Home is Where the Art is

The Warehouse is one of Atlanta’s best kept visual arts experiences and secrets.  A contemporary art museum in Atlanta’s Westside exhibiting the private collection of John and Sue Wieland, it’s open to the public one day a month.

For more than 40 years, the Wielands collected art with a keen eye and passion for the central theme of housing, reflecting John Weiland’s highly successful home-building career. Over 375 artworks in the collection explore the rich and multiple themes of a “house and home.” The collection features pieces from nearly 300 national and international artists and a selection of the works are on exhibit.

John Wieland is perhaps best known as the founder and former chairman of John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods. His home-building business successfully grew throughout the years as his art collection did, which has made a breathtakingly poignant assemblage of well-known and rising artists. The Wielands collected what they loved and felt passionate about, and the theme of “house and home” was part of their collecting strategy for their corporate offices. The Warehouse embraces John Wieland’s love of home building and his long-standing legacy as a developer, having built more than 30,000 homes to his credit.

Since a passion of the Wielands was art, The Warehouse became a natural extension and a labor of love after his corporate office was sold. John’s son, Jack Wieland, is the curator for The Warehouse and it’s a treasure trove of artwork that depicts narratives and perspectives that celebrate, focus, and shine a light on the subject matter of houses and homes from every imaginable view.

A masterful assembly of artists from around the world, there are many from the Southern states as well. The collection includes a photo collage by David Hockney and a cast aluminum piece by Roy Lichtenstein. From Beverly Buchanan’s compelling subject matter of shacks to James Rosenquist’s acrylic on canvas to Michael Eastman’s breathtaking photograph and beyond, the Wieland’s collection is diverse and relevant. As you walk through the gallery, the central theme will encourage your own conversation as to what does a home or a house mean to you?

From houses that are literally falling apart to welcoming front doors holding stories untold to actual houses with unforgettable stories that were built by hand, The Warehouse is truly memorable. The interesting theme of a house and a home signal an emotional understanding about the essence a home plays in all our lives.

The Warehouse offers free public access on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors aged 10 and up are welcome, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more people and check for docent tour times. Contact the museum at info@thewarehouse.org.