southern culture

Jennifer Sutton moved to the South 16 years ago from Lorain, Ohio. Thank goodness. “It’s the international city,” she says. It’s the diverse hometown she shares with famed novelist Toni Morrison. “Growing up, I was raised with so many different people from different nationalities.” That childhood foundation cemented her love of bringing cultures together. Its mirrored in her popular Art Meso exhibit, on display now through January 2, 2022. The fashion and art extravaganza is in the former Tom Ford store in Buckhead Village, underneath Gypsy Kitchen.

Meso means in the middle or between. In other words, Art Meso is the place “where creativity and imagination meet.” Jennifer created the title “to put all the elements I embrace into one name. It’s the middle place where everyone can meet,” she says.

That was definitely true of the opening night event, which was chockablock with Atlanta VIPs. A portion of ticket sales went to Children Helping Children, One Arte and Make-a-Wish Foundation. The celeb attendees mingled among luxury vehicles like a Rolls-Royce Phantom from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Above all, it was a splendid evening full of fashion, food and luxury. “People were excited to get out and experience something… other than what we’ve been experiencing,” says Jennifer with a sigh. In fact, many of the fashion designers are showing for the first time in the states. Additionally, a lot of the artists on display are Atlantans.

The Art Meso exhibit is open six days a week (closed on Monday). Expect special events such as the Art Meso Mixer with more of a party atmosphere. Additionally, expert panels will be coming in to discuss art and fashion. The exhibit is partnering with Jimmy Choo, Canali and Make-a-Wish for other events this season. But Meso Marketplace is sure to be a holiday shopper’s fave. It allows guests to come back and shop various retailers, designers and artists from the actual show. Also, there will be more retailers that aren’t on display. Check the website for those details.

“I did have a culture shock a bit,” admits Jennifer, about moving to Georgia 16 years ago. “Not until you get into the city is it a melting pot.” So this former retail visual director and wardrobe stylist moved to Midtown about eight years ago. “I found a great community that shares a love of art and food. A true inner circle.”

She eventually started Art Meso in 2015 with the support of that artistic community. Art Meso was a popular, crowded exhibit in downtown Atlanta for many years. Jennifer’s extensive background in retail, fashion and the arts all came together to make it happen. “I am a lover of all things creative,” she adds. Art Meso held some virtual events during the pandemic, but when it came to putting on a live event again, Jennifer decided to try something new. She wanted to provide something that people could come visit at their leisure and not have to crowd together. “We don’t have to stuff people in. The exhibition is airy and spacious and it’s going on until January. That gives people a chance to come out and see it on their own time.”

Including a charitable component in the exhibit was also extremely important to Jennifer. “Giving has always been implemented in my family and comes from my grandmother,” she shares. Art Meso has been partnering with incredible nonprofits for some time. “I love making a kid’s dream come true.”

Above all, Jennifer is building bridges outside of the Midwest and the South. She recently connected with Myron Johnson, Film Entertainment & Culture Arts Manager for the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. Through various relationships, she’s thrown herself into the New York art and fashion community. Therefore, Art Meso will have an exhibition in the Avenues of New York in July 2022. All I know is, this former New Yorker-by way of Atlanta can’t wait to see what Jennifer Sutton has up her sleeve for that event.