Art and Design

Founded in 1985, Atlanta-based Ichiban Records played a pivotal role in shaping Southern hip-hop, nurturing iconic artists, and fostering a distinctive sound. The label, led by visionary John Abbey, was a crucible for talent like MC Shy-D and Kilo, blending diverse musical influences. Despite challenges, including a risky partnership with EMI and internal issues, Ichiban’s impact on the music industry, especially in nurturing local talent and promoting diversity, is undeniable. The story is a compelling narrative of ambition, innovation, and the complexities of the music business.

In September of 1963, Vincent Anthony, a young actor living in New York City answered an ad in Backstage magazine for an audition with the Nicolo Marionettes, a puppetry company. His audition would be his first experience with the vast and varied world of puppetry. It would also set in motion events that changed the art scene in Atlanta, Georgia. Read more about The Center for Puppetry Arts’s history.

Atlanta Urban Design Commission Records are now available for public access. This collection provides valuable insights into Atlanta’s visual arts and urban development. It includes artwork, sketches, photographs, and other materials that document the city’s design and architectural evolution.

The Christmas card tradition began in 1843 in Victorian England by Sir Henry Cole and evolved in America with Louis Prang’s designs in 1873. The Haverty family of Atlanta exemplified the mid-20th century trend of personalized cards. Today, Christmas cards, more diverse and accessible, continue to connect loved ones during the holidays.

Learn about the origins of interior design and see the work of one of its founding members—Ruby Ross Wood, decorator of the iconic Swan House mansion.

From her early days as a journalist to opening her own firm,  the work of Ruby Ross Wood – one of America’s most influential interior designers – was always characterized by eclectic combinations of furniture, bold color choices, and impeccable taste.

The display featured the work of fashion designer and native Atlantan Ann Moore. Moore’s earliest inspiration came from seeing hand-sewn doll clothes that belonged to one of her childhood playmates.

Drawn to beautiful clothes and unique designs early in life, Ann Moore pursued a career in couture fashion during a time when the profession, always competitive, was especially out of reach for African Americans. Her hard work and determination carried her from Atlanta to Detroit as well as to the most exclusive fashion locales in New York and Paris. 30 of her pieces are housed in Atlanta History Museum’s extensive Fashion and Textile collections.

Through 43 powerful portraits—personally painted by former President George W. Bush—and their accompanying stories, Out of Many, One reminded us of the ways in which America has been strengthened by those who left their home countries to live in the United States.

Meet Jasmine Nicole—printmaker, muralist, and 2021 Midtown Heart of the Arts artist-in-residence.

Atlanta History Center is a founding partner and host site for two installations in Midtown Alliance’s Heart of the Arts program.

Explore the lives of four pioneering women who played a vital role in shaping the landscape of our city and state.

Learn how to conduct historic neighborhood and historic house research.

Founded by the Cherokee Garden Club of Atlanta in 1975, the Cherokee Garden Library is named for the state floral emblem of Georgia, the Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) and is one of the special collection libraries of the Kenan Research Center.