Honoring the creativity, ingenuity, and brilliance of Black male creatives, the third, biannual A Marvelous Black Boy Art Show took place on Feb. 28, 2021, in Atlanta, GA.
Building upon the success of previous year’s shows, the event featured artwork from 50 Black male artists, a large-scale custom-built interactive art installation, the presentation of a Community Impact Award, a live band, DJ, and live performances. This show also featured a signature fragrance, developed in conjunction with Savoir Faire, plus a street art and fashion showcase.
In keeping with the theme, event producers Josh Dingle, creator of A Marvelous Black Boy Art Show, and Carlton Mackey, creator of Black Men Smile®, presented famed tattoo artist and social entrepreneur Miya Bailey with a 2021 Community Impact Award. Bailey is known for his ability to weave together community, arts, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of the famed City of Ink tattoo studio, and creator of the art and design community center Peters Street Station in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill.
“One of my favorite moments from the entire night was presenting Miya Bailey with our Community Impact Award, said Carlton Mackey. “For being an exemplar and pioneer in his craft, for his commitment to mentorship and stewarding countless young artists, for his vision and undeniable belief in bettering the community, this was an easy choice. Seeing his mom at the show to show her support and with a huge warm smile on his face — this moment will be etched in my memory. Thank you for all you do and the impact of your work.”
The event was physically anchored by a striking, yellow custom art installation that featured a canopy of exposed filament light bulbs and the words “I AM BLACK BRILLIANCE” hanging above a bench that invited patrons to sit and take photos. The show’s theme “Black Brilliance” sought to shine light upon the inherent creative gifts of Black creators.
Event creator and curator Josh Dingle reflected on the importance of the event and its significance to the larger culture.
“When you're coming to A Marvelous Black Boy Art Show, you're coming as a patron, but you're leaving as a family,” he said. “It is essential for something like A Marvelous Black Boy Art Show to continue."
See more photos from the event here.
