Gallery Director Yu-Kai Lin first opened the contemporary Kai Lin Art in January 2009 to showcase artistic collections in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.

“I opened Kai Lin Art because I knew so many local, talented emerging and established artists who needed a platform to exhibit their works of art,” says Lin, who is gay. “The pieces offered in our gallery range from paintings to photography, sculptures to one of a kind hand-crafted art —all at affordable prices.”

A graduate of Atlanta’s Emory University, Lin gained experience at Lowe Gallery and Mason Murer Fine Art before opening his own gallery.

Throughout the year, Kai Lin Art hosts eight opening exhibitions as well as many monthly community events from fundraisers to fashion shows, weddings to cocktail parties.

The current exhibit is “Joy,” which opened Dec. 10 and runs through Jan. 19, featuring 15 artists.

“My gallery is unique in that as we continue to draw ever larger crowds who come to enjoy incredible contemporary art, we also provide a great gathering space for our community,” Lin says.

The gallery combines a diverse showcase including art platforms such as canvas, photography, sculptures and handcrafted pieces. It is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and also by appointment and for special events and openings.

Top photo: Yu-Kai Lin is owner and gallery director of Kai Lin Art, which focuses on emerging artists and is also a popular venue for LGBT and other events. The current exhibit is ‘Joy.’ (Courtesy Yu-Kai Lin)