Talk Artsy to Me
"May" We Keep Rising
Sculptures, Soundwaves, Stages & Showing Up
May 2025
Let’s go ahead and say it: we are still recovering from Masters Week. Augusta turned into the epicenter of activity, hospitality, and full-on southern charm. While the city played host to thousands of golf fans, our local creative energy kept moving in its own powerful rhythm behind the scenes, in the streets, on the airwaves, and in every corner where art and culture bloom. And May? May is no different. We hit the ground running and I’m not sure we’ve even paused to tie our shoes.
But before we get too far ahead, let’s rewind just a bit. In April, we had one of the most meaningful moments of the year: the unveiling of the Black Caddies Monument. This tribute beautiful, bold, and long overdue put Augusta on the national stage in a brand new way. It honored the legacy, the labor, and the overlooked excellence of Black men who helped shape the game of golf from the ground up. It wasn’t just about history it was about healing, truth-telling, and rightful recognition. And it was an honor to witness it firsthand.
Fast-forward to May 2nd, and we ushered in another milestone: the official unveiling of 10 new sculptures as part of the Augusta Sculpture Trail! From whimsical to thought-provoking, each piece adds something new to our city’s voice. Public art is storytelling, and these sculptures speak volumes—about who we are, what we believe, and the future we’re sculpting together.
Meanwhile, our brand-new Creative Collaboration HUB is OPEN and ready for Augusta’s creatives to take full advantage. Thanks to a generous grant from the Hurricane Helene Crisis Fund of the Community Foundation of the CSRA
Need a camera?
Starting a podcast?
Want to sew your first garment?
Need Mics or a Selfie Station for your Event?
We’ve got tools, tech, and resources you can check out, just like a library, but for your creativity. If you’re a member of the Arts Council, the HUB is here for you. If you’re not a member yet, this might be your sign. Because we’re not just offering stuff, we’re offering support.
May also marks the start of something exciting with our friends at The Augusta Players, who are now celebrating 80 incredible seasons and cutting the ribbon at their new home on 712 Ellis Street. It’s a beautiful space for a beautiful legacy. Their spring musical Anastasia is coming soon, and let me just say it’s theatrical magic you don’t want to miss. Support them. Applaud them. Be reminded of how much art gives back to us.
Also giving back? Conversations. Connection. Community.
My new radio show, Talk Artsy to Me, airs every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. on 92.3 Smooth Jazz (and streams on PPBC via Google and Apple). It’s where I sit down with our local creatives, cultural leaders, and change agents to talk shop, stories, and soul. So far, I’ve shared airwaves with the Arts Council staff, Les Reagan, Karen Gordon, and Scott Seidl. Coming up: Coco Rubio, Rhian Swain, and more voices who keep this city vibrant.
Want to be featured?
If you’re a creative, nonprofit, or arts leader who wants to share your story, your mission, or your art on the show email me! This platform was created for you, and I’d love to help tell your story.
On the advocacy front, there’s a storm we need to face together: the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is on the chopping block in the proposed FY26 federal budget. Let me be clear: this is no small thing. Cutting the NEA means cutting support for the very programs that help communities like ours flourish. The NEA funds festivals, workshops, murals, youth programs, and so much more and it does it in every single Congressional district.
So what can we do?
Raise your voice.
Share your story.
Write to your representatives.
This is your moment to speak up, because the arts are not a luxury, they are a necessity.
And speaking of showing up, on May 20th, I’ll be heading over to Greenwood, South Carolina to speak for the South Carolina Arts Commission. Even though Augusta keeps me wonderfully busy, I’m honored to represent our region and share the work we’re doing to keep art alive, accessible, and unstoppable. It’s a reminder that what we’re building here is being noticed beyond our city limits.
Now for a little personal update…
May is my birthday month, and yes it always falls near or on Mother’s Day. As someone who mothers in many ways, biologically, spiritually, artistically, and communally, this time of year always fills me up. It’s not about balloons or cake (though I won’t turn them down). It’s about gratitude. It’s about showing up in love. It’s about continuing the work with joy and intention. I’m not looking for gifts, I’m giving my gift back to the community, every single day.
And now, the big one:
Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival is on the move. Due to construction on Broad Street, we’re shifting the entire footprint. This year, we’ll take over the Augusta Common, flow down Reynolds Street, reach across to the Riverwalk, and embrace the Amphitheatre, filling the space between 9th and 7th Streets. It’s a new layout with the same heart and a few new bells and whistles.
We’re planning five incredible stages, dozens of international food vendors, beautiful artisan booths, and yes, we’re planning for the heat. We’re thinking creatively with shaded zones, cooling stations, and fan-favorite resting spots. Festival life should be joyful, not draining.
And because we love our local businesses, we’ll host a pre-festival downtown activation to make sure our neighbors on Broad feel supported, seen, and celebrated.
Oh and the lineup?
Let’s just say… it’s all of that and more!
Soul Asylum
Leon & The Peoples (yes, THAT Leon from The Five Heartbeats)
…plus a few more headliners I’m dying to announce, but I’m sworn to secrecy. Just trust me: this year’s lineup is one for the books.
Finally, if you’re a young creative (high school through undergrad), we’ve launched a brand-new Emerging Artist Membership for just $10 a year. That’s right ten dollars gets you access to our HUB, mentorship, and a seat at the table. We are removing barriers and making space for the next generation of artists, thinkers, and leaders.
So here’s to May.
“May” we continue to rise.
“May” we create boldly.
“May” we advocate fiercely.
“May” we love this city and its creativity out loud.
“May” we keep growing, together.
With love, purpose, and a whole lot of passion, Talk Artsy to Me!
Denise
