Season - The Word with
Heather René Dunaway
April 2026
Season, its more than just what is HOPEFULLY in your cabinets… It’s the time of year when all the arts things start kicking off. For us at the Arts Council, that always feels like WetPaint. We all crawl out of our holiday holes to finally emerge as social, artsy butterflies to come together and celebrate our community. It’s kind of beautiful.
March wasn’t just for WetPaint, there were tons of other arts events happening this past month. Yes, we are all very tired after all that partying, but not tired-sleepy, tired-inspired. That good tired you feel in your muscles after getting back into the gym. The tired that reminds you that you are out there living your best life.
So, what is the best practice in planning out your season, as an artist? Well, first I think it means finding your top 5 annual events and figuring out what kind of budget you are working with for the rest. Events like Westohue, Whiskey at Wares, the Morris Museum Gala, The Symphony’s Gala, WetPaint, Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, The Annual Arts Awards… There are a lot to choose from for the annuals alone. Even more when you think of all the regular arts happenings like first Friday gallery openings, concerts, performances and shows.
Speaking of, we have a really cool art show popping off at Augusta & Co. this coming First Friday, April 3rd. Come vibe with us at the Art of Music reception before you take your spring break.
As an artist, planning out your year in what you can participate in or network at is a great way to keep you on task and organized. This is especially important if making art, whatever kind of art, is your full time job. Attendance isn’t mandatory, but it is noticed. If gallerists, booking agents, talent scouts see you at their events to the point where they recognize you they are more likely to book you when they see your name come through their applications. Or notify you when projects arise they think you would be a good fit for.
You can find arts events on our Arts Calendar at www.events.augustaarts.com and start booking out your year now. Showing up to these happenings is the best way to show your support, but it’s not the only way. For those you want to attend but can’t, make sure you share, share, share!
Let’s get out there and season our year with the arts (and garlic, garlic on everything makes it better).
-Heather