Sojourn Artist Showcase
On view July 17 - September 6, 2026
OPEN MIC + RECEPTION : Friday, July 17, 20216 6:30-9PM at Sojourn Midtown (1207 S. Shelby St.)
We want to celebrate the artistic work of Sojourn Midtown members and our extended church family. Anyone that’s involved with Sojourn Midtown in any way is invited to participate.
The deadline to submit visual art for the gallery is Friday, June 19th. Advance registration for the open mic night is also required by Friday, June 19th.
To participate in the gallery showcase:
Participants may submit up to 3 pieces of artwork. There is no theme other than to see what our community is making. Only wall-hung artwork will be considered. All accepted art must be ready to hang, including hanging hardware, and must be labeled on the back with the title and artist’s name. Final selection of art to be included will be determined by Sojourn Arts.
When uploading images of your artwork, please make sure the file name is Your_Name_Title_of_Piece.jpg
Open Mic info: Open Mic participants are required to register in advance by filling out this online form. The deadline to sign up is Friday, June 19th. Participants will be given a 5 minute time slot. We’ll do our best to include everyone that would like to participate, though preference will be given to original works.
Important Dates:
Deadline to enter visual art: Friday, June 19 at 11:55pm
Notifications sent by: Thursday, June 25th
Accepted Artwork Due on Site: Sunday, July 12
Exhibit Opens:Friday, July 17
Exhibit Reception: Friday, July 17 6:30-9pm
Exhibit Closes: Sunday, Sept 6, 2025
Deadline to sign up for Open Mic: Friday, June 19 at 11:55pm
Email confirmation about participation: Thursday, July 9
Email Open Mic schedule: Thursday, July 16
Manifest
Image left: God Breathed by Matt Armstrong / Image right: Rooted and Liminal No. 2 by Craig Hawkins
Paintings by Matt Armstrong and Craig Hawkins
On view September 11 - November 8, 2026
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, September 11th at Sojourn Midtown (1207 S. Shelby St.)
“Arising from over 25 years of exploring the supernatural, Manifest is an art exhibition that features recent works by two longtime friends and artists, Craig Hawkins and Matt Armstrong. Over the years, their friendship has been bonded by a profound desire to express their pursuit of a deeply personal faith through creating artwork. Hawkins’ work delves into a narrative thread of trees, while Armstrong’s focus turns to a visual depiction of prayer. Each piece is an opportunity to find common ground to explore, question, and imagine how the supernatural may be made manifest to each of us.”
— Matt Armstrong & Craig Hawkins
The Surround, Oil on Canvas, 48” x 60” by Matt Armstrong
Matt Armstrong, born in a Chicago suburb in 1980, moved to Georgia with his family at the age of six. Growing up surrounded by southern culture, he found inspiration that shaped his perspective on both life and creativity. In 2003, he graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in studio art. Since then, Armstrong’s work has been exhibited, published, and collected both nationally and internationally. He has also been a resident artist in Akureyri, Iceland; Berlin, Germany; and Atlanta, Georgia, where he currently lives and works. To learn more about Armstrong and his art, visit www.mattarmstrongart.com.
Rooted and Liminal No. 5, Oil on Canvas, 36” x 48” by Craig Hawkins
Craig Hawkins, a studio artist and educator in South Georgia, centers his studio practice on drawing and painting. With an M.F.A. from the University of Georgia, he skillfully balances being a dedicated studio artist and respected professor at Valdosta State University.
Ancient Hebrew and Greek Scriptures hold a special place in his heart, shaping his creative approach. Hawkins delves into their rhythmic narrative patterns, infusing his art with symbolism and motifs that echo their wisdom. His work beautifully blends chronicles and creativity, using visual art to channel ageless insights. Hawkins states, “My work is a reflection of my experience with scripture, a result of my experience growing up in the south, a response to the inherent value of everyone, and a perceived need for beauty and community in the world.” To learn more about Hawkins and his art, visit www.craighawkinsart.com.