HERITAGE AND BLOOM
A Collaborative Art Installation | by Vernicia Respres for Spelman College
It has been my absolute honor to ideate, curate, and lead a collaborative community project that has transformed me forever. On Friday, April 24th, 2026 a private reception was hosted to unveil Heritage in Bloom—a stunning, large-scale installation that now anchors the lobby of a $94 million architectural and technological landmark at the world-renowned Spelman College.
This piece, hosted in the lobby of the Latanya Richardson Jackson Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts, represents more than art—it is a moment in time, a shared experience, and a reflection of what is possible when creativity and community come together with intention.
- Vernicia Respres
Heritage & Bloom
Meet the design team.
Thank you to the artists and collaborators across Atlanta that constributed to this project
Behind the Scenes: Go Behind the Art
This 10-foot installation was created on a custom-built canvas measuring 8.5 feet wide by 4 feet tall, housed within a handcrafted shadow box built by a local Atlanta carpenter.
Each student artist contributed unique techniques and materials, including:
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Hair braiding
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Plaster and molding
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Paper and clay
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Crepe paper and hand-dyed elements
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Hand-painted acrylic
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Mixed media layering
The result is a richly textured, multidimensional work that reflects both individuality and collaboration.
Heritage in Bloom will be on display in the lobby of the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts at Spelman College through April 2027, after which it will transition to its permanent home.
🎬 Watch the full behind-the-scenes video to experience the creation process.
The Reveal: A Night to Remember
We celebrated the unveiling of Heritage in Bloom with a private reception at the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center—a magical evening dedicated to honoring the student artists and the power of this inaugural collaboration.
🎥 Watch highlights from the evening, including aerial and drone footage.
Voices from the Room : Reflections from Guests
Hear directly from guests, supporters, and attendees as they share their thoughts, emotions, and reactions to Heritage and Bloom.
Watch guest interviews from the event.
Captured Moments
Experience the beauty, energy, and connection of the evening through a curated collection of images.
📷 Photography by Alexander Aperture Media
Credits: Thank you to all who participated!
Artist Vernicia Respres Presents:
Heritage in Bloom
A Luxury Fine Art Exhibit at Spelman College
Learn more:
🌐 www.brushedstudios.com/bloom
Featuring
Lead Artist: Vernicia Respres
Project Producer & Artist: Sydney Malveaux
Student Artists:
Brooke Astin
Brooke Carter
Kennedy Carletos
Kennedy Victoria Peace
Riley Hudson
Sarina Thomas
Artist Assistant: Drew Anthony
Carpenter for custom canvas and frame: Emanuel Respres
Logistics Manager: Lorigan Respres
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
Project Co - Collaborator: Ms. Chirinos Inaugural Artistic Director: Latanya Richardson Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts
Spelman College
Production & Creative Support
Event Video, Photography & Editing: Alexander Aperture & Associates
Professional Makeup (for Vernicia Respres): Alexandra Butler
Join the Conversation
We hope you continue to follow this story and we invite you to stay connected. Be Part of What’s Next.
This exhibit is just the beginning.
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This isn’t just art—it’s a growing story.
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