AJC ARTICLE OCTOBER 12, 2007

BUFORD'S ART STROLL

Galleries host special events during "Art Stroll" on the third Saturday of the month. During the day, many galleries serve punch and cookies. And artists' receptions, wine tastings and live music take place at night.

On the stroll:

Gio' Vairs Galleries of Art

Last spring, gallery owner Arlesia Crooms came to Buford to check out Carisma Art Gallery for potential art space. Historic Buford's happening scene inspired her to open her own gallery instead.

Gio' Vairs – the name is inspired from parts of Crooms' children's names – is located at the former J. Reid Gallery.

Crooms showcases all original art. Her August opening included work by renowned muralist Louis Delsarte.

In New York City, hundreds of passersby see his mosaics daily at an uptown bank and a Brooklyn subway station. Delsarte was commissioned to create "Spirit of Harlem" and "The Transitions," which celebrates the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.

Crooms also features art by several local artists and vows to interpret their work to gallery patrons.

"I want people to know the artist's process and what they're trying to say," she said.

For instrance, a black and white painting "Remembering Gordon" by Lithonia artist Gerhardt is a tribute to the late photographer Gordon Parks.

An expressionist painting, "Grandpa Knows," by Lawrenceville artist Raphael Sagage was named after a nudge by Crooms.

"He didn't have a name and I thought, 'doesn't [the subject's] expression just look like your grandpa who knows everything that's going on?' " she said.

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