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Located in Atlanta's King Historic District along Edgewood Avenue, a street typically known for its lively bars and clubs, residents discovered something refreshing on Friday, January 17.

Heralding in a fresh chapter in Edgewood's cultural journey with the arrival of two new art spaces: One Contemporary Gallery and The Sun ATL. which is located at 395 and 399 Edgewood Avenue, respectively. These galleries signal the dawn of a transformative chapter for the district, joining nearly a dozen other creative spaces that define Old Fourth Ward.

Faron Manuel, founder and principal curator of One Contemporary Gallery, describes his new venture as "a bridge," one that brings together people from all walks of life to share in the power of art, "Good art can connect us on a deep level," Manuel shared. "It brings people together into a community space." Manuel's inaugural exhibition, The Start of Something, a perfect ethos for the sentiment and the area.

Featuring younger Atlanta artists, the show highlights those who have found their artistic voice and are making significant impacts in Atlanta's creative scene, "Atlanta has immense influence and creativity recognized worldwide, yet Georgia ranks lowest in arts funding," Manuel explained, "This exhibition is about sparking a conversation on that contradiction while celebrating early-career artists," Manuel continued.

Beyond its mission to uplift emerging talent, the gallery's name is dedicated to Manuel's vision, "We're all existing in one contemporary moment, contributing our perspectives," Manuel said, adding that the name also nods to the rhythm and pulse of creativity-a tribute to music legend James Brown's phrase, 'on the one.'

The gallery's origin story is rooted in serendipity and determination. Manuel, who took a personal hiatus over the summer to refocus, began consulting as an art researcher, writer, and dealer. His collaboration with the building's owner led to a proposal and ultimately the establishment of One Contemporary Gallery, "The past six months have built up to this moment," Manuel reflected.

The Sun ATL: Where Legacy Meets Innovation

Only steps away, The Sun ATL offers its inaugural exhibition, First Light, curated by founder Shawn Vinson. With works by 16 artists, including works from renowned documentary photographer Jim Alexander. The exhibit featured younger Atlanta-based artists such as Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) graduate Raphael Bahindwa.

"When asked about his taste in music, Duke Ellington famously said there are only two kinds: good and bad - and he preferred the good," said Shawn Vinson, founder of The Sun ATL & a seasoned gallerist with over 30 years of experience, who applies this same philosophy to his diverse art collection. His gallery showcases everything new and old. When asked about the origin of the gallery's name Vinson shared the inspiration, "The sun symbolizes illumination, unity, and renewal," Vinson explained, "That's what we're all about. We really don't fit into any genre," Vinson continued.

Jim Alexander was the first artist Vinson called when selecting who to showcase, "We wanted to have a mix of some new pieces and some historical pieces, because Shawn wants to represent this place as a gallery, as well as a museum," Alexander told, "So being in the King Historic District, I wanted to add some pieces that had some relevance to Atlanta and particularly Black culture," Alexander continued.

Raphael Bahindwa, SCAD graduate and 2022 Atlanta Art Award recipient showcased his portraits, which included "A City Worth Seeing, 2023" showcases his vision of Atlanta and was showcased in front of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens at his birthday party, "It was just an amazing piece, and it's a piece that actually represents Atlanta. For me, as an outsider who's from the Congo, to have this piece here for the public to see in this city that embraced me- it means everything," said Bahindwa.

The opening of One Contemporary Gallery and The Sun ATL marks a pivotal moment for Edgewood Avenue. "When we realized we'd be neighbors, we immediately decided on a joint opening," Manuel shared. "Our goal was to enhance the community by working together and fostering a thriving art district."

The King Historic District holds deep roots in Atlanta's story, "This is the neighborhood Dr. King grew up in - its culture, history, politics, and economy; they've all been a long part of Edgewood history. The turn-up has been there too, and that's cool, that's needed for our life too. We need some of that," said Manuel, "But we also need to be cultured and to think about a multitude of things. To be a whole human being".