Talk Artsy To Me
Written by: Denise Tucker | February 2026
February Is for Love, Legacy, and My Mama
February is the month of love, and before I talk about anything else, let me start where my heart lives. Happy 77th Birthday to my Mama. She turned 77 on February 3rd, and for the first time in over 30 years, I got to spend her actual birthday with her. No rushing. No rescheduling. No “we’ll celebrate next weekend.” Just me and her, doing meaningful, loving things. I took the day off. And no, I did not feel guilty about it. Not even a little. Because sometimes love looks like flowers and cards. And sometimes it looks like presence. That day reminded me that what matters most is who you show up for.
Why I Actually Love My Job (Yes, Even on Long Days)
Now that most of us have emotionally recovered from January’s cold, gray, “why do I live here?” energy, I want to talk about something I truly love.
I love my job.
Not just because of the four beautiful creatives that work here in the office with me, not because of my dynamic board that stands 10 toes behind me on most days; Not just because we produce one of the most loved festivals in the city. Not just because Arts in the Heart is a big deal. I love my job because of the work nobody sees.
The phone calls.
The listening sessions.
The Artist that come in to borrow supplies and tools; to grab donations of paint, canvas and gifted tools.
The “let me figure this out for you” moments.
The quiet advocacy.
I get to engage with artists regularly and learn what they need, what they’re missing, and how we can help. It does not always make headlines. But it makes impact.
Clearing Up a Few Myths (Because… Whew)
Let’s talk about something real. The Greater Augusta Arts Council catches a lot of heat.
Some of it is constructive. Some of it is creative. Some of it is… imaginative. Many people assume the Greater Augusta Arts Council is a part of city government because in many cities, the Arts Councils are.
We are not.
We are a nonprofit. A small one. With a very large assignment. Yes, Arts in the Heart is impactful. Yes, artists pay to participate. Yes, it is designed to be a fundraiser for our organization. But here’s what often gets left out of the conversation. Our participation fees are nearly 50% lower than comparable festivals nationwide. And every dollar that comes in goes right back out.
Infrastructure.
Staging.
Sound.
Security.
Equipment.
Permits.
Insurance.
Staffing.
Logistics.
Entertainment
Festivals do not run on vibes alone. They run on budgets and the impact stretches far beyond the weekend.
Hundreds of performers.
Dozens of volunteer groups.
Cultural Organizations.
Downtown businesses.
Hotels.
Restaurants.
Tourism.
That is economic development with rhythm.
Membership Is Not About Free Stuff
When I ask people why they are not members, most say,
“I don’t really see the benefit.” And usually, the only benefit they know is free VIP tickets to Arts in the Heart. Which is basically us giving you your own money back with a wristband.
Membership is not about perks. It is about power.
Your membership supports:
The Creative Collaboration Resource Hub
Artist exhibitions
Grant and opportunity sharing
Professional development
Networking
Public art calls
Regranting programs
Nonprofit partnerships
Festival platforms for tickets and merch
Youth programming
Arts advocacy
And more is coming.
But growth requires fuel.
A Quick Lesson in Nonprofit Math
We receive requests for money almost daily. From wonderful people with wonderful intentions who simply do not understand how nonprofits work.
We have a board.
We have a budget.
We have accountability.
We do not have a money tree in the back.
A stronger membership base means more opportunities, more collaborations, and more reach.
Membership does not require you to volunteer every weekend. It does not require you to be an artist.
It requires belief.
Your voice.
Your dollars.
Your support.
Art in Augusta Is Bigger Than Paintings
Art in Augusta is not just what hangs on walls.
It is:
Dance.
Music.
Theatre.
Spoken word.
Film.
Design.
Literature.
Culture.
Public art.
Culinary Art
Fashion
Youth development.
We serve all of it.
And no, we are not a secret society.
No secret handshake.
No velvet rope.
No gatekeeping committee.
Last year alone, we launched Youth Memberships and expanded our Annual Awards to honor multiple disciplines.
This work is slow.
This work is hard.
This work is holy.
A Loving Challenge to Our Community
Every year at festival time, criticism arrives right on schedule.
Often from people who are not members. Who do not engage. Who do not volunteer. Who do not ask questions.
But love shows up.
And I am inviting you to show up.
Creative memberships are $35 per year but you can upgrade.
Non-creative memberships start at $65 per year and up depending on the impact you desire to make. All your membership dollars and donations are tax deductible. That is among the lowest in the nation.
Augusta is a great Arts community, and we want a thriving arts community. But thriving does not happen on applause alone. It happens with participation, investment and commitment.
Let’s Grow Together
February is about love; and loving your city’s creative ecosystem means more than compliments in the comment section.
It means tapping in with real support, belief and membership. Let’s Grow together.
Denise Tucker