Art explores culture, issues

Creative. Expressive. Distinguished. Metro Atlanta is home to many noteworthy collections that showcase traditional African and contemporary art as well as exhibits dedicated to addressing present-day issues.

These galleries celebrate the creativity of local, international and renowned artists like Romare Bearden and Henry Munyaradzi.

Zimbabwe Gallery: Here, visitors can browse or buy. Noted for the craftsmanship of its artists, Zimbabwe Gallery features paintings, handmade jewelry and traditional African art including wooden and Shona stone sculptures. Expect to see pieces by prominent Zimbabwean sculptors such as Fanizani Akuda and Henry Munyaradzi, who were part of the Shona sculpture movement, as well as paintings by local artists like Joy Ballard Peters and Stuart McClean. Located at Greenbriar Mall in southwest Atlanta, Zimbabwe Gallery provides the perfect place to look and learn for free since the owner, Colin Thompson, is on-hand to answer questions. A sister shop, Zim Gallery, will open at Phipps Plaza on March 15 with similar pieces. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 12-6 p.m. Sunday. 2841 Greenbriar Parkway S.W., Suite N-418, Atlanta. 484-459-6625.

Hammonds House Museum: Likening arrests, murders, lack of justice and socioeconomic disparities of AfricanAmerican males to hunted game, Atlanta-na- tive Shanequa Gay created “Open Season —the Fair Game Project.” Part thought provoking, controversial, conversational and personal, the 20piece traveling collection delves into issues affecting the black community and beyond. Open to the public through March 29. Free for members; $2-$4 for nonmembers. 10 a.m.6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 503 Peeples St. S.W., Atlanta. www.hammonds house.org.

Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries: Known for its collection of African-American art, the Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries is exhibiting “Beyond the University Art Annuals: Acquisitions from 1980 to 2014.” The Annuals, which was a juried competition, served as a national forum for artists from 1942–1970. Today, the exhibit displays the great work acquired over almost 3 ½ decades. Coveted collection pieces by artists including Romare Bearden, Bongi Bengu, Louis Delsarte and Shelia Pree Bright are on display through May 29. Also included is a smattering of carefully selected works from the university’s permanent collection. Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W., Trevor Arnett Hall, Atlanta.