The Atlanta University Center is quintessentially known as a hub for some of Atlanta’s most promising artistic talent. From musicians to visual artists, the AUC has got it all. While art remains a common trend amongst the community’s population, a sanctuary for those artistic forces to foster is indeed lacking. The newly revamped “Diverge Art Club” is hoping to change that as the organization gets the word out on its mission: to spark individual and group artistic creativity amongst the AUC community.
The organization’s president, Ellesse Garvin, vice president, Jazmyn Maloid, and treasurer, Gerard Miles, sat down with The Maroon Tiger in hopes of spreading the word on their organization’s upcoming endeavors.
MC: Specifically how does The Diverge Art Club serve the AUC community?
EG: [The] Diverge Art Club aims to introduce and unite the student body, art and non-majors, to the local art community.
MC: What inspired the name “Diverge Art Club?”
EG: “Diverge” means to expand and grow outward, so we aim to give our members opportunities to expand their artistic interests and talents outside of the AUC.
MC: When was the Diverge Art Club founded, and how has it progressed since this date?
EG: It was founded in the 1980s. Since then, we’ve battled with leadership and remaining an organization. However, we’ve evolved from having Artists in the Atrium (a ceremony awarding relevant artists and art professionals in the art community) to having art shows with galleries, hosting networking events, etc.
MC: What are your respective roles in the organization, and how do you facilitate the distribution of art throughout the AUC community?
EG: I serve as president. I facilitate the distribution of art throughout the AUC community by coming up with new ideas for programs and events that will engage the student body with art.
GM: As treasurer, I’m mostly responsible for funding our activities/events, but always willing to fill absent tasks. As far as distributing art, we focus more on enhancing and supporting art from a leisure and career building standpoint. As an artist myself, I’m slow to sell. Works are creations that I have invested nutriment and love. It is sort of like having children really. As most of our members are visual artists, many are stern about keeping originals. If inquired, members are willing to provide services and prints (duplicates) at a fee.
JM: I hold the responsibility of vice president in Diverge and, as such, my roles include backing up our president, Elleese Garvin, with activity planning, executing the necessary tasks in order to achieve those activities, as well as keeping the organization motivated about the arts. As an artist in the AUC community, I facilitate the distribution of art by creating it. Through completing commissions and doing pieces for my peers, my work really distributes itself. Diverge reaches out to the AUC community through its activities such as out live drawing sessions, and art shows in an attempt to distribute knowledge and the experience of the visual arts
MC: Does the Diverge Art Club promote diversity amongst visual arts? If so, please describe the various art forms that are included within your organization.
JM: Diverge definitely promotes diversity amongst the visual arts. We encourage photographers to participate, painters, sculptors, drawers, fashion designers, and even musicians to take part in the organization and the local Atlanta art scene with us.
MC: Is the organization open to all students of the AUC? If so, how can they join?
GM: We welcome all majors. Whether you are an artist, or just possess a taste for art, we have something for everyone. [The] membership fee is reasonable and it goes towards funding events/activities. If interested in joining or finding out more, come to a General Body Meeting: Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Drawing Studio (Giles Hall at Spelman College).
MC: What other campuses have you partnered with in the past, and what initiatives or projects have been produced as a result of these collaborations?
EG: We’ve worked with Clark Atlanta and Morehouse to put on art shows and create Artists in the Atrium. Currently we’re working with Georgia State University to put on a joint art exhibition in April.
MC: What recent events have your members been a part of?
EG: I was given the opportunity to organize a Community Conversations program at the High Museum’s College Night. Basically, Community Conversations invites people to connect their passions with the works of art on view. So, I invited Jazmyn and Kristyn to present two amazing paintings and have a conversation with the College Night guests.
We also just came from “Seek ATL,” which is a private studio viewing [among] Atlanta artists. It’s a great opportunity to network and hear artists talk about their works.
MC: What projects does the organization have coming up in the near future?
GM: Upcoming events include a Valentine’s Day Art/ Bake Sale (Feb. 13 &14), Juried Art Exhibition (Feb. 21), and a Live Model Drawing (Feb. 27).
MC: Any last words?
EG, JM & GM: Join Diverge!!
Moriba Cummings
Arts & Entertainment Editor
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