Dr. Julie McGee hosts Multimedia Experience at Hammonds House Museum

Sam Middleton was a pioneering mixed-media artist whose vibrant creations were influenced by the rhythms of Harlem jazz during his early life and the landscapes of Europe’s Low Countries where he later settled. An exhibition of his work, Rhythm of Resilience: The Artistry of Sam Middleton, is currently on view at Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peoples Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. On Saturday, June 15 the museum will present two events with renowned art historian Dr. Julie McGee who will explore the life and work of Middleton. The events are FREE, but an RSVP is required. Register HERE.

Dr. Julie McGee is an art historian and independent curator and Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Art History at the University of Delaware. Most recently, she developed David Driskell: Icons of Nature and History (2021) in collaboration with the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Portland Museum of Art. Among her past fellowships are the Dorothy Kayser Hohenberg Chair of Excellence in Art History at the University of Memphis, a Paul Mellon Visiting Senior Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and a Rockefeller Foundation Humanities Fellowship at the Smithsonian

Gallery Talk from 11 am-12 pm

As guests move through the galleries, Dr. McGee will discuss the layers of meaning behind Sam Middleton's art, shedding light on the influences of different places, musical rhythms, and personal identity that shaped his masterpieces. Through insightful commentary and anecdotes, she will offer a deeper understanding of how Middleton's art transcends mere visual representation to evoke powerful emotions and resonate with diverse audiences.

Discover the transformative power of art as Dr. McGee uncovers the profound impact of place, music, and identity in Middleton’s artwork. She will guide participants through a thought-provoking exploration of his artistic vision, highlighting how the artist's unique perspective on the world is woven into the fabric of his creations.

The gallery talk will invite participants to see the world through Middleton’s eyes and inspire their appreciation of the beauty of cultural interconnectedness.

Multimedia Experience from 1:30-3:30 pm

Dr. McGee will take guests on an interdisciplinary voyage into the life and art of Sam Middleton. The immersive multimedia experience will integrate soundscapes, music, and film imagery. The convergence of art history and visual interpretation promises to be an enlightening exploration of this visionary artist's enduring legacy.

The presentation will feature film images that offer a visual narrative of Middleton's artistic evolution, showcasing key artworks with contextual imagery that illuminates the artist's inspiration and process. Dr. McGee's commentary will guide attendees through these visual elements, offering interpretation, as well as historical and scholarly insights for a deeper understanding of Middleton's artistry.

Drawing on her expertise in art history, Dr. McGee will position Middleton's work within the broader context of 20th-century art movements, providing insights into the cultural, social, and artistic influences that informed his creative output. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation of the artist's innovative approaches and thematic explorations.

This exhibition was made possible by Spanierman Modern and with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Hammonds House Museum is a 501(c)3 arts organization whose mission is to celebrate and share the cultural diversity and important legacy of artists of African descent. The former residence of the late Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, a prominent Atlanta physician and passionate arts patron, the museum is in a beautiful Victorian home at 503 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Hammonds House Museum’s 2024 exhibitions are supported by public programs and civic engagement activities which serve as companions to the works and opportunities for the community to have a deeper experience with the art. For information about upcoming events, to join the mailing list, become a member, or plan your visit, go to the website: hammondshouse.org.

Hammonds House Museum is generously supported by Fulton County Board of Commissioners through the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, National Performance Network, The Estate of Dr. Doris Derby, as well as donors and members.

Media Contact: Karen Hatchett at Hatchett PR - karen@hatchettpr.com