Artist Statement
The STORYBOX project uses storytelling through mural arts, documentary techniques and new technologies to discover the untold stories of Atlanta’s Westside community. This project explores the idea of “HOME” as it pertains to the African-American experience in this country. Inspired by the need to increase understanding across evolving neighborhoods, this project supports underrepresented communities in creating, maintaining, and sharing their own stories. An augmented reality mural will invite the viewers to explore stories often excluded or stereotypically characterized in mainstream narratives. In developing new narratives, THE STORYBOX illuminates voices that may be discarded and left unheard.
Artist Bio
TeMika Grooms is an artist, writer, and designer who uses visual storytelling in public art installations, publishing, and creating education programs for creatives. Her art-making process has its roots in traditional media. However, in recent years, TeMika has been exploring multi-media art technology by creating digital paintings and surveying new avenues to bring interactive art to the public. She has created several public art projects around the city of Atlanta, including her most recent STORYBOX Mural Project for Art on the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail.
Her latest illustrated book, Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready! by Senator Raphael G. Warnock, was released by Philomel Books in January 2023.
Learn more about her work at www.TeMikaTheArtist.com.work. She currently volunteers with the international organization Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) as the U.S. Illustrator Coordinator and serves on Board of Advisors Equity and Inclusion Committee to impact the inclusion of diverse voices within the children’s book publishing industry.
TeMika enjoys hiking, traveling, cultural dance, and playing in her garden. She lives on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia with her cat, Nina Simone, and her two daughters, Thing One and Thing Two.
Transformation Tunnel, located adjacent to Kroger Citi Center