The 33rd annual Art in the Atrium (ATA) exhibit, titled “Another Slice of Sweet Potato Pie,” opened on June 19, 2025, at the Morris County Administration and Records Building in Morristown, New Jersey. The show features over 75 Black and Afro-Latino artists and serves as the signature event of the Juneteenth Arts Celebration, a three-day series co-organized with the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morris Arts, and Morris Museum. Curated by Onnie Strother, the exhibit pays homage to the late Russell Murray, an original ATA curator and founding member of the Newark Art Colony, whose namesake painting greets visitors. The public reception included remarks from Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, who highlighted county support for Juneteenth as a holiday and for educational initiatives like the College Promise programs.
This exhibit matters because it not only amplifies the visibility of Black and Afro-Latino artists in a public institutional space but also ties directly to the broader cultural recognition of Juneteenth. By featuring historical figures like Russell Murray and continuing the legacy of founders Charles and Viki Craig, the show underscores the importance of community-driven art organizations in reshaping whose stories are told in cultural institutions. The event also demonstrates how local government, arts nonprofits, and educational programs can collaborate to foster equity and representation in the arts.