FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Sun ATL Celebrates First Anniversary with "Brilliant!" Group Exhibition during MLK Holiday Weekend: January 16-19
ATLANTA, GA - The Sun ATL marks its first year in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood with "Brilliant!" a group exhibition opening January 16, 2026, during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend. Located at 399 Edgewood Avenue, steps from The King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church, the gallery continues its inaugural tradition of celebrating art and community during this significant weekend in tandem with next-door neighbor One Contemporary.
"Brilliant!" features over 100 original works by 21 international artists spanning four generations. The front gallery showcases three new assemblages by London-born, NYC-based artist and former manager of The Clash, Kosmo Vinyl, created in collaboration with Atlanta neon artist Vyvyan Hughes. These protest-art pieces anchor the "RESIST!" installation alongside photographs by Jim Alexander and Chicago-based Michael Jackson, with powerful works by the late Purvis Young.
Atlanta-based artists Raphael Bahindwa and Eben Dunn present new work, alongside Ruth Franklin - the English painter continuing her decades-long practice that has made her one of the Southeast's most vital artists. The gallery's new Print Room features work by some of the UK's top printmakers, most notably Anne Desmet RA (Royal Academy of Arts).
A spectacular addition to the exhibition is Amina Buhler-Allen's 120-Cell (4D Dodecahedron), suspended from the skylight above the gallery's central staircase. One of only a few in the world, this 60-inch diameter sculpture features 998 double TIG-welded stainless steel rods. Sir Roger Penrose described it as "perhaps the most beautiful object I have ever seen."
The Sun ATL opened in January 2025 with "First Light." Since then, the space has become a cornerstone of the Edgewood Arts District, joining One Contemporary, Akazi ATL, Atlanta Center for Photography, and whitespace in establishing the Sweet Auburn/Old Fourth Ward/Inman Park corridor as Atlanta's newest arts destination.
"Being in Sweet Auburn, in the geographic and spiritual heart of Atlanta, is both an honor and a responsibility," says Shawn Vinson, co-founder and director of The Sun ATL. "Our first year has been about building relationships, supporting artists, and contributing to this community's ongoing story."
Throughout 2025, The Sun ATL received critical acclaim from local arts publications, with exhibitions ranging from "The Art of Belief: Howard Finster and Harry Underwood" to photographer Jim Alexander's 90th birthday celebration.
Exhibition Opening Schedule:
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Opening Reception: Friday, January 16, 6-9 PM
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Saturday, January 17: Gallery open 11 AM / Edgewood ArtWalk 4-7 PM
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Sunday, January 18: Gallery open 1-5 PM
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Monday, January 19 (MLK Day): Gallery open 1-5 PM
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Artist Talk with Kosmo Vinyl and Vyvyan Hughes, moderated by Randy Gue: 3 PM
Exhibition Details: "Brilliant!" January 16-March 21, 2026. The Sun ATL, 399 Edgewood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.Visit vinsonart.com for details and gallery hours.
About The Sun ATL: The Sun ATL is a contemporary art gallery and event space in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, presenting museum-quality exhibitions of emerging and established artists. The venue is available for fundraisers, meetings, gatherings, and production rentals. The gallery is part of VINSONart, which also operates Different Trains Gallery in Decatur.
Media Contact: Shawn Vinson 404-939-2787 | info@vinsonart.com
