion during the Opening Reception–the kickoff to all events–of the 28th Annual Art Auction & Performance Party at Uptown Atlanta.

Media Release:

ATLANTA, GA - Today, the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences has announced that it will premiere five documentary short films during its annual art auction opening September 23. The initiative pairs Hambidge artists-in-residence with Atlanta-based filmmakers to collaborate in capturing honest representations of their creative process. The artist and filmmaker lineup and pairings were curated and selected–in partnership with Hambidge–by Atlanta arts advocate Michael Bettis. 

The films feature four artists of different disciplines who spent time as residents of the 600 -acre Hambidge artist residency in Rabun Gap, Georgia throughout 2023. Completing the series will be a fifth film about the creative process of the filmmakers themselves, acknowledging their positions as artists, as well. The public rarely sees the artist's process, more often only catching the final work. These five short films offer a glimpse into that process. Filmmakers were informed they had the freedom to shape the narrative in partnership with the subject artist without other outside influence.

“Arguably, the most adept way of recording this process, or capturing the personhood of the artist-creative, is through the medium of motion film. This collaboration between two creative disciplines to shoot untethered, unrestricted, and artistically honest short films is the heart of this project and I could not think of a better place to empower true collaboration than Hambidge,” said Michael Bettis, curator and executive producer of the initiative.

“Beyond capturing the creative practice to enable Hambidge to speak more clearly and share what happens on our campus, the most exciting element of this initiative encourages the artists  to use their films as tools to further their practices, with the freedom to share with collectors, fellow artists, future patrons, and in project proposals.We envision these films living far beyond the premiere and the Hambidge website, with hopes of receiving recognition for the artists and filmmakers on a national stage,” said Hambidge Deputy Director Ife Williams.

The films will premiere on the opening day of the Hambidge Art Auction, Saturday, September 23. They will then become available to view online.

The artists and their partnering filmmakers: 

Amber Blaeser-Wardzala (writer; Tempe, AZ) with Amber Bournett

Domonique Venzant (potter; Minneapolis, Minnesota) with Christian K. Germany, Angelo Robinson, and Rich Brown

Ellex Swavoni (painter; sculptor; Atlanta, GA) with Lynsey Weatherspoon

LaMara Davidson (chef; Atlanta, GA) with Colbie Fray Inez

All Filmmakers with Kristian Melom

The Hambidge Art Auction & Performance Party showcases artwork from over 200 of the best emerging and established artists from Atlanta and across the country. The Auction will be held again—by popular demand­—at the fabulous Uptown Atlanta! The event will also feature interactive art installations by Eddie Farr, musical performances by Elle, dance performances by Dance Canvas, and unforgettable specialty craft cocktails by Loren Lyles. Chef LaMara Davidson will bring her unique soul and Korean menu to the VIP Pre-Party event. The auction also includes a $100 “Buy-It-Now“ Works of Art section with 100+ works of art for purchase.

Notes:

Since 1934, the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences has nurtured creativity. Building on the strong foundations of its residency program, it has grown to cultivate the creative spirits of a wider audience through workshops and a variety of creative public programming. Situated on 600 forested acres in the mountains of north Georgia, Hambidge’s competitive Creative Residency Program offers self-directed residencies to small cohorts of talented individuals, allowing them to focus, experiment and rejuvenate. Residents of all ages and walks of life come to Hambidge from around the country—and the world—representing a wide range of creative disciplines and return to the wider world to contribute creative works of the highest caliber.

Hambidge’s mission is to nurture creativity, its vision a world that champions creative practices as a driver of innovation, understanding, and equity.