The Art of Music Showcase
at Augusta & Co. Gallery

Curated by: Heather Dunaway
Juried by: The Greater Augusta Arts Council Staff

About the Show:

 

Artists of all genres have inspired one another since the beginning of time. In 2025, the Arts Council hosted “The Art of Words“, where CSRA based visual artists were paired with local writers, who then wrote new works inspired by the visual art. Through The Art Of Music, it is Arts Council’s mission, to create an exhibition of visual art, with QR links to paired songs of local musicians via Spotify. 10 local musicians and 10 local artists are matched, and over the course of 8 weeks, visual artists will create a new work inspired by the music.

 

The Art of Music will be on display in the Augusta & Co. Gallery, which is located in the back of the Augusta & Co. Store and visitor’s center at 1010 Broad Street. from March 26 – June 25, 2026 with a reception held on Friday, April 3, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Art of Music on view in the Augusta & Co gallery at 1010 Broad Street, Augusta Ga 30901 from March 26 - June 25, 2026. Reception April 3, 2026 from 5-7pm.

The Music:

The music that inspired the artists can be found on the Arts Council’s Spotify under our curated playlist “The Art of Music 2026”. Listen for free through the link below. Don’t forget to keep scrolling to learn more about the musicians behind the music!

About the Musicians:

etching or drawing of a beached whale in black and white.

The Beached Whale Project

The Beached Whale Project is a a psychedelic indie rock project recorded and produced by Beech Island, SC based musician by Cole Muns. Released December of 2023, How Aware has themes of self-awareness, inner conflict, and the weight of truth. It reflects on cycles of destruction and regret, suggesting that the hardest battles are internal. The song wrestles with the tension between illusion and reality, and the unsettling clarity that comes with seeing things as they truly are. Ultimately, the song suggests that awakening, while painful, reveals an honest, unseen part of the self that lies beneath the surface.

The Beached Whale Project was paired with visual artist Bryson Kelly

Sun-Li

Sun-li (Kacee) began unraveling the process of self-acceptance and awareness in 2019, which is when she began simultaneously exploring the arts. Aside from earlier creative beginnings in the culinary realm, the first stop on her artistic journey was clay, and she dove into the grounding practice for a while before returning to music after a decade long break from musical studies. Learning of her love for rhythmic drumming from mentors through drum reiki attuning, doors opened allowing more support than she had ever felt before.

The journey of finding her voice after life shushed her was and is a freeing and momentous experience. Relearning her “bigness” and finding her own pocket in music has nurtured the unraveling of her voice, message, and identity, something she hopes that all people can feel supported in freely expressing for themselves, as she believes we each come bearing a unique message to share. 

Sun-Li was paired with visual artist Sindhu Pillai aka ColoredinCanvas

An African American woman dressed in all black with her hands behind her head.

AE the Cool
 

AE the Cool is an R&B/Soul singer, songwriter, and curator from Augusta, Georgia, blending smooth vocals with emotionally rich storytelling. Known for her magnetic stage presence and genre-bending artistry, she delivers music that feels both timeless and current, rooted in classic soul while pushing R&B forward.

Her discography reflects her evolution as an artist: her debut EP Forgive (2019) introduced her as a songwriter with raw honesty, while her album Dora’s Soul (2020) cemented her as a voice to watch. Her most recent project, the 2024 EP Chasing Love, captures the highs and lows of modern relationships with standout tracks like The Villain and Red Light, earning her recognition as one of Augusta’s most distinctive R&B artists.

A celebrated live performer, AE the Cool has taken stages at festivals and venues across the country, including Den Music Fest in Los Angeles and Augusta’s Arts in the Heart Festival. She has also opened for iconic artists Angie Stone, Doug E. Fresh, and Macy Gray, solidifying her reputation as an artist who can command the stage alongside industry greats. In 2024, she was voted Best of Augusta, a testament to her impact on the city’s music scene.

AE the Cool was paired with visual artist ERICA PASTECKI.

a caucasian man wearing a camoflauged t-shirt and jeans with dark glasses and a pair of white headphones.

Wimzy

Wimzy balances between the surreal and tangible, merging two worlds through his distinct style. With over 20,000 streams and 10,000 total listeners on Spotify, Wimzy’s sound is already resonating beyond the dance-floor. Step into the in-between where sounds turn into collective memories and moments become something more.

Wimzy was paired with visual artist Jon Paschal aka PASC.

an African American man wearing a black baseball hat and denim vested hoodie.

JBlock

Jonathan Blocker, known professionally as JBlock, is a 32-year-old singer/songwriter born and raised in the CSRA. Music has always been central to his life, so much so that he left a successful six-figure career to pursue his artistry full time. Driven by passion and faith, JBlock creates without limiting himself to a single genre. While many listeners describe his sound as R&B, he enjoys experimenting with different styles and blending sounds to reflect a range of moods and emotions. For JBlock, every opportunity to share his gift is a blessing, and he is eager to bring his music to audiences through The Art of Music Show.

JBlock is paired with visual artist Theron Cartwright.

Picture of an African American woman with shoulder length dreads. She is waring a white top.

Yunie

Yunie, earlier known as Uni Verse, is a Georgia-born Geechee,  inherited from her mother’s side. She comes from a family of musical talents from her father, who is a former radio personality and DJ to her reggae singers and selectors relatives in Jamaica. At age 10, Yunie joined her older sister at one of the top performing arts schools in the country, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, where she studied theater, dance, and singing. Though she did not graduate from Davidson, her time there created a love and appreciation for performing arts.

Throughout her teenage years, she wrote rhymes, and books of poems, some of which were published, and worked with artists to feature on their projects. Yunie grew serious about her craft in 2003 when she began performing poetry on a radio station in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I, performing as an emcee, and released a mixtape “The Making of the Uni Verse”.  After taking a long hiatus from music, Yunie released her debut album “9” on July 9, 2022.

Her musical style trod in a lane of its own as her sound can smoothly vary from boombap to soulful chill to heavy southern bass, while her lyrics remain honest, relatable, and thought provoking. Yunie has collaborated with producers and artists Mark Byrd, Tish Hyman, and Jah Izrehl, to name a few. With inspirational songs such as the reggae/hip-hop mash-up “Trust the Process” which she collaborated with roots reggae artist, Jah Rain, and the encouraging jazzy, soulful track “Steel” featuring Tish Hyman, Yunie is proving that she can deliver a message in multifarious ways.

Yunie was paired with visual artist Destinee Love

An Asian woman seated at a piano. She is wearing headphones and playing music. there is a microphone near her.

Nery Kim

Nery Kim is a jazz pianist and composer from South Korea, known for her original works and distinctive harmonic voice. Nery has performed as both a leader and sideman in a variety of Jazz styles, and her talents have taken her around the world to places such as Indonesia, South Korea, China, Turkey, Central America, and the United States. She has worked with numerous musicians as a composer, arranger, pianist, and keyboardist on various albums. In 2021, Nery released her debut album, “PURPLE REFLECTION,” featuring John Petitucci, Alex Sipiagin, Dayna Stephen, Alan Ferber, and Jonathan Pinson.

Nery Kim was paired with visual artist Amy Jackson.

S.O.B. Sounds of Brilliance album cover with silver wings and triangles over a blue background.
Sounds of Brilliance

Sounds of Brilliance is an original live band based out of Augusta, Ga. Featuring 3x Grammy nominated music educator Daniel “DUB” Sapp and Calvin “Cocoa Dylan” Taylor. S.O.B. specialize in providing live entertainment for all types of events, from weddings and corporate events to private funerals, parties and festivals. We provide a funky, soulful, unique style and memorable experience that is sure to keep your guests on their feet.

Sounds of Brilliance was paired with visual artist Baruti Tucker.

A caucasian man in a purple t-shirt playing acoustic guitar near a lake.

Chris Hardy World

Chris Hardy World is a talented musician and songwriter in Edgefield, SC. He is known for his distinctive sound, which blends rock, pop, indie, jazz, and lounge styles. Chris has released 20 full-length albums and one “Concept EP” since 2012, playing all the instruments on them.

Chris’s music often reflects themes of happiness and optimism, as he believes there are already enough miserable songs out there. He has won several awards, including “Best Male Vocalist” and “Favorite Solo Artist” in Augusta, Georgia. His music is available on platforms like Spotify, Bandcamp, and Youtube, where he shares live performances and original songs.

Chris Hardy World was paired with visual artist Francie Klopotic.

Perfect Backseat Driver

 

Perfect Backseat Driver emerged from the journey of three brothers – Paul, Jim, and Andrew – from Nebraska to Augusta, Georgia. Their sound is mostly formed via acoustic tunes with folk, indie, and rock sprinkled where needed with over three decades of songwriting. Their songs are about life as they have lived it.

 

Perfect Backseat Driver was paired with local artist Deepti Malik

 

*album cover credit goes to Theresa Gordon*

The Visual Artwork

 

Artists selected to participate in this exhibition are all local to Augusta’s River Region and showcase the broad range of visual art styles we see in Augusta. The below visual artists were tasked with creating new artworks inspired by the music entered above.

 

– FULL SLIDE SHOW COMING SOON!-

About the Visual Artists:

Bryson Kelly is an Augusta based visual artist with a love for design which has always gone hand in hand with his love of music. Music frequently serves as a direct source of inspiration for his creative work. Surrounded by a strong support system deeply connected to Augusta’s local music scene, he has been fortunate to collaborate with and help elevate the passions of fellow artists. Bryson aspires to create designs that leave a lasting impression on viewers and sees the world of music as full of endless creative pathways. Committed to exploring those opportunities, he intends to pursue this artistic journey for as long as possible.

 

Bryson Kelly was paired with The Beached Whale Project’s song “How Aware.”

Sindhu Pillai, known professionally as ColoredInCanvas, is a contemporary landscape painter whose work explores the delicate balance of nature through her lens. Using bold, expressive colors, she blends dreamlike qualities into familiar scenes. Sindhu’s experimentation led her to a distinctive style of storytelling. An abstract atmosphere where light as hope and promise, overlays fragmented memories of landscapes in each composition. After dedicating time to raising her children and working, Sindhu returned to her artistic roots, finding a renewed voice in painting. Her works were selected for shows apart from Georgia to Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and India.

 

ColoredInCanvas was paired with musician Sun-Li’s song “Ebbing and Grooving.”

Erica Pastecki has been creating art for as long as she can remember, with no recollection of a time when creativity was not part of her daily life. Raised in a military family, she spent part of her childhood living overseas in Korea; an experience that continues to influence and inspire her work. Although she briefly lived abroad, Augusta, Georgia, particularly South Augusta, has always been home. “I am a product of this area, and I continue to expect good things from it,” she says. A graduate of Butler High School and Augusta University, where she earned her BFA, Pastecki is passionate about cultivating a deeper appreciation for the arts within her community and expanding access to meaningful art experiences for those who may not otherwise have them.

 

With nearly 20 years of experience spanning sales, marketing, graphic design, book illustration, and teaching, Pastecki has built a dynamic career rooted in both creative practice and arts advocacy. She previously oversaw education and outreach at The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art and remains actively involved in local arts initiatives. She currently collaborates with 4P Studios, supporting marketing efforts and the expansion of arts education programming.

 

In addition to her teaching and community work, Pastecki continues to develop her own body of work, which is held in private collections throughout the United States. Her current focus, “The Apron Series,” explores themes of gender roles, technology, and the passage of time through a lens that is both playful and thought-provoking. Describing herself as “very tomboyish,” she reflects on questions of identity, womanhood, and what it truly means to live. The series often features cheeky, irreverent titles—such as Just Because I Want a New Apron Doesn’t Mean That I Can Cook—inviting viewers to consider the tension between societal expectations and personal desire. Influenced by Pop Art, her work frequently incorporates bold colors and elements of mass culture imagery.bGuided by her daily motto, “Life is good, live it up,” Pastecki is deeply fascinated by the life force that connects all people. She often contemplates the beauty and pain inherent in the human experience and the ways individuals express and manifest that shared energy.

 

She divides her time between Augusta, Georgia, and Florida, which she considers her home away from home and artist retreat. She is married to photojournalist Ben Boocker and shares her life with her beloved dog, Loki, and cat, Salem Brundle Moon.

 

You Can see more of Pastecki’s art online at: https://www.facebook.com/EricaPASTECKI/ and contact her with general questions and/or commission work at: pastecki@hotmail.com or on her social media artist pages, Erica Pastecki.

 

ERICA PASTECKI was paired with musician AE the Cool’s song “Wild Things”

Jon Paschal, known professionally as PASC, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans from small-scale canvases to large-scale murals. Blending cartoon-inspired imagery with street art and graffiti influences, PASC incorporates mixed media techniques alongside digital tools to create bold, dynamic compositions. An active live painter with Artzilla for more than three years, he has become a recognizable presence in the local arts scene. In 2025, Jon received the Augusta Magazine Choice Award for an entry in the Augusta Poster Show, further highlighting the impact and reach of their creative work.

 

PASC was paired with musician Wimzy’s song “Love Me.”

Theron Cartwright’s artistic journey began as soon as he could hold a pencil. Inspired by cartoons, sneaker designs, cars, and comic artists—and encouraged early on by family and art teachers. He developed a passion for storytelling and visual expression that continues to fuel his work today. Theron earned his animation degree from the Delaware College of Art and Design and has been working as a freelance artist ever since. Known for his precise portraiture and effective commercial design, he has built a career that blends strong technical skill with a commitment to creative exploration. In addition to client-based work, he actively collaborates with local businesses, creating custom murals that transform everyday spaces into vibrant visual landmarks.

 

He began 2025 on a high note with a solo exhibition at the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, debuting new work that reflects the ongoing evolution of his artistic voice. Shortly after, he curated his first exhibition, Beyond the Panel, at Westobou’s Micro Gallery, highlighting visual storytelling and narratives inspired by comics and contemporary illustration. Theron also regularly participates in local group exhibitions, art shows, and community-based showcases, contributing to a growing dialogue within the regional arts scene. Mural work has become a significant part of Theron’s practice. Over the past year, he completed two 70-foot murals for the Golden Blocks Mural Project; one celebrating arts and entertainment and the other honoring veterans. He was also selected for a 20-foot mural for the 5th Street Mural Festival and contributed to the It All Flows: Savannah River mural project with Lake Forest Hills Elementary School. In addition, he has volunteered his talents for a crosswalk mural at the intersection of Telfair Street and participated in the Promenade and Paint Tour Community Mural: Ours. He also shares his knowledge as an instructor for the Laney Walker Museum Summer Camp, where he taught students traditional animation through a hands-on project in which they created their own phenakistoscopes.

 

Throughout the year, Theron travels to festivals and conventions to showcase his work, connect with audiences, and engage with fellow creatives. Through his website and YouTube channel, he documents his process and explores new avenues for personal expression, aiming to inspire and educate fellow artists. He is currently developing his ongoing comic Them Bantu Boys and an independent animated series. Whether creating murals, comics, or animation, Theron strives to push artistic boundaries while building meaningful connections and creative inspiration within his community.

 

Theron Cartwright was paired with musician JBlock’s song “Enough.”

Destinee Love is a painter based in Augusta, GA. She is an artist and mother who aims to express peace and love through her work. Her process of creating is often very patient and meticulous. Like the transitions of a butterfly, Destinee is ever-evolving. Her artwork is a representation of eternal transformation; a beautiful journey of self discovery. In her works, the viewer can enjoy bright and vibrant colors used to express the excitement Love has for life, regardless of how dark it can be. With her gift, she aspires to help others embrace the therapeutic essence and power of creativity.

 

Destinee Love was paired with musician Yunie’s song “4:59”

Amy Jackson is a traditional painter who primarily works in acrylic and gouache. Her work is driven by a desire to capture the magic and wonder of the world around her, translating everyday moments into expressive, imaginative compositions. She finds that she creates best with sound in the background, making music an important source of inspiration in her process. Although she has been making art since she could first hold a pencil, she has devoted herself more intentionally to her artistic practice over the past six years, refining her voice and deepening her commitment to her craft.

 

Amy Jackson was paired with musician Nery Kim’s song “On It.”

Baruti was born Richard Tucker in 1966, to Atherline Rose Smith and Richard Charles Tucker in Staten Island, NY. He has been in the artistic arena since age 12 when he began drawing comic book characters with a childhood friend. He later moved from New York to Panama City Florida where upon graduating from high school, enrolled into Haney Institute to study art illustration; and later enrolled in Fashion Institute of Technology (FITNYC). Upon graduation he worked for L & H Greeting Cards as an illustrator. He has worked in the community of NYC teaching art to elementary to high school children; as well as young adults. Baruti’s art is exhibited throughout New York City.

 

Baruti relocated to Augusta, Georgia in May 2011. Currently he teaches visual arts at C.H. Terrell Academy and Jessye Norman School of the Arts, as well as offering private art classes in Augusta, Georgia. Affectionately called “Brother B” by many of his colleagues, students and friends, he not only has a passion for art, he is committed to working with young people as a youth mentor. He founded S.T.R.O.N.G. ROOTS; a mentoring program that captures the minds and spirit of young men in the community in 1999 (under the name Brother2Brother, and has resumed its programming in Augusta. Baruti is the Co-Founder/Owner of Humanitree House, LLC (now the Tree House) and Creative Director. Baruti has three children by blood, Tahirah Greene (Harlem, NY) and Song and Sol Tucker (Atlanta, GA) and is Father by love to two additional children, Symphoni Wiggins and Jordan Lipscomb. Baruti is married to Denise Tucker. Baruti has authored one publication entitled “Metatalah” released in January 2014. In 2025, his mural was unveiled at the Sand Hills Community Center titled “Champion Caddies” or the “Commemorative Caddies Monument” which garnered national attention.

 

Baruti Tucker was paired with musician Sounds Of Brilliance’s song “Nights Like This.”

Francie Klopotic is an Augusta, Georgia-based artist whose professional art career began in 2018 when she picked up her sketching pencils after a long hiatus. She initially focused on drawing photorealistic portraits of popular musical icons using graphite, charcoal and colored pencils. The portraits attracted attention on social media as well as in the local media. Soon she was creating commissioned pieces not only for locals but also for enthusiasts across the United States.

 

A year after re-igniting her passion for art, Francie began showing her work in group exhibitions and had her first solo show in 2020.  In 2021 she picked up a paintbrush for the first time. Her bold and expressive use of color gained her additional followers and collectors. Francie was featured in two solo exhibitions in 2023, where her bright iconic portraits took center stage. The successful shows garnered her additional media attention, including three television appearances. Francie was invited to join the Augusta artist collective Artzilla in 2021 where she painted live during the ArtsCity Festival. In 2023, a public art jury selected her to paint one of Augusta’s iconic pianos for the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. In 2024, she was guest curator for the Voices of Augusta II show at Augusta & Co. Gallery and juried into the Augusta Handmade Fair and the Euphoria Arts Festival.

 

In 2025, Francie began an exciting journey, following a new innovative muse as she began experimenting with watercolor on tree-free paper. She discovered that colors blended in unique ways that she could not replicate on tree-based paper. Primordial yet ethereal, the images began a new series of abstracts called Mother of Creation/Temple of the Womb. With works in multiple mediums including acrylics, graphite, watercolors, colored pencils, oils, and oil pastels, Klopotic creates brightly colored portraiture and abstract artworks. She creates art that is inspired by musicians and artists who have influenced her life since childhood. Favorite visual artists and influences include Peter Max, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Yoko Ono, and Alex Katz.

 

Francie was recently juried into multiple group exhibitions in the Atlanta area and is currently creating bodies of work for an upcoming solo show. Her work can be found at the Art on Broad retail gallery in downtown Augusta.

 

Francie Klopotic was paired with musician Chris Hardy World’s song “Do You Think We Can Stretch It?”

Deepti Malik is a contemporary artist with a deep appreciation for the natural world. Professionally, a dietitian, Deepti’s artistic journey began with illustration which evolved into a full-time pursuit of the visual arts in 2023. She now creates work that celebrates animals and birds. Malik brings a unique perspective to her art. One that honors harmony, balance, and beauty. Her style combines realistic detail with subtle abstraction, drawing viewers into serene, story-rich compositions that immerse them in a world of wonder.

 

Deepti Malik was paired with musician Perfect Backseat Driver’s song “Why Don’t You.”