After a six-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll has returned to Atlanta’s historic arts district.
“Art connects us all. It’s a bridge,” said Plushette Ellis, Chief Operating Officer at Walker and Peters Project and recently appointed Economic Development Business Chair for Castleberry Hill.
The popular neighborhood event, which ceased operations in 2018, has now held about five strolls since its revival in late 2024.
The Walker and Peters Project, a key participant in the revived Art Stroll, comprises three galleries strategically located near the intersection of Walker Street and Peters Street in Castleberry Hill: Nina Baldwin Gallery (309 Peters St.), Old Rabbit Gallery (309A Peters St.) and Peters Street Station (333 Peters St.).
Among the current exhibitions is “Revelations” at City of Ink, celebrating the tattoo shop and gallery’s 18th anniversary. The exhibition, which opened on February 28th will run through April 9th, featuring works from over 180 artists. Founded by CEO Miya Bailey, the exhibition explores “divine guidance or inspiration, the supernatural disclosure to humans of something related to our existence or the world,” according to promotional materials.
Ellis spearheaded the Art Stroll resurrection effort after approaching the Castleberry Hill executive committee in August 2024.
“I’m motivated to bring it back through my role here as Chief Operating Officer at Walker’s and Peters Project, and I really take it seriously for the community,” Ellis said. “To see it grow and flourish just in several months is great.”
Attendees have responded enthusiastically to the event’s return. Simone Cutler, a fashion designer who moved to Atlanta in 2016 to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, was among those appreciating the revival.
“I appreciate that the artists were doing something to celebrate, and I loved that it was accessible and walkable,” said Cutler, whose own work focuses on showing the beauty in difference” through fashion design.
“It felt like a true community effort—something everyone contributed to—while also giving artists exposure they might not have otherwise received,” Cutler continued.
The Castleberry Hill executive committee, which Ellis describes as “governance of the Castleberry Hill” composed of residents who have lived in the district for over 20 years, voted her in as Economic Development Business Chair in December 2024.
Ellis emphasized her mission extends beyond simply reviving a community event.
“When we say that we’re in the historical art district, we have to really prove that,” Ellis said. “We have so many beautiful galleries that can’t be sustainable because people won’t invest in Castleberry.”
She pointed to nearby developments, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium and upcoming World Cup events, as reasons to invest in neighborhood improvement.
For newcomers to Castleberry Hill, Ellis hopes the Art Stroll demonstrates Atlanta’s longstanding support for galleries, particularly Black-owned ones.
“I’m here to change the landscape of art in Atlanta, and that is to make sure that every artist can take care of themselves, every artist is supported by a community,” Ellis said. “Castleberry has been like that for over 20 years.”
With the Art Stroll’s successful return, Ellis sees evidence that “people are really paying attention to the landscape of Atlanta art and taking it seriously. We can’t do this without community.”
