Local artists, musicians make space for creatives with Sunday Supper Art and Music Exhibition

The vocalist and songwriter warmed the crowd at last month's Sunday Supper Art and Music Exhibition. This month, she's the main act, supported by and working with a talented line up of Savannah's finest R&B and adult urban contemporary performers and visual artists at ABZ Studio Gallery.

The gallery, opened this April, is brainchild of Savannah State University graduate, Xavier "Zay" Hutchins. He and colleagues noted a lack of creative space dedicated to artists of color and set out to create such a platform where artists, musicians, and performers can express themselves on a professional level. Shows at the studio change monthly and are curated by theme.

Credit: Courtesy

Credit: Courtesy

“This month’s theme is 'For The Culture,'” explained Hutchins. “Cultural diversity and sensitivity are important issues right now. For this show, the idea is for artists to create works that reflect the culture they are embedded in.”

Visual artists include Ta’Mar Hamilton, Tony Burns, and Maya Futch working in acrylics, oil, and mixed media. Hutchins will also have his paintings on display.

Phil Beach, who for the past five years has hosted Creatively Crafted Thursday night open mic at Stafford's Public House, is the evening's MC. Like Hutchins, he's excited for the creative potential the space holds for nurturing and boosting artists of color.

“We’re not waiting because it’s time. We have to create the spaces we want to perform in,” said Beach. “The Stafford’s open mic has been an incubator of talent, and for many a therapeutic night of people expressing themselves. We have some killer musical talent lined up for Sunday Supper, and I’m looking forward to TNai’s performance. Folks don’t even know what’s going to hit them.”

Credit: Courtesy

Credit: Courtesy

With an undergrad degree in music from Savannah State and a master’s from Georgia Southern, TNai Amani is a musical powerhouse. Classical, jazz, pop, and urban contemporary — she sings it. Currently, Amani teaches music with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

“Last month when I performed, I noticed the audience wasn’t there to be entertained,” said Amani. “They were there to embrace the talents of the artists, to soak up and enjoy the show. That created a real sense of connection and appreciation.”

Saturday evening Amani also leads a workshop at ABZ Studio Gallery, We Are Eclectic, in which speakers, performers, and visual artists emphasize cultural awareness and sensitivity and how to authentically enact these values.

“I’m looking most forward to how I can educate and inspire through my art and performance,” said Amani. “It’s the teacher in me that compels me to find ways to teach bigger picture lessons through the performance.”

Credit: Richard Burkhart / Savannah Morning News

Credit: Richard Burkhart / Savannah Morning News

Hutchins is also onboard with teaching and uplifting through creative expression. As the gallery’s sole proprietor, it’s up to him to make sure the bills get paid, something he’s sure he can do one painting, one show, one Sunday Supper at a time.

“The evening really is something special — the art, performances, our host is amazing. It’s a five-hour event, and you’re going to want to be involved until the very end because there’s not a dead moment in those five hours. We are making the space we want and need, and as long as I am consistent it — growth and bigger opportunities — will come.”

Sunday Supper happens every last Sunday of the month at ABZ Studio Gallery, Savannah Mall. Doors open at 3 p.m. with performance showcase beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Wing-N-It Savannah brings wings and more to this month’s supper soiree.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Local artists, musicians make space for creatives with Sunday Supper Art and Music Exhibition