In Sandy Springs, art is everywhere: in galleries, theaters, parks, and even restaurants. The city and its residents believe that art is an essential part of creating a vibrant, connected community. So, they work hard to make sure it’s accessible to everyone, from the serious collector to the up-and-coming enthusiast. Whatever your passion—or your preferred medium—Sandy Springs has something to delight and inspire your creative side. Here’s how to explore the local arts scene—and spark your inner artist—in Sandy Springs.
1. Stroll Around The Arts In The Open Sculpture Display
This new sculpture installation on the Green at City Springs allows you to take a self-guided walking tour of nine original sculptures on a winding outdoor path. Each of the lifesize metal and steel sculptures is by a different American artist, and you can follow along on the digital guide to learn about them as you go.
2. Catch a Film at The Springs Cinema and Taphouse
Sandy Springs’ recently renovated luxury movie theater features something for every taste: foreign films, blockbusters, indie movies, and modern classics like Top Gun, Back to the Future, and Steel Magnolias. Take in a show solo, or make it a fun dinner-and-a-movie date night, thanks to the theater’s full bar and restaurant.
3. Paint with a Twist
Grab a friend and a bottle of wine for a crafty evening at Painting with a Twist. During the two-hour session, an instructor will offer step-by-step help as you create your own beautiful painting to take home. It’s the perfect way to get creative on a date night or a girls’ night out. Or grab the family and enjoy a fun excursion with your little artists-in-training.
4. See a Performance by the City Springs Theatre Company
In 2017, four locals created the City Springs Theatre Company after recognizing a need for more art forms in the city. Through a partnership with the new Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, the theater company now presents five Broadway-quality shows, including beloved favorites like Mary Poppins and Spamalot, every year that showcase exceptional regional talent.
5. Audition for Act3 Productions
This semi-professional theater company presents musicals, dramas, and original productions at the Act3 Productions in Sandy Springs. Anyone, whether they’re an amateur actor or seasoned pro, may audition for upcoming productions throughout the season. Tickets typically cost around $20, making this one of the most affordable venues to enjoy live theater in the area.
6. Visit the Artists Market at the Sandy Springs Festival
Held each year in September, the family-friendly Sandy Springs Festival includes a whole district dedicated to the crafts of local and regional artisans. Visitors can peruse and purchase jewelry, pottery, paintings, and many other handmade works from more than 50 vendors.
7. Attend Concerts by the Springs
This free summer concert series is presented one Sunday of each month by Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park. This nonprofit organization works to preserve the history of Sandy Springs and provide community events. Bring your lawn chair and picnic basket for an evening of lounging on the grass while enjoying music from local bands.
8. Seek Out the Sandy Springs Town Turtles
In 2005, a public art project by the Sandy Springs Society helped put 75 lifesize turtle statues, each creatively painted, across the city. Now, 25 of those colorful statues dot the town of Sandy Springs. Some of these unofficial mascots are in notable places around the city, while others are a bit more hidden. See how many turtles you can spot.
9. Take in an Outdoor Concert at City Springs
City Green, a four-acre park and event space in the heart of Sandy Springs, features a whole host of outdoor concerts throughout the year. Check the schedule for festivals and shows, and in the summer be sure to swing by for the free Friday night concert series called City Green Live.
10. Show Off Your Sidewalk Art Skills at Chalk Walk
Can you create some killer art with chalk? Then check out the Chalk Walk, a competition held each September during Sandy Springs’ classic fall festival. Individuals or teams can register and compete for cash prizes, and those not participating can have a blast admiring all of the elaborate sidewalk drawings.
11. Get Clicking With the Sandy Springs Photography Club
Heads-up, aspiring shutterbugs: If you want to learn how to expand your photography skills to more than just cell phone shots, or how to go beyond your camera’s automatic setting, this new-ish club is just the ticket. The Photography Club’s goal is to offer helpful info and tips in an environment that’s friendly and not intimidating. All you need is a camera.
12. Browse Dakoro Art Gallery
This captivating art gallery is home to the works of Dakoro, a local artist who specializes in various disciplines ranging from portraiture to street murals. The gallery doubles as an event space where guests can take art classes and attend networking events.
13. Visit the Japanese Embroidery Center
Founded in 1989, the Japanese Embroidery Center is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching and honoring the art of Japanese embroidery, known as Nuido. The JEC offers several embroidering and beadwork classes for all experience levels, where students can learn about Japanese culture while honing a new skill.
14. Tune into Excellent Jazz at Cafe 290
For 25 years, Sandy Springs’s authentic jazz bar, Cafe 290, has been delighting guests with its buzzy, electric atmosphere—and, of course, incredible jazz. The club regularly hosts top performers around Atlanta and the South, as well as cameo appearances by some of the top names in the country (and world). Fun fact: Cafe 290 was also one of just three jazz venues to be featured on the U.S. Postal Service’s Jazz Legends stamp.
15. Learn Salsa at PasoFino Latin Dance Studio
Shake things up with professional dance lessons at PasoFino. The experienced instructors teach two types of salsa dancing and offer classes for all skill levels—you don’t even need to bring a partner! Check the online schedule to reserve your first session–and get ready to start learning some sizzling moves.
From salsa dancing to festivals to museums and cafes, you’ll find a wide variety of ways to embrace the arts in Sandy Springs. Whether you’re in the mood to admire the works of others or fashion your own piece to take home, you’ll find something inspiring just around the corner.
Written by Madison Eubanks for Matcha in partnership with Sandy Springs GA.