Thirty years ago, Viki and Charles Craig got radical. They were tired of seeing — or, rather, not seeing — the Black experience represented in public spaces. Whenever Charles Craig was in the Administration and Records Building, part of the County Courthouse Complex in Morristown, NJ, he was struck by how invisible Black art and artists were amongst the art installed in the Atrium Gallery, within the building.

It was as if Black people didn’t exist, or at best, Black Culture was cut off from communicating with the rest of the world. There was no reflection of Black people in white spaces, in wealthy spaces, or in government spaces.

Viki and Charles understood that there is empowerment and freedom in being seen. And so they decided to do something about that.

While they didn’t set out to be the Impact Institution, Black Talent Scout, and Critically Acclaimed Exhibitor that the world knows today — they set out to host an awesome exhibit — once the genie was out of the bottle, there was no going back. (And we are all better for it!)

Black History Month was a perfect reason to put on the very first Art in the Atrium exhibit in January 1992, in the Atrium Gallery, and immediately, this inspired act of cultural celebration became an annual event.

Along with fellow Co-Founders, Jackie and Artie Bolden and Erin and Earl Shaw, the Craigs were introduced to the black fine art world by their friend, Russell Murray, an artist and teacher. Together, they shaped exhibitions and became a valued member of the art community. Today, Art in the Atrium’s highly anticipated annual signature exhibition is the largest of its kind in New Jersey.

Over the last three decades, Art in the Atrium (ATA) has earned a reputation for taking Black fine art very, very seriously. They’ve hosted critically acclaimed shows and educational programs with talented visual artists from emergent to renowned, including Elizabeth Catlett in 2004, Benny Andrews in 2005, David Driskell in 2012 and Bisa Butler in 2015.

Today, Art in the Atrium (ATA) is a legacy tribute to ATA Co-Founder, Viki Craig, master fiber artist, a quilter, a third grade school teacher and cultural advocate.

Currently, CEO Simone Craig and a talented and diverse Team, with Charles Craig serving as Chair, carry the torch in honor of Viki Craig. Together, ATA collaborates with Black Artists, Cultural Institutions and art lovers to nurture the Divine Excellence of Black Fine Art and inspire others in the way that ATA shows up for people by providing a platform and advocating for visibility.