He researched other defunct LGBTQ bars and recreated their logos. After a successful sales period, Smith decided to move forward with what became known as the GayBarchives Project. 75% of his profits went to the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. While Smith wanted to honor the memory of the bar with a shirt, he also wanted to make a positive impact. Before it closed in 2004, the massive three-story entertainment complex was one of the most popular gay bars in the Southeastern United States. Back in 1975, the bar opened in Atlanta and featured a 24/7 liquor license during much of its existence. In 2019, Smith kicked off TBTeez to sell shirts that commemorated the anniversary of the Backstreet bar. Art Smith Honoring the Past with the GayBarchives Project
