Opening Night: Reflection + Ritual + Refuge at Crosstown Arts

Friday night at Crosstown was full of life. In one corner of the building, a jazz legend was behind the drums. Just down the hall, a Memphis music icon celebrated a new vinyl release. And inside the Crosstown Arts Galleries, visitors gathered to experience the opening of Reflection + Ritual + Refuge, a powerful new solo exhibition by Memphis-based artist Brantley Ellzey.

Housing Crosstown Arts means being surrounded by bold, thoughtful work — and what they put into the world always pushes the conversation forward. This show struck a different chord. From the moment you walked in, it was clear this wasn’t just about what was on the walls — it was about what the work was asking you to feel.

Ellzey’s practice transforms everyday materials into something almost sacred. There was an entire wall filled with photos of objects that seemed random at first glance — but the deeper you looked, the more layered it all felt. It gave the impression of walking through a living archive, or stepping inside the artist’s thought process. The installation Love List 2020 was a standout — sweet, simple, and honest in a way that made you pause. A reminder that small things, documented with care, can hold so much meaning.s, documented with care, can hold so much meaning.

In the East Galleries, color and form took over. The sculptural works in Spiral Architectures used rolled paper, magazines, encyclopedias, Mylar to create repeating forms that were meditative and massive. There was something calming about the spirals, but also something urgent. They held the weight of memory and repetition, of trying to make sense of time by doing the same thing over and over again.

Then came the red room — the 2025 Project. Visually striking and emotionally charged, this section refused to be ignored. Sculptures made from rolled conservative texts, shooting targets, and oversized imagery communicated a powerful message about identity, safety, and protest. It was bold and deeply personal, and the space held that energy.

Throughout the night, the gallery felt alive. Full of conversation, reflection, and connection. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails from Art Bar, – (The Strawberry Spiral was elite),  thoughtful food from Chef Shayne Diaz of Kuya, and live music from The Diamond Strings Quartet. And while the event itself was beautiful, it was the art was so raw and emotional.

Across the building, the energy echoed. In the Green Room, Modern Masters brought together jazz titan Danny Gottlieband the Ted Ludwig Trio for a one-night-only performance. At the Memphis Listening Lab, fans gathered to celebrate the vinyl release of a Memphis legend ,  Carla Thomas. It was one of those Crosstown nights where everything just clicked — art, music, people and energy.

Reflection + Ritual + Refuge is on view now at Crosstown Arts Galleries. Free and open to the public