A new group exhibition titled 'Grit' opened at Echo Contemporary Art in Atlanta's Echo Street West, featuring works by local artists in painting, illustration, sculpture, installation, tech-driven pieces, and a quilt by Evereman. Co-curated by Alfonso Alday Vergara of Alday Hunken Gallery, Melanie Shaw of ArtShare, and Kyle McNeill (BignPasty), the show explores the theme of perseverance in art-making. The opening night reception drew a crowd, and the week-long exhibition includes artist talks, live music, and a panel discussion with Hayley Smith of SCOPE Art Show and Plushette Ellis of Artistic Logistics.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the often-overlooked virtue of grit in the creative process, countering social media's portrayal of effortless success. By bringing together a diverse mix of Atlanta artists and offering community-building programming, 'Grit' aims to bridge gaps in the city's art scene and foster new collaborations. The show also reflects a shift in gallery models, with curators prioritizing investment in artist production over expensive rent.