Celebrating Nature Through Art: Freddie Styles' Exhibition at Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University Art Museum Showcases Freddie Styles

The Clark Atlanta University Art Museum (CAUAM) is set to launch an exciting exhibition featuring the renowned abstract artist, Freddie Styles. This captivating showcase will officially open on February 12, 2026, and will run until May 1, 2026, located in the historic Trevor Arnett Hall on the university's vibrant campus.

Freddie Styles, a rare gem in the world of art, was born in 1944 in Madison, Georgia. He holds a significant place in the artistic landscape due to his participation in the Atlanta University Art Annuals Competition, a prestigious event from 1942 to 1970 that celebrated talented artists from the region. Styles’ core artistic themes revolve around nature, reflected vividly through his abstract paintings and collages. His work encapsulates a profound relationship between environmental elements and the creative spirit, creating a unique visual dialogue that invites viewers to contemplate their connection with the natural world.

Dr. Danille Taylor, the esteemed Executive Director of CAUAM, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the exhibition, stating, "Freddie Styles’ connection to Clark Atlanta University dates back to his impactful participation in the Art Annuals. We are thrilled to present his extraordinary work, offering a complete retrospective that spans from his earliest sketches to his latest abstracts. He is an invaluable treasure of Atlanta, and we are proud to share his legacy with a broader audience."

Styles' artistic journey includes significant roles as an artist-in-residence at esteemed institutions like Clayton State University and Spelman College. He also directed the City Gallery East, collaborating closely with Atlanta's Art-On-Loan Program. His artworks have graced various prominent public and private collections, including prestigious institutions such as the HIGH Museum in Atlanta, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, and the Spelman College Museum of Art. Pieces of his work are also featured in collections across notable addresses in Atlanta, Saint Louis, and even universities in Delaware and Alabama.

Visitors to the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum can expect a diverse range of Styles’ work, showcasing his artistic evolution and reverence for nature. The exhibition promises to engage audiences with a rich visual experience, encouraging contemplation and appreciation of the intricate relationships between art, nature, and human creativity.

This exhibition not only celebrates Styles' contributions to the art world but also honors the role of historically Black institutions like Clark Atlanta University in shaping cultural narratives. Since its establishment through the merger of Atlanta University and Clark College in 1988, CAU has been a beacon of educational excellence and cultural enrichment. The university is recognized for its commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment, and the exhibition of Freddie Styles’ work further enhances its cultural portfolio.

Art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike are encouraged to experience this unique exhibition, which reflects the mission of CAUAM to promote art appreciation and provide a platform for art that resonates with the community’s heritage. As attendees immerse themselves in these captivating abstractions, they are invited to explore the deep connections between nature and artistry, a journey best summarized in Styles’ work.

For additional details regarding this exhibition and other events at the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum, please visit www.cau.edu and step into a world where creativity flourishes and nature celebrates its beauty through art.