Grant Henry Adorns ‘Church’ Bar With Blank Canvases For Live Drive-By Art Show

'Sister Louisa' will sell the larger-than-life art with 100 percent of proceeds going to staff.

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Grant Henry has turned his Old Fourth Ward bar Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium into a live “drive-by” and walk-by art show, the artist and entrepreneur Monday told What Now Atlanta.

Crews over the weekend installed massive blank canvases covering Church’s windows from floor to ceiling and Henry on Monday starting painting.

When Church is able to reopen, Henry will sell the art with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the bar’s staff.

“My goal with Church was to have a positive place for the community, a center where everyone can gather regardless of religion, race, or kind beliefs,” Henry said. 

“It was pretty eye-opening when the realization sunk in that we as a people need to stay out of the public in order to not spread the devastation of the coronavirus. I’ve always felt that the corner of Edgewood and Boulevard was a blank canvas for a little drive-by positivity. I started to just go paint some Sister Louisa quotes on the windows but then realized that we may be closed now for a few months so then decided to do something more permanent that could be marketed for the benefit of our staff.”  

Bars were one of the first brick-and-mortars mandated to temporarily close as part of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom’s “stay at home” order.

“Other than our parishioners, our loyal staff is the most important part of why Church has had the early success that it has had.  We opened just about 10 years ago and never in a thousand years would I have imagined that it would actually stay open, much less become the Atlanta institution that it has become.” 

In addition to the 19 canvases at Church in Atlanta, Henry will be painting two large pieces mounted on the front windows at Athens sister bar The Glory Hole.

“God Bless everyone who sees Sister Louisa Art and feels the power of love, giving, and transformation in this global pandemic. Now go wash your hands.”

Sister Louisa Church Drive-By Art Show
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[Editor’s note: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving as is its effect on Atlanta, and the City’s businesses and its residents. Click here for What Now Atlanta’s ongoing coverage of the crisis. For guidance and updates on the pandemic, please visit the C.D.C. website.]

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

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