Past Events
April 2024
Resident Artists Open Studios
Crosstown Arts is proud to invite the Memphis community to visit the Resident Artists’ studios during the Open Studios night. Crosstown Arts Spring 2024 resident artists will have their studios open to the public. Residency alumnus Nelson Gutierrez will present his installation A Journey into the Shadows spanning from the second-floor balcony to Crosstown Theater.
November 2020
August 2020
POSTPONED The Fearless Pursuit of Happiness Exploring Self & Identity
This event has been postponed until further notice.
Art exhibition by Mohamed Fofana
Organized by the artist
POSTPONED The Sacred Nonconnah Crepuscular Society
This event has been postponed until further notice.
The Sacred Nonconnah Crepuscular Society presents a Sonic Incantation performed by Stephen Chopek, Zachary Corsa, and Nathan Deyonker. Featuring visual and written accompaniment by Zachary Corsa.
July 2020
June 2020
POSTPONED Yearning Horizons
This event has been postponed until further notice.
New works by Savannah White
This will be White’s first solo show. White is an avid traveler, and Yearning Horizons is a new body of work inspired by her travel experiences. The show is produced and curated by IntrepidArts.
The exhibition will open on Friday, June 26 from 6-8 pm, and the show will be on view Saturday, June 27, 10 am-1 pm.
May 2020
April 2020
POSTPONED An Evening with Cheley Tackett
** This event is postponed until further notice.
Performance by singer-songwriter Cheley Tackett.
POSTPONED Bartlett High School Photography Show
** This event is postponed until further notice.
March 2020
POSTPONED Central High School Art Showcase
** This event is postponed until further notice.
Exhibition of work by Central High School students
POSTPONED Dolla Black
** The event is postponed until further notice.
Live music by Dolla Black as part of the Rebirth 2020 Tour
Organized by the artist
POSTPONED MicroCinema: Best of Ottawa International Shorts
** This event is postponed until further notice.
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts.
This month: Best of Ottawa International Shorts
Best of the 2019 Ottawa International shorts, including films that defy logic, defy physics, defy convention, and especially defy expectations.
Doors at 6:30 pm | Screening at 7 pm. Admission is pay-what-you-can.
Shards of Color and Other Broken Things
Shards of Color and Other Broken Things is an exploration of color and the way it’s manipulated by image and perspective.
Joy Murray works in a narrative style and uses text in her paintings. She uses many kinds of paper, watercolor, acrylic, and collage. She explores concepts of transformation and the intersection of human life and the natural world. This show will feature many of her pieces focused on disability and sacred transformation of the body.
TheOuterCircle travels all over the world to expand his vision. His abstract paintings voice subconscious ideas. His pieces have multiple layers and create texture within color. In addition to paint brushes, he uses everything from his fingers to credit cards to achieve a chaotic balance between color and texture.
Eyes on the Floor
On-site installation and recent works by Adam Farmer
One night only
Organized by the artist
February 2020
Prototype A
New work by Courtney Whitlow and Adele Winn.
Live soundtrack by Natalie Hoffmann.
Organized by the artists.
MadAir Love Affair
Art exhibition with a create-your-own Valentine’s Day card station
Music on vinyl
$5 door entry
Film Screening — Suppressed: The Fight to Vote
Suppressed: The Fight to Vote is a new documentary by Robert Greenwald weaves together personal stories from voters across the state of Georgia to paint an undeniable picture of voter suppression in the 2018 midterm election where Stacey Abrams fought to become the first Black female governor in the U.S. Presented by Team Upstream, a social justice group from Church of the River, Memphis, TN. Team Upstream concentrates on voter registration, apathy, and suppression.
January 2020
In Consideration
Art exhibition
Organized by the artists
December 2019
MicroCinema Club: 2019 Documentary Shorts Festival Encore
Monthly screening of short films presented by Indie Memphis and Crosstown Arts.
This month: Catch ann encore screening of documentary shorts in competition from the 2019 Indie Memphis Film Festival, curated by Senior Programmer Brighid Wheeler. Pay what you can.
Up in Arms Collective presents Response 4
Twenty-two artists converge at Crosstown Arts to create original works that explore today’s America. Up in Arms Collective was born out of the need for the dance community to respond to what is happening in America in an open and affirming environment. What originally began as a community of diverse Memphis dance artists has since grown to include local filmmakers, actors, and artists.
Mama Honey with Lorette Velvette
Join us for a performance by Mama Honey and Lorette Velvette.
Doors at 7:30 pm | Show at 8 pm
$5 cover
Aaron James & Estes: The Finale Show
The final show of the Aaron James and Estes fall series. Aaron James & Estes started with an acoustic show back in October, followed by a collaborative show in November. Now they’re ending their series with a rock show at Crosstown Arts’ 430 Gallery.
Half of all ticket sales are being donated to Memphis Rox, the non-profit rock climbing facility in Soulsville.
November 2019
3RDSPACE Live Crowdfund Session No. 1
3RDSPACE presents an evening of shared stories, ambitious ideas, and audience-funded micro-grants for creatives.
Encounter creative geniuses in contemporary visual, sound, literary, and performing arts. 3RDSPACE presents an evening of shared stories, ambitious ideas, and audience funded micro-grants for creatives. Designed as a unique presentation and storytelling series, creatives are chosen to share their artistic projects and practice. Each ticket sale directly fuels the crowdfund, so let’s pack the house!
Tickets available at 3RDSPACEarts.org.
MicroCinema: 2019 Festival Shorts Award Winners
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts.
This month: 2019 Festival Shorts Award Winners
An encore screening of standout short film award winners from the 2019 Indie Memphis Film Festival, curated by Senior Programmer Brighid Wheeler.
Doors at 6:30 pm | Screening at 7 pm. Admission is pay-what-you-can.
“Stay Out of the Deep End” Album Release Party
Join Memphis artist ISpeakWithAGift as he celebrates the release of his upcoming project, “Stay Out the Deep End.”
Opening performance by Jai Musiq. Hosted by Keniece the Curator. Sounds by DJ Dxrty Skrxw
Isabel Theselius: Baby on Board
Works by Crosstown Arts resident artist Isabel Theselius. Isabel Theselius is a Swedish artist, currently based in the U.S., whose work takes many forms but continually investigates mortality, desire, memory, and more recently, superstition. By drawing from her own experiences, memories, and family relationships, Theselius’ work is equally poetic and empathetic, relatable and enigmatic.
October 2019
Images of Cuba
Bradley Wilford — property Manager of Crosstown Concourse, woodworker, photographer, adventure seeker, and short-term missionary — would like to take you on a journey to explore Cuba, October 24 at 7 pm at the 430 Gallery.
Cuba provides a unique backdrop with a blend of Caribbean sun, glorious architecture, and people filled with a zest for life despite overwhelming hardships. Through photography, you may find a unique place in your heart for this very special place in the world.
Asterisk
New art by Nick Canterucci
Organized by the artist
His latest body of work travels the frontier of Abstract Expressionism, touching on several styles, while marrying the Cooper-Young artist’s love of folk art, with hidden messages. Those patrons who are familiar with his mindset will translate what Canterucci is suggesting, as he continues to stake his claim as one of the many artists of the ART 21 generation.
September 2019
Gonerfest 16 Presents: The Puppet Worlds Of Miss Pussycat
Miss Pussycat will perform a new puppet show, “The History of Egypt,” in conjunction with Gonerfest 16.
Music by synth master Benni
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice.
Facilitators: Aubree Penney & Lance Layman
Presenting artists: Zahria Cook, Cheryl Nolan, and Alex Paulus
August 2019
Hopeless Fashion Show
Debut fashion show with music and an art showcase.
Doors open at 6 pm | show starts at 6:30 pm
Organized by the artist
MicroCinema: Best of Ottawa International 2018
MicroCinema is a monthly screening of short films presented by Indie Memphis and Crosstown Arts. Pay what you can.
Best of the 2018 Ottawa International short films, from cutting-edge to quirky, the largest animation event in North America.
The Perfect Summer Pop-Up Market
Shop from original artworks by members of the Memphis Arts Collective.
Organized by the artists
Learn more about Memphis Arts Collective on their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice.
Facilitators: Aubree Penney & Lance Layman
Presenting artists: Zahria Cook, Cheryl Nolan, and Alex Paulus
The Last Pig Documentary Screening
Presented by Pigtopia and Vegfund
Through this personal journey, The Last Pig raises crucial questions about equality, the value of compassion, and the sanctity of life. Comis’ soul-bearing narrative carries us through his final year of farming pigs, the struggle to reinvent his life, and the ghosts that will haunt him forever.
Tickets are $5
July 2019
Art Apologetic
The arts movement is a collective of performance and visual artists. It a collaborative effort among creatives and arts organizations to promote arts advocacy, entrepreneurship, and engagement in the arts community.
The arts movement is a five-day, pop-up exhibition that features local and traveling artisans and performing artists.
A.R.T.S.posure Experience
Third annual arts event presented by The A.R.T.S. Initiative, Inc.
Live performances, art gallery, fashion show, food and drinks. Featuring Charlee Pearl, Angela Blair, Andrew Travis, Amy Beth, Tre Lesean, D-Mo, Isaiah Woods, Prince Lucius, Walking Threads, and many more.
Wine + Film: Babette’s Feast
Part of a two-night event with Joe’s Wines, Indie Memphis, Restaurant Iris, and Kysela Imports. Indie Memphis will be screening the Oscar-winning Babette’s Feast on Tuesday July 16th.
Screening of Roll Red Roll
Indie Memphis presents a screening of Roll Red Roll.
At a pre-season football party in small-town Steubenville, Ohio, a heinous crime took place: the assault of a teenage girl by members of the beloved high school football team. What transpired would garner national attention and result in the sentencing of two key offenders.
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice.
Facilitators: Aubree Penney & Lance Layman
Presenting artists: Zahria Cook, Cheryl Nolan, and Alex Paulus
June 2019
The Designer’s Runway Show
Memphis Metro Fashion Week runway show hosted by Algernon Johnson
Red carpet at 6:30 pm | Runway show at 7:30 pm
Admission is $12
The Stages of Metamorphosis: Painting Exhibition
Art exhibition based on the life of, and books written by, Andreia Pherneatress.
On view:
Thursday, June 20, 5-8 pm
Friday, June 21, 5-10 pm
Saturday, June 22, 4-10 pm
MicroCinema Club: Film Fatales
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts.
Join us for a selection of short films presented by Indie Memphis and Film Fatales, highlighting underrepresented voices including content by and about women of color and the LGBTQ community.
Exclusive Designer & Maker Market
Presented by Hilton Designs and Re-birth Essentials by Mary O.J.
Fashion show and maker market featuring local vendors and designers. Shop from one-of-a-kind artwork, fashions, jewelry, and more.
Perfect Imperfections
Tova Odelia Presents: Perfect Imperfections, an art exhibition.
Through all flaws, there’s a beautiful mistake.
Organized by the artist
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice.
Facilitator: Kristin McWharter
Presenting artists: Mia Baer, Jia Wang (Crosstown Arts resident artist), and Melissa Farris
May 2019
End of One, Beginning of Another
Show and sale of paintings by Ethan Taylor
On view: Friday, May 31, 6-9 pm and Saturday, June 1, noon-4 pm
Organized by the artist
Indie Memphis Nights: Time for Ilhan
Indie Memphis Night presented by Orion FCU
Screening of Time for Ilhan — A documentary on the journey of rising political star Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the nation’s first Somali Muslim Legislator, and her quest to redefine politics in America.
Pay what you can
Grind City Pre-Meet
In order to honor the legacy and works of avid Memphis photographer Eric Janssen, Crosstown Arts has partnered with Grind City Meet to host a “Benefit Art Show” with a goal of supporting the Janssen Family.
Photos from local Memphis photographers such as Alex Cruz, Adarryll Jackson Sr., Connor Ryan Photo & Film, David Roseberry, Ariel Aleks Antonío, Josh Johnson, Erica Haskett, and several others will be available for sale. Proceeds will benefit Eric Janssen’s children’s college fund.
Spit and Image
A one-night art event featuring new works by Jeshua Schuster, Meredith Lones, Sara Moseley, and Stacy Kiehl. With DJ Damp Velour.
Micro Cinema: Memphis Women in Film
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts. This month is a Memphis in May salute to Memphis presented with the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission.
This month: Memphis Women in Film
Join us as we focus on Memphis women filmmakers with a retrospective of their work in short films over the years.
NUJAS Roll Call Pop-Up & Film Screening
Roll Call is a pop-up exhibition and film screening devoted to offering a platform for women and queer artists of color, who often have trouble finding space or platforms for their work. A majority of the artists represented are Memphis based. This event is curated by NuJas, a multi-disciplinary co-operative dedicated to creating programing and content that is relevant to black women and LGBTQA + Memphians.
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice.
Facilitator: Kristin McWharter
Presenting artists: Mia Baer, Jia Wang (Crosstown Arts resident artist), and Melissa Farris
Kale and Beans
Art exhibition with new work by Hope Hudson and Frank Beiser.
Organized by the artists
The Evolution of Creativity
Come celebrate students from Soulsville Charter and other schools in their first-ever gallery opening: The Evolution of Creativity. Under the guidance of instructor and artist Terri Phillips, students worked for over 16 weeks on pieces ranging from still-life to artistic recreations to landscape. The Crosstown Arteests are proud to present their work to the public on Thursday, May 2nd, featuring a short artist talk, refreshments, and music from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Featuring work by Eden A. Everson, Shirley Moneyham, ….
April 2019
Olivia Lichterman Solo Show
Olivia Lichterman will hold a solo show of her paintings. at 430 N. Cleveland. Her work will be on view from 6-9 pm on Friday, April 26 and 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, April 27.
Artistic Expressions: The Showcial
Featuring Baye, ISpeakWithaGift, Queen Tyki, Cortney Boyland, Bridgette Jack, Jai Musiq, Nvmnless, Coretta Scott, and Teddy C. Presented by Brinson Music Group.
Tickets: $7 advance | $12 door
Organized by the artist
The Good Night: An Evening Showcase
People occupy spaces. Spaces inspire creativity. Creativity tells our story.
The Good Night: An Evening Showcase will give young artists a space to tell their story with their people.
Music collaboration and curation led by: Bartholomew Jones & Jonny Pineda & Section(9)01
You and Everybody Else are Already Artists: Why Everyone Should Make Work
A discussion with Crosstown Arts resident artist Yazan Fahwami
Free and open to the public
Some might say that making art should be left to the professionals, but the pursuit of genuine expression is actually an important part of every person’s well being and every healthy community’s foundation. Practicing artmaking is a fundamental human form of communication that provides crucial mental health benefits and is more accessible than ever before. We will discuss the social value of art from the perspective of the “average” person (i.e. a person with no educational or professional credentials as an artist) and offer ideas of how art might fit into our lives in an ideal world.
Hosting this discussion is Yazan, a self-taught musician originally from New York, currently a resident artist at Crosstown Arts. A short musical performance will follow the discussion.
MicroCinema: 2019 Slamdance Anarchy Shorts
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts.
This month: 2019 Slamdance Anarchy Shorts
The 2019 “Anarchy” shorts program by Slamdance Film Festival is an anti-genre form of resistance to dominant cultural paradigms.
Alexander Paulus: WRONG WAY
We are honored to present WRONG WAY, a comprehensive solo show featuring recent paintings by Memphis-based artist Alexander Paulus. This will be Paulus’ first solo show at the 430 gallery in two years. In WRONG WAY, Paulus aims to explore the experience of distorted realities. Through the show’s humor and witty imagery, it challenges viewers to consider their own conceptions of reality.
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice.
Facilitator: Kristin McWharter
Presenting artists: Mia Baer, Jia Wang (Crosstown Arts resident artist), and Melissa Farris
Recent Works
Lewis Body and Eva Langsdon pair their contrasting recent works in this two day exhibit.
Opening reception: Friday, April 5, 6-8 pm
On view:
Saturday, April 6, 3-8 pm
Sunday, April 7, 3-8 pm
Lewis Body will exhibit his recent abstract metal sculptures. These sculptures are forged and fabricated volumetric forms that are inspired by the parallels between man and material and how they are affected by external pressures.
Eva Langsdon will exhibit her newest painting and graphite works on paper. These works combine delicate floral and fauna drawings with geometric shapes and often rely on the unexpected results that occur with ink and watercolor.
March 2019
@STEKCVB Art Event
Art exhibition and musical performance
Organized by the artist
Exhibition — 1-5 pm
Performance by Young Soul 1 — 5-9 pm
Melanin Effect
D.A.D. presents Melanin Effect with fashion, art, and music. Special performances by Carmen Hicks, Duece Tracy, Ricky Davaine, Goldperms, Izzy Moore, Dylan Amoré, The Goddessie, and Veyeb.
We Roam Memphis
Live art photography event. We Roam will set up backdrops and play music, and anyone is invited to stop by for a photo shoot.
MicroCinema: Short Films from Portugal
Crosstown Arts filmmaker in residence Pierre Primetens curates a block of new and relevant short films from his current home base of Portugal.
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts
Screening of The Pushouts
Exploring the remarkable story of Victor Rios’ evolution from school pushout and gang member to UC professor — while confronting crucial questions of race, class, and power —and the promise and perils of education.
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice. All sessions are free and open to the public. Special thanks to Art Center for donating a $25 gift certificate for each participating artist.
Fashion House
A fashion-focused showcase and performance.
Apparel by This Is Intentional, Illanostalgia, Amara Adornments, and more.
Music by Ricky Davaine, ISpeakWithAGift, DJ David Yancy III, and DJ Cel Shade.
Food by the Kiosk
$5 fashion contest (open to the public)
Free entry to the show
February 2019
MicroCinema: 2018 Music Video Showcase
An encore screening of national and international music videos from the 2018 Indie Memphis Film Festival, curated by Senior Programmer Brighid Wheeler.
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts
Doors at 6:30 pm | Screening at 7 pm. Admission is pay-what-you-can. Presented by Orion.Cro
The Art of Love: An Artistic Experience
Love-themed art exhibition and musical performance.
Organized by The A.R.T.S. Initiative, Inc.
The A.R.T.S. Initiative utilizes the dynamic power of the A.R.T.S. to make a positive change for artists and the community with the ultimate creative spaces/events for creative freedom.
Bars and Brushes
Presented by Obsidian Comics and Rebuild Inc.
Featuring Vitamin CEA, Yung Jewelz, Aisha Raquel, and Kwame Braxton.
$10 cover
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice. All sessions are free and open to the public. Special thanks to Art Center for donating a $25 gift certificate for each participating artist.
Hearing Colors
Art opening for new work by David Yancy. Featuring music by DJ Gutta Kick, DJ Santos, and DJ Siphne Aaye.
Free admission
P’aint It Cool: Art Show and Face Painter Jam Session
Art show and face painter jam session. Watch live demonstrations from local face painters, watch videos with demonstrations on how to use face painting accessories, or just come out and be a model citizen for those who want to learn new techniques.
January 2019
Sink Into a Dream
Olga King and Savannah White unite in a duo art show Sink Into A Dream.
On view 6-8 pm on Friday, Jan. 26 and from 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, Jan. 27.
MicroCinema Club: 2018 After Dark Festival Shorts
Monthly film screening presented by Indie Memphis and Crosstown Arts
This month: 2018 After Dark Festival Shorts
An encore screening of the After Dark Shorts Block from the 2018 Indie Memphis Film Festival, curated by Shorts Programmer Brighid Wheeler.
Pay what you can
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice. All sessions are free and open to the public. Special thanks to Art Center for donating a $25 gift certificate for each participating artist.
December 2018
Coloured Live
Memphis native, KadyRoxz (Roxz) will be performing her debut album live for the first time before its early 2019 release. Join her for an evening of live music, visual storytelling, and an exclusive look into the world of “Coloured.” Featuring special guest: Mikquala Skelton.
Screening of Black Mother
Indie Memphis Nights — presented by Orion FCU — will feature a screening of Black Mother.
Filmmaker Khalik Allah offers a unique portrait of Jamaica, the home of his maternal grandparents in this 2018 Indie Memphis Film Festival award-winning film. *2018 Best Departures Feature Winner*
Pay what you can.
New Work by Danny Russell
Danny C. Russell presents new works in this opening reception.
Organized by the artist
Just Like a Dream
Exhibition and sale of whimsical handmade items by Sami Roth
Self-taught artist Sami Roth’s world is brought to life through paintings and printmaking. Enter a world of fantasy, macabre, and glitter. Her art served as an emotional escape during hard times in her life, acting as a form of therapy and self-love, while also kindling her spirituality.
Open Crit
Crosstown Arts’ Open Crit series is a monthly critique event where visual artists are invited to bring new and/or in-progress studio work for critical feedback and group discussion particular to each artist’s practice. All sessions are free and open to the public. Special thanks to Art Center for donating a $25 gift certificate for each participating artist.
MicroCinema Club
Monthly short film screening series, presented by Indie Memphis & Crosstown Arts.
This month: 2018 Festival Narrative Shorts Encore
An encore screening of the Narrative Short Spotlight 1 block from the 2018 Indie Memphis Film Festival, curated by Short Programmer Brighid Wheeler. Crosstown Arts resident artist Jing Niu’s film, Hornet’s Revenge, will be among the films shown.
Doors at 6:30 pm | Screening at 7 pm. Admission is pay-what-you-can.