Meet Courtney Brooks

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Courtney Brooks again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Courtney , we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
Greetings! I am Courtney Brooks as know as CBROOKSART, a multidisciplinary artist , independant curator, muralist, art educator and founder of Journey of a Black Girl. I create spaces that amplify joy, healing and social solutions through narratives that reflect my journey as a Black woman, a creative consultant and advocate for artists. . Through parallel and abstract experiences, I empower myself and my community through creative and business collaborations. Whether public or private, I see visual curation as problem solving, It’s the in-depth brainstorming sessions and a responsibility to encourage creativity through hands-on work, educational programming, intuition and strategic planning. I share works of various conceptual creatives who approach their visions through innovative mediums. I love to help elevate artists, transform communities and engage new audiences. The intent behind each exhibition, my brand and practice is to bring awareness to the importance of sharing stories through art, artist advocacy, promotion and development.

Among my proudest achievements, I served as the inaugural curator-in-residence for Art on the Atlanta BeltLine (2019-2020), where I founded the transformative project ‘Journey of a Black Girl.’ Additionally, my dedication to arts and social justice was recognized with the 6th Annual Ebon Dooley Arts & Social Justice Award by ArtsXchange Community Cultural Center.

My commitment to collaboration extends beyond traditional gallery spaces. I actively engage with fellow artists, foster creativity in the youth, and connect artists with collectors. Notably, I spearheaded NBAF’s public art programming in 2022 and participated in the Atlanta’s Mayor Andrew Dickerson ATL 2023 Year of the Youth summer program, ARTSCool as mural instructor for 50 middle and high school students, leaving a lasting impact on both the community and creative participants.

As a creative entrepreneur and consultant, I’ve honed a versatile skill set, including budget management, vendor contracts, artist agreements, marketing and promo design, social media content creation and engagement, and effective written proposals.

My curatorial experiences range from pop up installations to art galleries and public arts activations. I enjoy the process of conceptualizing and telling a collective story with great work, while bringing artists, collectors, and the general public together in unique spaces. I believe the greatest way to serve is to cultivate visceral experiences that celebrate our identities and honor our ancestors—paying tribute to the path they laid for us.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since my last interview so much had transpired. Lessons, love, growth, challenges and more self awareness personally and professionally. Life is a beautiful struggle but I am grateful for it all because I am to surrender and accept what God has for me. Its hard … really hard at times but I remember who I am , whose I am and give all the Glory to the Most High.

Art life has taken me on a journey for sure. From art residencies to teaching K-8th students has been so rewarding. I love taking them on field trips to art galleries to have real life experiences to meet local artists. I get to be what I wanted as a child. My art has traveled nationality, licensed for tv shows and Journey of Black Girl apparel has shown up internationally. I am currently restoring , This Crown Belongs to Us , a fiber art installation of 15ft longs braids that will have a new home for the year 2025-2026. I have curated public art project on the the Atlanta BeltLine , featured in short documentaries and participated in the 3rd annual Atlanta Art Week. I look for to my solo exhibition at the end of 2025.

I have experienced and learned to navigate grief and depression. Juggled these emotions with smiles and while consistently showing up for others. I learned more boundaries to show up for myself, making my mental and emotional health a priority to keep pushing through is only by the grace of God. I am still evolving , forgiving and loving on me more these days.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: oh, so many……. but if you come over, I am going to make you watch Attack The Block

Favorite Book: The Alchemist

Favorite TV Show: Living Single

Favorite Band or Artist: J Dilla

Sweet or Savory: both

Mountains or Beach: both

Favorite Sport (to watch): gymnastics

Favorite Sport (to play): soccer

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): cheerleader

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Choreographer

French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Alvin and the Chipmunks

Favorite Childhood movie: The Five Heartbeats, The NeverEnding Story & Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead

Favorite Breakfast Food: breakfast potatoes , scambled eggs with cheese , banana french toast

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
I most excited about my Journey of Black Girl installation at Atlanta Contemporary and my solo exhibition at NinaBaldwin Gallery in the Castleberry Hill Art District December 2025. These two experiences are testimonies to keep dreaming . to keep pushing and stay faithful with action. JOABG , “This Crown Belongs To Us” is a fiber art display of 15ft long braids. To have the opportunity share this again is a blessing and I look forward to the Hair Day workshops that will inspire Black women and girls to create and share the love they have for their hair and selves through this public art installation.

My solo show is long over due. I have not have shared a new body of work since 2018 ” CBROOKSART Goes to Haiti” exhibition. This new series of art will highlight my multifaceted explorations as a visual and vulnerable journey . From painting to photography and some other things in between, my hopes are to create work that it instinctive and informative.

Instagram: @cbrooksart @journeyofablackgirl

Image Credits
Dr. Arshley Emile
CBROOKSART
Steve West
China Jade