Community Events

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky,” an exciting new solo exhibition featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by Rob Strati, from September 25, 2025, through April 12, 2026. 

“Beyond the Plate” will showcase new work by one of America’s hottest contemporary artists. Strati has recently enjoyed sold-out exhibits at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis and FREMIN Gallery in New York and has sold work to top international art collectors in New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond.

Strati’s art incorporates broken porcelain plates that have been embellished and adorned with creative details. The exhibition features the artist’s latest bold, kinetic mixed-media works and limited-edition prints as well as an ambitious site-specific installation that will be suspended from the ceiling of the Ships of the Sea atrium.

All of the art in “Beyond the Plate” will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Join the team at the Zambezi Elephant Center and immerse yourself in what it takes to care for the largest land animals on the planet! Spend the morning working alongside the Elephant Care Team to prepare the habitat for the day and ensure the elephants’ needs are met.

Spend the morning working alongside the Elephant Care Team to prepare the habitat for the day and ensure the elephants’ needs are met.

This unique experience is sure to educate and inspire you about these special individuals, help you learn more about the rigorous requirements of professional elephant care, and gain an understanding of the ways Zoo Atlanta is working to protect wild populations. Participants can expect to meet members of the Animal Care Team, meet an animal, learn about our positive reinforcement training and enrichment programs, and walk away with knowledge of how to save species. All participation in Keeper for a Day programs is voluntary for the animals.

Before registering, please understand that during this program: 

• Participants will perform similar tasks as members of the Elephant Care Team, which may include raking, sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and shoveling, and should expect to do some hard work and be comfortable getting dirty. 
• Participants will be expected to participate in all weather conditions, lift up to 30 pounds, and be on their feet for up to four hours. 
• Participants must have the physical ability to bend, lift, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time. 
• Participants may be exposed to potential allergens such as insects, hay, animal waste, and other potential allergens. Please reach out in advance if you have any questions or concerns. 

Upcoming 2026 Dates:
Saturday, January 10
Thursday, January 22
Saturday, February 7
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 5
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 18
Thursday, April 30
Saturday, May 16
Thursday, May 28

Times: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Member cost: $325
Non-member cost: $360

Age range: 16 and up

As a minimalist ceramic sculptor, Yuichiro Komatsu draws inspiration from the pliable yet enduring nature of clay, using its transformation from raw earth into ceramic as a metaphor for the dialogue between fragility and permanence. His work reflects on the transient nature of societal structures while seeking to transcend temporal boundaries and explore the poetic resonance of space. Through modular forms and techniques such as hand-building, slip-casting and wheel-throwing, Komatsu examines the interplay between form and formlessness, inside and outside, and the Japanese concept of “Ma,” which honors the elegance of simplicity and negative space. His artistic practice aims to capture a fleeting yet enduring sense of beauty, existing at the intersection of delicacy and resilience.

Yuichiro Komatsu is a Tokyo-born contemporary ceramic artist and educator, earned his BFA from SUNY New Paltz, apprenticed with renowned ceramicist Toshiko Takaezu, completed his MFA at Alfred University, and a DAAD Postgraduate Research Fellowship in Berlin. His work has been exhibited internationally, he has participated in acclaimed artist residencies around the world, and he currently serves as Professor of Art at Columbus State University in Georgia.

Join us as we take you on a journey into the colorful and fantastical world of "Luzia," set in a make-believe Mexico, where you will be treated to stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances.

"Luzia" deftly guides you through the locations, people and sounds of both classical and contemporary Mexico, taking you from urban locations like an old movie set and a smoke-filled dance hall to the beach and barren desert.

See online schedule for show times.

Learn more.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on Oct. 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.

Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.

Georgia Tech Women's Basketball is back in action at McCamish Pavilion as they take on the North Carolina Tar Heels on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 9 p.m.! 

Purchase your tickets today at the link below.

View our temporary exhibition of 50 photographs that capture more than 100 years of Cherokee County's history. Divided into the categories of Home, Work, Play, Celebration, Service, Worship, Nature, School, Transportation and Agriculture, these photographs showcase the beauty, humanity and history of Cherokee County and those who have lived here.

Discover the rich stories woven into every quilt, tales of heritage, community, journey and roots.

Visit Stitching Our Story: A Celebration of Black History Quilt Show, a vibrant celebration of these powerful narratives brought to life through the artistry of quilting. Celebrate creativity and culture in this inspiring, free event open to everyone, proudly presented by See Clayton County.

1945–1979 Quilts explores changing trends in American quilting from the end of World War II through the resurgence of the craft in the late 1970s. The exhibit highlights the evolution of styles, colors, and fabrics over three transformative decades.

Early quilts reflect patriotic themes and palettes inspired by the postwar period, while quilts from the 1950s introduce new patterns and fresh color combinations. By the 1960s and 1970s, quilters pushed creative boundaries, experimenting with bold colors, unconventional fabrics and expressive designs.

Sacred Threads is a biennial exhibition that features quilts reflecting personal and spiritual journeys.

The exhibit aims to provide a safe space for quilters to express their experiences and emotions through their artwork. The themes explored include joy, inspiration, spirituality, healing, grief and peace/brotherhood.

Unwind and explore after hours at History Uncorked, a relaxed evening at the museum designed for history lovers and social sippers alike. From 5-7 p.m., guests are invited to stroll through the museum, enjoy the exhibits at their own pace and soak in the stories that shaped our community.

Guests 21 and over can enjoy one complimentary glass of wine or beer while they explore, making this the perfect low-key way to experience the museum in a new light. Whether you’re visiting with friends or discovering the museum for the first time, History Uncorked offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere to connect with history.

Admission: $5 per person
Includes: One complimentary wine or beer for guests 21+
IDs will be checked
Registration: Pre-registration not required, but highly encouraged

Elephant Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one at Zoo Atlanta! Meet Tara or Kelly while learning why they are such important ambassadors for their species.

During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.

• Meet at the Zambezi Elephant Center 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Member Cost: $117

Non-Member Cost: $130 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky,” an exciting new solo exhibition featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by Rob Strati, from September 25, 2025, through April 12, 2026. 

“Beyond the Plate” will showcase new work by one of America’s hottest contemporary artists. Strati has recently enjoyed sold-out exhibits at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis and FREMIN Gallery in New York and has sold work to top international art collectors in New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond.

Strati’s art incorporates broken porcelain plates that have been embellished and adorned with creative details. The exhibition features the artist’s latest bold, kinetic mixed-media works and limited-edition prints as well as an ambitious site-specific installation that will be suspended from the ceiling of the Ships of the Sea atrium.

All of the art in “Beyond the Plate” will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

As a minimalist ceramic sculptor, Yuichiro Komatsu draws inspiration from the pliable yet enduring nature of clay, using its transformation from raw earth into ceramic as a metaphor for the dialogue between fragility and permanence. His work reflects on the transient nature of societal structures while seeking to transcend temporal boundaries and explore the poetic resonance of space. Through modular forms and techniques such as hand-building, slip-casting and wheel-throwing, Komatsu examines the interplay between form and formlessness, inside and outside, and the Japanese concept of “Ma,” which honors the elegance of simplicity and negative space. His artistic practice aims to capture a fleeting yet enduring sense of beauty, existing at the intersection of delicacy and resilience.

Yuichiro Komatsu is a Tokyo-born contemporary ceramic artist and educator, earned his BFA from SUNY New Paltz, apprenticed with renowned ceramicist Toshiko Takaezu, completed his MFA at Alfred University, and a DAAD Postgraduate Research Fellowship in Berlin. His work has been exhibited internationally, he has participated in acclaimed artist residencies around the world, and he currently serves as Professor of Art at Columbus State University in Georgia.

Join us as we take you on a journey into the colorful and fantastical world of "Luzia," set in a make-believe Mexico, where you will be treated to stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances.

"Luzia" deftly guides you through the locations, people and sounds of both classical and contemporary Mexico, taking you from urban locations like an old movie set and a smoke-filled dance hall to the beach and barren desert.

See online schedule for show times.

Learn more.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on Oct. 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.

Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.

View our temporary exhibition of 50 photographs that capture more than 100 years of Cherokee County's history. Divided into the categories of Home, Work, Play, Celebration, Service, Worship, Nature, School, Transportation and Agriculture, these photographs showcase the beauty, humanity and history of Cherokee County and those who have lived here.

Discover the rich stories woven into every quilt, tales of heritage, community, journey and roots.

Visit Stitching Our Story: A Celebration of Black History Quilt Show, a vibrant celebration of these powerful narratives brought to life through the artistry of quilting. Celebrate creativity and culture in this inspiring, free event open to everyone, proudly presented by See Clayton County.