MORRISTOWN, NJ.- In celebration of Art in the Atrium’s 30th anniversary, Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA) and the Morris Museum announce the exhibition, For the Culture, By the Culture: 30 Years of Black Art, Activism, and Achievement. This exhibition brings together prior ATA featured artists in a group retrospective that spans 30 years and features established local and national Black artists. It will be on view May 25 through September 25, 2022, at the Morris Museum.

ATA is a non-profit arts organization located in Morris County, New Jersey, that showcases fine art by established and emerging African American artists. ATA’s annual Atrium Gallery show in Morristown became the largest exhibit of its kind in New Jersey. Their mission is to celebrate Black excellence, support the careers and lives of Black fine artists, and create opportunities for emerging voices in Black art. ATA’s impact and accomplishments over the past 30 years to increase the visibility of Black artistry is unparalleled.

"Following on the success of last year's partnership, Art in the Atrium is thrilled to once again exhibit at the prestigious Morris Museum, this time in celebration of our organization's 30th anniversary. For the Culture, By The Culture is the culmination of 30 years of love, dedication and hard work by our organization with the goal of uplifting the Black artist community, and ATA is grateful to the Morris Museum for their belief in our mission and unwavering support, " Lauren LeBeaux Craig, ATA Executive Director.

“Morris Museum is proud to continue our partnership with ATA and we are honored to be part of their 30th anniversary exhibition” stated President/CEO, Andrew Sandall.

Although ATA is not politically affiliated and never set out to be an activist organization, this exhibit honors ATA’s activism because Black art is inherently political. Over the years, some of their exhibited works have caused controversy, especially because ATA's exhibits have mainly existed in a public building that houses courtrooms and County officials. This has not deterred the organization or its artists from creating authentic works and letting the personal expression speak truth to power.

For the Culture, By the Culture will include ATA artists, masters of their craft, who have contributed to Black culture by creating impactful works for decades. Some have received national recognition like Bisa Butler, Jerry Gant, and Faith Ringgold. Many of the artists began their careers with ATA and through the organization, they received significant exposure that helped launch their artistic careers.

Included in the For the Culture, By the Culture are 42 works by 19 artists. The selected artists are Alonzo Adams, Benny Andrews, Bisa Butler, Leroy Campbell, Elizabeth Catlett, Viki LeBeaux Clark Craig, James Denmark, David Driskell, Jerry Gant, Richard Haynes, Norman Lewis, Russell A. Murray, Rosalind Nzinga Nichol, Janet Taylor Pickett, Faith Ringgold, Joe Sam, Cedric Smith, William Tolliver, and Deborah Willis.

This exhibition is curated by Charles D. Craig, Nette Forne’ Thomas, Onnie Strother with Michelle Graves, Managing Curator, Morris Museum.