skip to main content

Site Announcements

Advance Voting Location Closure

The East Point Library and Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing Advance Voting locations are closed for the remainder of the Advance Voting period.

We apologize for any inconvenience and encourage voters to visit one of the alternate locations.

  • Fulton Home
  • News
  • Chairman Robb Pitts Welcomes Nigerian Artists to Fulton County
Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts presents Threads of Heritage: A cultural confluence connecting Africa to Atlanta

Chairman Robb Pitts Welcomes Nigerian Artists to Fulton County

May 13, 2026
The Chairman will be joined by 14 Nigerian artists for a Cultural Celebration on Friday, May 15.

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts and the Department of Arts & Culture are preparing to bring an international flair to the county. The Chairman will host a reception to celebrate the “Threads of Heritage: A Cultural Confluence Connecting Africa to Atlanta," on Friday, May 15. Art lovers will be able to take part in a major international cultural exchange from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Atrium at the Government Center at 141 Pryor Street near downtown.

Presented in partnership with the Nike Art & Culture Foundation (Nigeria), Nike Art USA, and UniSpectrum Inc. (USA), this historic collaboration brings together master artists, cultural leaders, and educators from Nigeria and the diaspora in a multi-week celebration of art, heritage, and global exchange.

“This is an opportunity to share this beautiful rich culture with the residents of Fulton County, and to showcase all that Arts & Culture has to offer,” said Chairman Pitts. “This exhibit will provide insight into the minds of the featured artists and their view of Nigeria. It is extraordinary to be able to witness the magnificent works that will be on display.”

“Through the Department of Arts & Culture, we are able to bring a piece of the world right to our backyards here in Fulton County,” said Director of Arts & Culture David Manuel. “Through these works and the eyes of the artist, we are bridging the cultural creative gap between Africa and Fulton County, which benefits us all.”

At the core of this global initiative will be 14 Nigerian artist and Chief Dr. Nike Monica Okundaye, an internationally celebrated artist, cultural preservationist, and founder of Nike Art Gallery. Widely recognized as one of Africa’s most influential cultural ambassadors, Dr. Okundaye is a living embodiment of African heritage and a bridge between generations and continents. She is also widely recognized as one of Africa’s most influential cultural ambassadors, Chief Nike will serve as Program Lead, guiding the initiative through:

  • Official Opening Ceremony Leadership
  • Master Adire (Textile) Workshops
  • Cultural Panels and Public Engagement
  • Community Visibility and Cultural Exchange Programming 

A carefully curated delegation of artists will support the program through exhibitions, workshops, mentorship, and cultural exchange:

  • Shayee Awoyomi (USA) – Textile and visual artist; co-leads workshops, supports HBCU engagement, and coordinates artist programming.
  • Lasaki Olubunmi (USA) – Painter, sculptor, and educator; senior workshop lead and academic contributor.
  • Adeleke Akeem (Nigeria) – Painter; narrative painting masterclasses and live demonstrations.

Exhibiting Artists & Cultural Contributors:

  • Ola Balogun (USA)
  • Ajibade Awoyemi (USA)
  • Bimbo Samson Adenugba (USA)
  • Ade Odunfa (USA)
  • Owolabi Ayodele (USA)
  • Nduka F. Onyia (USA)
  • Doba Afolabi (USA)
  • Folami Olanrewaju Razaq (USA)
  • Mukaila Ayoade (USA)

The “Threads of Heritage” exhibit will be on display in the Peachtree Gallery through the end of June 2026.