Savannah, Georgia is not just the place to purchase a butter drenched meal lovingly prepared by a smiling gray-haired southern woman. Visitors with a hunger for the arts are getting served a full course meal plus dessert. Artists in the know have flocked to Savannah for years recognizing it as the perfect location to both study and showcase their work. This steady influx of artists has created a town rich with unique galleries to sate every artistic desire.
Alix Baptiste Art Gallery-307 W. St. Julian Street, Savannah, GA 31401
The Alix Baptiste Art Gallery sits in the heart of City Market, a busy niche of shopping, music, and good southern eats. Baptiste’s work is vibrant, soulful, and not to be missed. Alix Baptiste creates work that hearkens to his early life in Haiti. Much of his art gives one the feeling of celebration in the face of dire circumstances. Alix Baptiste is a favorite artist in Savannah, but, his work is also nationally known and has been featured in Southern Living Magazine. The gallery itself is full, brimming with color, shapes, and textures. At first it seems more than the senses can comprehend, then after a moment the eyes adjust and the mind is free to explore each painting in luscious detail. Most days visitors can expect to see Mr. Baptiste vigorously working on his next piece; transforming a cold white canvas into a pageant of color. A visit to the Alix Baptiste Gallery is sure to provide a rich and fantastical exploration of the color spectrum. The Gallery is on the public transportation route and in the very walkable downtown area. Parking garages and metered parking are nearby for those that prefer to drive.
Gallery S.P.A.C.E- 9 W. Henry Street, Savannah, GA 31401
The S.P.A.C.E. gallery sits a few blocks away from Savannah’s historic Forsyth Park. While metered parking is available, this location is also easily accessible by public transportation. Many locals choose to bike or walk to this convenient venue. S.P.A.C.E offers a new exhibit almost monthly. The venue is versatile with floating walls and mobile pedestals that showcase each artists work uniquely. During the day the gallery soaks in natural light through the large picture windows. Visitors can move through the maze like art exhibits with ease. S.P.A.C.E. allows the art lover to enjoy the artists’ craft in a relaxed, unrushed atmosphere. Offering a wide variety of exhibits is S.P.A.C.E.’s claim to fame. One month visitors might behold the wonders of giclee. A few weeks later one might find themselves meticulously exploring a raku filled wonderland. The frequent change in exhibit means that art lovers can always expect something fresh at S.P.A.C.E.
The Sentient Bean- 13 E. Park Ave, Savannah, Ga 31401
To be fair the Sentient Bean is actually a coffee shop, but, don’t let this minor detail distract you from the magnificent art displays. Sentient Bean sits directly on Forsyth Park and is a favorite for the walk up/bike up crowd. The space is a boho paradise and a perfect location to showcase the work of talented local artists. Customers can enjoy a robust discussion of the Bean’s latest exhibit over an equally robust cup of joe. The exhibits vary widely depending on the artist of the month. The work is always wall hung by the artist themselves. This gives a bit of added insight into the theme or emotion that artist is attempting to convey. An especially fun note about the bean is that local performers often grace the stage, making it the perfect gallery if you favor a bit of audio with your visual.
Armstrong State University- 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419
The Armstrong Fine Arts Gallery is located on the campus of Armstrong Atlantic State University on Savannah’s south side. Visitors to this gallery will have no trouble with parking and public transportation is also available. The Armstrong Fine Arts Gallery is a formally attired gallery with high permanent walls, maple floors and track lighting. In this venue the focus is on the art. No distractions of outside color or noise, just clean light to emphasize the vision of the featured artist. This gallery presents roughly ten exhibitions every academic year. These exhibitions showcase the work of students, faculty, and national artists. Because Armstrong presents such a large volume of work guests can expect a rich mix of various media throughout the year.
Art is not Savannah’s claim to fame, but, with such a rich mix of galleries to choose from visitors with a yearning for the arts will be fully satisfied.
