COLQUITT COUNTY ARTS CENTER: May is Preservation, Celebrate the Arts Month
(Moultrie, GA) – May is Preservation Month. Did you know the Colquitt County Arts Center is listed as one of the 10 Places in Peril for 2018 by the Georgia Trust for Historical Preservation? Places in Peril sites have been identified as worth preserving for generations to come. At a recent preservation workshop, the Colquitt County Arts Center was highlighted in the presentation by the Fox Theater Institute with a hat’s off to the community for rescuing the building and creating such a dynamic art space.
For many years general maintenance of this nearly 100 year old building was deferred — not out of neglect, but out of necessity. Money was tight and programming on site and outreach were the priorities! Now some of that deferred maintenance is beginning to catch up with us and we have to make restoration and preservation a priority.
The Arts Center staff and board are attending fund development workshops, writing grants and reaching out for support on all levels to gather the funds needed for these maintenance needs. The easiest way for you to support the Arts Center and help maintain this beautiful old building is to become a Patron. Our starting Patron level is only $150 annually or $12.50 a month on a bank draft. $12.50 is only 83 cents a day and when you start adding it to your neighbor’s gift, and their neighbor’s gift it makes a tremendous difference. Give us a call for more information on becoming a Patron of the Arts! We would love to have you join us for the Patron Celebration on Thursday May 30th as a thank you.
For the last three years the Colquitt County Arts Center has also designated May as CELEBRATE THE ARTS MONTH. Signs are placed in yards of Patrons, free concerts and recitals are performed, theater productions hold auditions and perform, gallery openings are celebrated, Artie is hiding somewhere and so much more! There isn’t much of May left but allow me to share what is coming up.
These weekends SHAKE IT UP SHAKESPEARE – a cast written and produced production by our Middle, Junior and some Senior High students –will take the stage Friday and Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 2 PM.
Tuesday, May 21st we will host our first annual Artie Awards. All students who have participated in Arts Center programming this past school year arid their parents are encouraged to attend. We will meet in the auditorium and recognize the students with a cookie and punch reception to follow.
Thursday, May 23rd the Arts Center Theater will hold auditions for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. This large ensemble cast will welcome all ages and will be especially fun for families to be involved in together. Auditions are 6:30-8:30 and there is no prior experience necessary.
Thursday, May 23rd will also be the evening for our Last Thursday workshop (a week early!) Participants will paint a magnolia in a vase on canvas that evening with instructor Kathy Nelson. Space is limited so grab your bestie and come make art!
Tuesday, May 28th we will hold our very first OPEN STUDIO thanks to a grant from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. OPEN STUDIO is open to all levels of abilities, and we are also seeking instructors with all levels of abilities for this year long grant program. Call us for more information!
Tuesday, May 28th – Friday, May 31st Katie Aufenthie will offer a camp session for students ages 5-11 from 9 AM until 1 PM daily. Yoga with Kids. Yoga is no longer just for adults! This camp will incorporate movement and fun with team building exercises and games. Children will have time to be very silly and creative while creating skits and dances based on traditional yoga moves. They will also explore breathing exercises that help with focus, concentration, and relaxation. To remind them of what they learned, they will make necklaces and be able to incorporate their new skills into other areas of their life. This camp is not just a fun physical activity, but also one of self-exploration and love. Students must bring their own lunch. Registration is $60.
Thursday, May 30th the Arts Center will hold our annual Patron Celebration with an evening of delightful food, an art auction and the naming of the 2019 Evelyn Vereen Patron Award.
Beginning Monday, June 3rd our camp season launches full speed ahead with a variety of camps for children of all ages to choose from. Check out our website or our Facebook page and see for yourself what the Arts Center has to offer you.
YOUR Colquitt County Arts Center — where creativity finds community.
The original article ran in The Moultrie Observer Online on May 17 2019.
