Atlanta, GA

Spirit of Atlanta — Official 2026 Atlanta Jazz Festival Artwork by George F. Baker III
Official 2026 Atlanta Jazz Festival Artwork — Spirit of Atlanta by George F. Baker III

There are artists who make things look good — and then there are artists who make you feel something. George F. Baker III is the latter. And this year, Atlanta chose the right one.

The City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs has officially announced that GFB3 has been selected to create the signature artwork for the 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival — and if you've seen the piece, you already know: it's a whole vibe.

"We are excited to announce that the signature artwork for the 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival has been created by George F. Baker III. This piece represents the heartbeat of Atlanta. It captures the spirit of the festival and the cultural legacy that makes this city a global center for music and creativity."

— Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director, City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs

The Artwork

The piece is electric — literally pulsating off the page. Bold purples, deep oranges, and hot pinks collide in a swirling tapestry of characters, instruments, and Atlanta skyline details that pull your eye in every direction at once. It's organized chaos that somehow feels perfectly ordered. That's Atlanta. That's jazz.

Baker's poster and t-shirt designs will be available for sale at the festival in Piedmont Park, Memorial Day Weekend — May 23–25. If you know anything about ATL Jazz Fest merch, you already know these will sell out.

In His Own Words

When we asked Baker how he approached the design, he didn't hold back:

"I wanted to showcase the dynamic of how a combination of people, music and energy can uplift the SPIRIT of the city of Atlanta. What makes Atlanta interesting is the varied tapestry of cultures that come together to create a special sauce you can't get anywhere else!"

He continued:

"I sought to make the piece feel as if it's pulsating with the energy of the city, and it constantly keeps you moving around the design. You might first focus on the main character, but then your eye starts to notice the unique details of each character. I especially love the woman using the city skyline as her drum set."

Look for her. Once you see it, you can't unsee it — and that's exactly the kind of intentionality that separates real artists from everyone else.

About the Artist

George F. Baker III (GFB3) — Photo credit: CHIL Creative

Photo credit: CHIL Creative

George F. Baker III — known across the creative world as GFB3 — is a Nebraska-born, Detroit-grown, Atlanta-raised creator. Using design, illustration, and production as his instruments, he brings a playful childlike spirit to work that makes you stop, smile, and look closer.

His client list reads like a cultural hall of fame: Adult Swim, Atlanta United, Georgia Power, Mercedes-Benz, Levi's, and Topo Chico. Currently, Baker serves as Creative Director of Foster, a studio-collective built around one mission — making people unafraid to play.

For more on GFB3 and his work, visit gfbthree.com.

About the Atlanta Jazz Festival

The 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Atlanta — Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. The festival's mission is to educate and entertain a diverse audience of jazz fans while nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians. It is funded through corporate sponsorships and by Atlanta Jazz Festival Inc., a 501(c)(3) cultural non-profit organization.

This year's festival includes:

  • 31 Days of Jazz programming throughout the month
  • Pre-festival concert with the Miles Electric Band
  • The Late-Night Jazz Jam
  • A curated VIP Experience
  • Main festival weekend at Piedmont Park — May 23–25

For the full schedule and more information, visit atljazzfest.com.

BlackAtlanta has been covering Atlanta's art, culture, and creative community since 2002. From Piedmont Park to the West End — this is our city, and these are our people.