Gavin Bernard: The Commons

Gavin Bernard’s solo exhibition The Commons explores the possibility of truly knowing ourselves and others within notions of public and private spaces and their deconstruction. 

The Commons transforms the interior of the historic Christ Church building in Hapeville through Bernard’s nesting structures, plant installations, filtered light, collaborators’ relational movements, and visitors’ presence. Drawing its name from the 1968 essay “The Tragedy of the Commons,” the exhibition investigates how the social construction of shared space influences our movements and thoughts, and asks: how do we protect our humanity within systems of privatization designed without?

The public is invited to visit during three evolving activations of The Commons: 

  • Friday, September 25, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

  • Sunday, October 4, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

  • Saturday, October 10, 4:00 - 7:00 pm

The Venue: Christ Church, 680 S Central Ave, Hapeville, Georgia  

Built in 1895, Christ Church is Hapeville’s oldest standing church structure. Consecrated as an Episcopal mission, the land was donated by city founder Dr. Samuel Hape, and the Carpenter Gothic chapel was crafted by local builder James N. Cobb. Over the decades, the space evolved, serving as a local kindergarten, a private home, and a site saved from demolition. In 1986, the building was physically moved to its current location to protect it from railroad vibrations. Today, this rescued community landmark provides a historic site for The Commons’ durational study of how community navigates and sustains public and private spaces over time. 

Accessibility:

Christ Church is accessible via a paved sidewalk from the rear parking lot and a ramp into the building. Seating will be available indoors. Public restrooms will be available and are also accessible at ground level. Parking is free.

Admission: Free and open to the public. 

Gavin Bernard: The Commons features artists Hez Stalcup and Jahrea Bee and is curated by Heather Bird Harris. The exhibition is made possible through The Creatives Project (TCP), in partnership with the Hapeville Depot Museum, the City of Hapeville, and the vision and stewardship of Samantha Singleton, Director of the Hapeville Depot Museum. The Commons is supported by funding from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

 

 Good To Be Seen

Good to Be Seen transforms six digital billboards throughout Downtown Atlanta into a public gallery, bringing contemporary photography into the city's everyday landscape. Through photographs rooted in Black Southern life, the exhibition celebrates moments of care, kinship, resilience, and belonging—inviting residents and visitors alike to encounter deeply personal stories that reflect the richness and complexity of Atlanta's communities.

Curated by Sidney Pettice, Good to Be Seen asks what it means to be seen in public space. By placing these works outside the walls of traditional galleries, the exhibition expands access to contemporary art while encouraging meaningful encounters with the people, places, and stories that shape our city.

Featured artists: Rita Harper, Montenez Lowery, and Chip Moody.

Presented by The Creatives Project in partnership with Atlanta Downtown Inc.

Good to Be Seen is funded in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from Atlanta Downtown.