The prestigious annual exhibit, Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition, kicks off the new year with its seventh installment at the Aviation Community Cultural Center starting on January 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The exhibition is in partnership with Fulton County and is curated by Okeeba Jubalo Okeeba Jubalo is the founder and curator of the Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition. He also heads his own gallery, Okeeba Jubalo Fine Art Gallery, in North Charleston, South Carolina. As a multi-disciplinary artist and gallery owner, he recognizes why exhibits of this magnitude can galvanize people to respect and pay attention to artists. "As a multidisciplinary artist, I understand every side of this Black art equation. Everything is about math and engineering,” said Jubalo. “The Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition is part of the math equation needed to solve the problem of a highly dysfunctional Black arts scene. The issue isn’t just in Atlanta or Charleston; this is a national equation of dysfunction I am solving for." The Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition is the most culturally explosive event to support Atlanta's artists consistently. Always known to bring an elite crowd, the attendees can expect the crème de la crème of guests from politicians, community leaders, and business owners. The primary hosting location is Atlanta, Georgia, but the exhibition has traveled nationwide to showcase artwork for prospective buyers and art lovers. Since the first installment in 2009, the Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition has traveled to cities like Las Vegas and Washington, DC. In addition, last year’s exhibit was hosted in Charleston, South Carolina. Art is a multi-dimensional industry that can be hard to grasp for an individual that isn’t privy to the art world. The Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition is the true guide for many artists, art collectors, and art enthusiasts. "Artists trust me because they know I am one of them and have a number of different features and skills that most do not have,” said Jubalo. “When I am within these spaces, I have a dozen different executive-level skill sets that I can apply to our movement." The Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition has helped artists become household names and allowed art collectors to have first dibs on purchasing the hottest artworks on the market. Many art connoisseurs anticipate the annually-held Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition so they can soak in all the beauty the art world has to offer. The collection includes 44 incredibly talented artists. Some featured artists include Miya Bailey, Jerushia Graham, Michael Johnson, Sandy Teepen, Dane Brown, Hopeton Hibbert, and many others. Dane Brown (#ATLANTAFAE featured artist ) “My experience with the Okeeba Jubalo Fine Art Gallery and Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition has been incredible. His dedication to uplifting the artist as he restructures the art world shows and is something I cherish as an artist.” Dane Brown said about working with Okeeba Jubalo and being a featured artist in this year’s exhibit. Michael Johnson (#ATLANTAFAE featured artist ) “It's exciting being part of an event that highlights "our" art. Far too often, we seek a seat at the table instead of creating our own table." Michael Johnson said regarding the Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition featuring numerous talented Black artists. Art galleries and exhibits are the heartbeats of the art industry. For many Black artists, it's critical to work with a gallery where they are being seen and heard—especially by a gallery with a track record for propelling an artist's career. The Atlanta Fine Art Exhibition continues to be the bridge for artists to gain visibility and sell their artwork for profit. “This business of Black fine art is complicated, and it was important for me to create a premium platform for our artists. It is a very complicated cycle between Black artists, Black gallerists, and Black art collectors,” said Jubalo. “All three are in a constant state of working against each other. My goal is to create a space where we can work together as a unit that raises the experience and profits for all parties.” The attendees of this exclusive, RSVP-only event will have the opportunity to see up-close-and-personal the evolution of art and its impact on modern culture. This exhibit will also allow contemporary audiences to access relevant and contextualized art. Okeeba Jubalo at the 2023 Atlanta Exhibition

For many young people, art begins as a form of self-expression—a way to explore ideas, emotions, and imagination. Through NobleSol Art Group’s signature youth development initiative, Art to HeART, students discover that creativity can become much more: a source of confidence, leadership, and opportunity. Founded by Executive Creative Director Okeeba Jubalo, Art to HeART was created to help young people see themselves not only as artists, but as innovators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. The program combines visual arts education with mentorship and entrepreneurship, helping students understand that creativity is a skill that can shape their future. “Our instructional model is grounded in the reality of becoming a successful, highly functional creative professional,” said Okeeba Jubalo, Founder & Executive Creative Director of NobleSol Art Group. “We pair theory with practical, repetitious practice within a nurturing environment driven by focus and accountability. I look forward to building a strong partnership with Kids On Point as we apply my three decades of experience as an arts leader to establishing the Lowcountry as a creative powerhouse.” This summer, NobleSol Art Group partnered with Kids On Point, a Charleston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through education, mentorship, athletics, and life skills development, to bring Art to HeART to middle school students. The collaboration provided students with an immersive creative experience designed to encourage self-expression, critical thinking, and personal growth. KOP students focused on their work in a bright classroom adorned with colorful artwork. Building a Bridge Between Creativity and Opportunity The partnership was sparked through the efforts of Craig Ascue, a business owner, community development advocate, and former Charleston County School Board member, who recognized the shared commitment between NobleSol Art Group and Kids On Point. Ascue has long believed that meaningful youth development extends beyond traditional classrooms. Through his experiences growing up in the East Cooper area, serving his community, and working with education leaders, he saw the value of creating opportunities where young people could discover their talents and build confidence. “I made the introduction because I believed each organization could strengthen the other’s impact on young people in our community,” Ascue said. “Kids On Point creates environments where children can grow. Okeeba creates opportunities for young people to see themselves differently through creativity. When those two missions come together, students gain more than an art lesson. They gain another language to express their ideas, emotions, dreams, and identity.” For Ascue, the connection represented the power of community leaders working together to create access and opportunity for young people. “My role was simply to help two outstanding organizations find one another,” he said. “The impact belongs to the students whose lives are enriched because of that collaboration.” A KOP student focuses through the lens of a camera during a narrative creation lesson, capturing moments in a classroom filled with attentive peers. Beyond the Canvas: The Vision Behind Art to HeART Art to HeART was designed to move beyond traditional art instruction. While students explored foundational concepts such as color theory, composition, and visual storytelling, they also learned how to develop ideas, communicate their vision, manage creative projects, and present their work professionally. Through each lesson, students were encouraged to trust their creativity and recognize the value of their perspectives. The program reinforced an important message: creativity is not simply something students practice—it is something they can build upon. A key component of Art to HeART is introducing students to the business side of creativity. By learning how artists develop concepts, meet deadlines, and share their work with others, participants gained insight into the creative economy and began to understand how artistic skills can translate into future opportunities. Tenise Holloway, Summer Site Coordinator for Kids On Point For Tenise Holloway, Summer Site Coordinator for Kids On Point, that connection between creativity and opportunity was an important part of the partnership. “We focus on experience and exposure, and we appreciate partners who allow for exploration and hands-on learning,” Holloway said. “After hearing about the program and how students engage in different forms of visual art, culminating in an art show, we were excited about the partnership.” Holloway also emphasized the importance of helping students recognize that creativity can have a place in their professional futures. “It’s important because creativity and career opportunity are deeply connected,” she said. “When students see art as a real, viable path with entrepreneurship and income potential, it broadens how they think about their own futures.” Jubalo emphasized that exposing young people to both the artistic and entrepreneurial sides of creativity is essential to building stronger communities. “Our team has been laser-focused on elevating North Charleston into the premier epicenter of arts and culture in the South,” Jubalo said. “Engaging our youth—exposing them not just to the arts, but to the vital business and economics behind them—is essential to building a thriving creative community.” Okeeba Jubalo instructing KOP students Creating Confidence Through the Creative Process Throughout the multi-week program, students created original artwork that reflected their unique experiences and perspectives. Each project challenged participants to embrace experimentation, solve creative problems, and follow their ideas from concept to completion. When students needed additional time to refine their projects, NobleSol Art Group extended workshop sessions to ensure they had the opportunity to fully develop their work. The decision reinforced a real-world lesson: meaningful creative work requires dedication, adaptability, and patience. The program culminated in a student exhibition, transforming the classroom into a gallery where participants proudly showcased their artwork to family members, mentors, and the Kids On Point community. For many students, the exhibition was their first opportunity to experience what it means to present their work in a professional setting. More than displaying artwork, the event celebrated confidence, perseverance, and the courage to share their creative voices. Holloway said the experience was also designed to help students develop skills that extend beyond the artwork itself. “Beyond artistic skills, we hope students gain confidence in trying something new, comfort with problem-solving when a piece doesn't go as planned, and pride in creating something to share publicly,” she said. Capturing the Journey Through Photography Katrina Crawford, Director of Photography and Visual Storyteller for Art to HeART, documented the students’ experiences throughout the program, capturing their creative process, growth, and transformation. In addition to photographing the workshops and final exhibition, Crawford introduced students to photography techniques and visual storytelling methods, helping them understand how images can communicate emotion, perspective, and meaning. “I wanted to capture the heart behind the work: the concentration, curiosity, connection, and pride that developed as the students explored their creativity and learned to tell stories through their own lens,” Crawford said. Crawford said one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was watching students become more comfortable expressing themselves. “Some began quietly, observing and figuring out where they fit within the process,” she said. “As the program continued, you could see their confidence growing, not only in the artwork they were creating, but also in the way they carried themselves and interacted with one another.” Through her photography, Crawford preserved the moments that reflected the deeper impact of the program—the excitement of discovering a new idea, the encouragement students gave one another, and the pride they felt in their accomplishments. “I have always believed that photography does more than prove that something happened,” Crawford said. “At its best, it preserves how an experience felt.” She added that the images represent more than documentation of a program. “They are evidence of investment—investment in creativity, confidence, relationships, and the future of each student involved,” Crawford said. Katrina Crawford working with KOP Student Expanding Art to HeART Through Community Partnership The success of Art to HeART’s summer experience was strengthened through its partnership with Kids On Point, whose commitment to youth development aligned with NobleSol Art Group’s mission of expanding access to meaningful creative opportunities. Working alongside Jubalo were Dylan Woodward, Director of Programs at Kids On Point, Tenise Holloway, Summer Site Coordinator, and the broader Kids On Point team. Together, they helped create an environment where creativity, learning, and personal development could flourish. Holloway said the collaboration demonstrated the value of bringing organizations with complementary strengths together. “This partnership shows what’s possible when community organizations combine strengths,” Holloway said. “We hope it opens the door to more collaborations that expand meaningful arts access for students across Charleston.” Jubalo likewise credited the partnership as an example of what is possible when organizations unite around a shared vision for young people. “Kids On Point is taking significant strides to provide students with access to crucial programming that is far too often absent from traditional classroom experiences,” Jubalo said. “True impact happens when passionate leaders lock arms for a shared vision.” He added, “When you cultivate a culture of creativity, discipline, and support, you give young people the blueprint to transform their own lives and our community.” Expanding Art to HeART Through Community Partnership The success of Art to HeART’s summer experience was strengthened through its partnership with Kids On Point, whose commitment to youth development aligned with NobleSol Art Group’s mission of expanding access to meaningful creative opportunities. Working alongside Jubalo were Dylan Woodward, Director of Programs at Kids On Point, Tenise Holloway, Summer Site Coordinator, and the broader Kids On Point team. Together, they helped create an environment where creativity, learning, and personal development could flourish. Holloway said the collaboration demonstrated the value of bringing organizations with complementary strengths together. “This partnership shows what’s possible when community organizations combine strengths,” Holloway said. “We hope it opens the door to more collaborations that expand meaningful arts access for students across Charleston.” Jubalo likewise credited the partnership as an example of what is possible when organizations unite around a shared vision for young people. “Kids On Point is taking significant strides to provide students with access to crucial programming that is far too often absent from traditional classroom experiences,” Jubalo said. “True impact happens when passionate leaders lock arms for a shared vision.” He added, “When you cultivate a culture of creativity, discipline, and support, you give young people the blueprint to transform their own lives and our community.” Inspiring the Next Generation of Creators Through Art to HeART, NobleSol Art Group continues to redefine what arts education can look like. The program provides students with more than artistic skills—it gives them the confidence to think creatively, solve problems, and recognize their own potential. The partnership with Kids On Point demonstrates how community collaboration can expand that impact, connecting young people with creative experiences that encourage them to explore new possibilities and envision themselves as artists, entrepreneurs, and future professionals. As NobleSol Art Group expands Art to HeART into schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, the program serves as a reminder that investing in creativity is investing in the future. “When we invest in a young person’s creative voice, we aren't just teaching them how to make art—we are teaching them how to think, innovate, and lead,” Jubalo said. “Art to HeART is about breaking down the wall between creative expression and real-world execution. As we expand this program into more schools and communities, our focus remains unchanged: to empower the next generation with the tools, discipline, and vision required to build a future of their own design.”

Jailan Williams, leader of the Lighthouse Band In a city where jazz, gospel, soul, blues, and Gullah traditions have shaped generations of musicians, Lighthouse Band is emerging as one of Charleston’s most promising new voices. More than a live entertainment group, the ensemble is building a movement centered on excellence, authenticity, and community connection. Led by bassist and vocalist Jailan Williams, Lighthouse Band blends jazz, soul, R&B, blues, gospel, and contemporary pop into what the group describes as a “timeless and engaging live music experience.” The band’s name reflects its mission: to serve as a source of hope, encouragement, and light through music. For Williams, honoring Charleston’s musical heritage begins with respecting the many influences that have defined the Lowcountry while allowing music to evolve for a new generation. “Charleston does have this very rich history when it comes to music, from jazz to gospel to soul to Gullah,” Williams said. “Our band is honoring that by serving as a prime example of a young, talented, professional group that pays homage and respect to all of those different sounds.” Rather than limiting themselves to a single genre, Lighthouse Band embraces a jazz fusion approach that allows the musicians to blend multiple traditions into one cohesive sound. “There’s not one particular sound that we stick to,” Williams said. “A lot of our music has roots tied to jazz, R&B, soul, and blues. Music continues to evolve, and that’s the beauty of it. You can shape it into something meaningful for the listener.” The Lighouse Band performing for the Persevation Society of Charleston Williams credits Charleston with shaping both his artistic and professional journey. After studying business, music, and the arts at the College of Charleston, he immersed himself in the Lowcountry’s creative community through church music ministries, jazz ensembles, restaurants, and educational programs. “The Lowcountry is a rich gumbo when it comes to music,” he said. “It’s a melting pot, and that diversity shows up in the music and the arts.” While Lighthouse Band has earned a reputation for polished live performances at weddings, boutique hotels, historic venues, and community events, Williams believes audiences connect with the group for a different reason: authenticity. Earlier this year, the band established three guiding principles that now define every performance and business decision: MAP—Moral, Authentic, and Professional. “We wanted authenticity to be the focal point of the group moving forward,” Williams said. “We’re not just playing songs exactly how they sound on the record. We’re adding our own taste and making sure every performance sounds like us.” That philosophy has resonated with audiences throughout the Charleston area. “People have told us they stayed after finishing their meals because they wanted to hear us play,” he said. “Other musicians have said they appreciate that we’re actually learning the music and then creating something authentic from it.” For Williams, however, Lighthouse Band’s purpose extends beyond entertaining audiences. The ensemble was intentionally built around relationships, character, and community. Its members—Jorge Chocobar (keyboard and saxophone), Carl Taylor II (guitar), Justin McKenzie (drums), and Williams himself on bass and vocals—first connected while working together at a local music store before deciding to build something of their own. “We not only wanted to build a band that was talented and skilled, but we also wanted to build a band full of good people,” Williams said. “Community starts with relationships, leadership, and the people around you.” Rooted in Christian faith, the group views music as a tool for bringing people together and creating positive cultural impact. “We want to be an example for other young musicians who want to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Williams said. “We believe music has the power to uplift communities and create lasting memories.” As Charleston continues to expand as a cultural and tourism destination, Williams believes the Lowcountry is uniquely positioned to become an even stronger hub for live and original music. “Charleston is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country, and it’s only going to continue growing,” he said. “All of these restaurants, hotels, festivals, and events need musicians. It’s a prime opportunity for artists who want to build a brand and build a career.” He also believes the region deserves greater recognition for the talent already thriving within it. “Charleston really is a musical hub, and I think it’s underrated,” Williams said. “There are incredible musicians here, and Lighthouse Band wants to be one of the groups helping lead the way.” That vision is also being recognized by cultural leaders who see the importance of supporting Charleston’s next generation of musical voices. Okeeba Jubalo, Executive Creative Director of the North Charleston Arts District, believes Lighthouse Band represents the type of artistry needed to continue expanding the region’s cultural influence. “Charleston is home to incredible, seasoned musical talent, but there is a clear demand for a fresh voice dedicated to original work,” Jubalo said. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with Jailan and The Lighthouse Band as we continue to elevate the cultural landscape of North Charleston and beyond.” Although the band has been together for only two years, its growth has been significant, earning opportunities to perform at premier venues across the Charleston area while preparing to release original music that reflects the heart of its mission. “When I understood that this was bigger than me, I took it very seriously,” Williams said. “I’m excited for what’s to come as we continue creating music, building relationships, and striving to be the gold standard when it comes to professionalism and live performance.” For Lighthouse Band, success is not measured solely by applause at the end of a performance. It is found in creating meaningful experiences, building lasting relationships, and contributing to a musical culture that will inspire generations to come. As Charleston’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, Lighthouse Band is proving that honoring tradition and embracing innovation are not competing ideas—they are the foundation for building something that lasts. The Lighouse Band Carl Taylor II, Jorge Chocobar, Justin Mckenzie & Jailan Williams