The Board of Directors of Arts Clayton is pleased to announce that award-winning art educator, artist, curator, and gallery director Brian Hebert has been selected as the Interim Executive Director and Chief Curator.

"Herbert's roots in the Atlanta-area arts education world go back to 2001, and he has resided in Clayton County for 20 years," said Arts Clayton Board President Lisa Barney. "He knows the community and understands the Arts Clayton mission of supporting arts education, providing venues and exhibit opportunities for Georgia artists, and promoting the arts to strengthen economic vitality and improve the quality of life for Clayton County families."

A graduate of Southern University A&M College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Brian brings a passion for the arts to this new position. During 18 years with the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture, he helped start the Southwest Arts Center in SW Atlanta and served as Arts Education Coordinator in Visual Arts, serving as Gallery Director with oversight from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Fulton County Arts Council. He has organized exhibitions of artists from Africa, Cuba, and the United States with a regional focus on Georgia artists and artists from the African Diaspora. During the pandemic, Brian taught art education to elementary students in the Henry County Public School System while serving as an independent curatorial consultant.

"Brian's proven leadership in the arts, collaborative skills, knowledge of Clayton County, and experience with young people make him an excellent choice," said Arts Clayton founding Executive Director Linda Crissey.

"We look forward to supporting Brian in his new role,” said Dennis Kerce, Arts Clayton Board Member and General Manager of Allan Vigil Ford & Lincoln.

"I am excited to enhance the impact of Arts Clayton and engage with stakeholders and artists throughout the county and region," Hebert said. "I look forward to merging Arts Clayton traditions with new ideas for diverse audiences."

The new direction for Arts Clayton will feature contemporary arts education programs, quality visual arts programming through exhibitions, visual and performing arts collaborations, and special classes and workshops in various media and genres of art for children, teens, adults, and seniors.

The inaugural exhibition, “Pivotal,” under Brian Hebert's leadership, about new beginnings, rebirth, and renewal, will open Friday, August 13th, with free admission, followed by Saturday Night Jazz on August 14th for a $15 donation. Registration is required for Saturday night jazz, as seating is limited. For more information, please visit: www.ComeHome2Clayton.com.