Now, let me be very clear, while many people celebrate the holiday, I always choose to acknowledge the truth. I will never give thanks for the historical trauma experienced by the Indigenous people of this land, people who were robbed, slaughtered, displaced, and erased. But what I do give thanks for is the opportunity to honor them through unity, through gathering in love, through cherishing our families and communities in a way that restores dignity. I was blessed to have both of my parents, both of my children, all but one grandchild, and dear friends in my home, creating a moment of love and gratitude that I do not take lightly. That is the blessing I hold close.

On December 1st, I traveled up to the Georgia Capitol, along with Pax Bobrow and Brock Daniels to celebrate our friend and colleague Dennis Skelley, who received the Governor’s Honors Award for his outstanding contributions to public art and philanthropy in Augusta. Dennis is beloved for a reason he shows up, he shows compassion, and he makes sure the arts are accessible to all Georgians, regardless of ability or limitation. I was honored to be there with him, even though I had to walk what felt like a million miles through downtown Atlanta just to reach a little Thai restaurant called “Comfort Thai.” My legs are still somewhere between resentment and recovery, but the food? Worth it. Absolutely worth it.

Now that I’m back in the office, December is picking up speed. We’re diving headfirst into Wet Paint Party planning, and when I say this year is going to POP, trust me. The theme is bold, fun, colorful, and creative, and yes, I’m driving my team wild with my constant “What if we…” ideas. But listen, the arts demand vision, and I refuse to be small about it. We’re building something vibrant, something immersive, something that makes people feel alive when they walk through the door.

We are also pushing forward with the Augusta Music & Songwriter Festival, a project that has my whole creative brain buzzing. This festival is going to be a space where musicians, emerging songwriters, and storytellers take center stage, not as background, not as filler, but as the main attraction. We want the talent to shine, to be lifted, to be celebrated in a way that honors their artistry and amplifies their voices.

Of course, none of this, not Wet Paint, not the Music & Songwriter Festival, not our public art projects, not our community engagement, none of it happens without our volunteers. Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Arts Council. You lift tents, greet guests, pass out water, take photos, direct traffic, smile through chaos, and hold it all together with grace. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, consider this your invitation, your sign, your tap on the shoulder: we need you, and we’d love to have you.

And now, let me talk about membership. Because I would not be me if I didn’t lovingly tap you on the shoulder about this too. Your membership dollars aren’t just symbolic, they are essential. They directly support the backbone of our work, especially our Creative Resource Hub, which is arguably our greatest gift to the community. Hundreds of items, Marley flooring, easels, a PA system, microphones, cameras, lighting, DJ equipment, décor, projectors all available for our members to borrow. This hub is how we uplift artists, how we support nonprofits, how we strengthen our creative ecosystem, and how we keep art accessible in Augusta. Membership is what allows us to be who we are.

I am excited for what’s coming, truly excited. I can feel it rising. But nothing we envision, nothing we build, nothing we dream will manifest without you. Your presence, your support, your generosity, your belief in the arts, that’s the alchemy. That’s the secret ingredient.

So, as we step fully into this season of light, love, and reflection… whatever you do, whatever you create, wherever you show up, let’s dream it, build it, paint it, dance it, sing it, and make it real. Together.

Until the New Year…..

Talk Artsy to Me