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Media Features

A collection of media features on the Greater Augusta Arts Council, projects, and events.

“A call for local artists: Sculpture on the Augusta Canal Trail”

Published by WRDW News 12, August 26, 2020
Report by Tyria Goines

Via WRDW – “Do you want to showcase your artistic abilities? The Greater Augusta Arts Council invites local artists to submit proposals for a newly commissioned public art sculpture.

Georgia Rehabilitation Institute Inc. in association with the Greater Augusta Arts Council and the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, will commission the creation and installation of one exterior public art sculpture on the Augusta Canal Trail.”

Read Full Article online at WRDW.COM

“Artist’s secret to James Brown mural in Augusta: ‘Keep it funky’ “

Published by WRDW News 12, August 19, 2020
Report by Tradesha Woodard

Via WRDW – “If you’ve been around downtown Augusta lately, you’ve seen the new mural in the works that’s dedicated to the Godfather of Soul. While it looks like the work is almost done, the artist behind it says there’s more to come. Although the mural isn’t quite finished, it provides different scenery in downtown Augusta.

“I never look at the clock when I’m on the lift and I’m painting. I’m in my element. I could be there for 25 hours if my body could take it,” said Cole Phail, the artist behind the James Brown mural. “His songs have a common theme: Keep it funky,” the artist said. “So my goal is to keep it as funky as possible.” From 6 at night to sunrise, he’s working. And he says the community couldn’t be more supportive.”

View the full video online at wrdw.com

Arts in the Heart of Augusta: Coverage of the 2020 Cancellation

“‘Its been difficult for arts’: Pandemic poses challenge to local artists”

Published by WRDW News 12, July 26, 2020
Report by Kennedi Harris

Via WRDW – “The cancellation of several art shows and events, including Augusta’s Arts in the Heart festival, have left many artists facing a new struggle.

“Everybody’s just trying to be creative and do what they can and come up with creative ways to get through and basically just survive 2020” said local artist Rachel Bingaman.

Bingaman has been painting professionally for 8 years. She says she’s seen at least a 5 figure loss in sales this year due to the pandemic.”

Read Full Article online at WRDW.COM

 

“Locals react to the cancellation of Arts in the Heart”

Published by WJBF, July 23, 2020
Report by Wes Cooper

Via WJBF – “Arts in the Heart, the latest event to be canceled due to coronavirus. It means about a $1.7 million hit to the local economy.

“We would be asked to be socially distanced at the festival and our festival just doesn’t work that way. Even though we space the artists’ booths more and we made it more for our attendees, it was not going to be socially distanced,” said Brenda Durant, Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

Karis Melchior, an employee at Artsy Me said, “I completely understand like why it’s canceled just because we need to protect the public and things like that. But I hate it for our artists and the money that it brings. And the enjoyment everyone gets from it.”

Watch the full video online at Wjbf.com

 

“Art Council cancels Arts in the Heart of Augusta 2020 festival”

Published by WFXG, July 23, 2020
Report by Mary Klinger

Via WFXG – “The Greater Augusta Arts Council announced they are canceling the 2020 Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival due to COVID-19.

The council says “The recent surge in COVID-19 cases and unprecedented pandemic mandates precautions for the well-being of our community.”

On Arts in the Heart of Augusta’s website, coordinators say “It is with a heavy heart that the City of Augusta and the Greater Augusta Arts Council has to announce that the award-winning festival will not be held this year. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases and unprecedented pandemic mandates precautions for the well-being of our community.”

Read Full Article online at WFXG.COM

 

“Arts in the Heart canceled due to COVID-19 concerns”

Published by WRDW News 12, July 23, 2020
Report by Jeremy Turnage and Celeste Springer

Via WRDW – “With fears of COVID-19 still causing many events to be canceled locally, statewide, and nationwide, festival organizers with Arts in the Heart say they are canceling their event, as well. Festival organizers say the recent spike in COVID-19 cases pushed them to make the decision.

“As we cautiously planned the 2020 Festival it was heartwarming to receive support with over 185 applications for the Fine Arts and Craft Festival, Performing applications to fill the 5 stages and nearly 20 International Food Booths. Our media sponsors and major sponsors were working with us to produce another wonderful celebration of everything ‘art’ in Augusta,” a statement from the group said.

The announcement was a pretty big blow as this year’s festival was supposed to bring in about $1.7 million.”

View full video at wrdw.com

 

“Artist relief fund distributes $50,000, completing its work”

Published by WRDW News 12, July 21, 2020

Via WRDW.com – ” A pandemic relief fund for local artists has completed its work with the distribution of 114 grants totaling $50,000

The Artist Emergency Relief Awards have been overseen by the Augusta Arts Consortium and made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of the CSRA and the United Way of the CSRA.

This effort was an emergency fund to help self-employed/contract artists of all disciplines in the CSRA to recover income lost from cancellations due to COVID-19 precautionary measures. ”

Read Full Article online at WRDW.com

“Best Festival in the South award given to Arts in the Heart of Augusta”

Published by WFXG, May 4, 2020
Report by Ceara Hester

Via WFXG – “The Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival was awarded the 2020 Top Festival of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS).

The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards has put the best festivals and events of the Southeast in the spotlight for the past 34 years. STS is a non-profit organization that promotes travel and tourism within 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.”

Read Full Article online at WFXG.COM

“Laney-Walker mural unveiled as part of public art project”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, August 4, 2019
Report By Charmain Brackett

Via Augustachronicle.com – “The first phase of a new public art project was installed in Augusta’s Laney-Walker historic district Wednesday.

‘This is one of four works in the Golden Blocks project,” said Brenda Durant, the executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. “The four artists have chosen to work together.”

Artist Sala Adenike created the mural, which highlights four African-Americans and their accomplishments. Its subjects are John P. Waring Sr. and the Lenox Theatre, the Rev. Charles Walker and Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lucy Craft Laney and the Haines Institute, and Jerrylyn Dent and the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Co.”

READ FULL ARTICLE ON AUGUSTACHRONICLE.COM

“Plans for New Art Projects Abound in Augusta’s Growing Economy”

Published by BuzzonBiz, May 25, 2019
Report by Wit Wells

Via buzzonbiz.com -“…”What really inspired me is that arts really are an engine for economic prosperity, because people come out of their hiding holes and spend money on the arts,” Bobrow said.

The council’s ongoing effort to enliven the arts scene in Augusta stems from the same conclusion expressed in Arts and Economic Prosperity 5: that local economies benefit significantly from having a thriving arts scene.

According to the study, one-third of attendees of arts-focused festivals and events come from out of town, and they spend twice as much money at those events as locals do ($47.57 per person versus $23.44 per person).”

Read Full Article on BuzzonBiz.com

“Artist preserving Summerville’s history on utility box”

Published by WRDW News 12, January 25, 2018
Report by Jason Raven

Via WRDW.com -“Neighbors and passerby’s in one of Augusta’s historic neighborhoods have been thanking artist Cyndy Epps.”Typically you paint a painting and put it up on a wall. You’ll hear some feedback but this has been a cool experience,” Cyndy says. Cyndy is painting on a utility box on Gould’s Corner (at the intersection of Walton Way and Milledge Road) in the Summerville neighborhood.

View full video at wrdw.com

“The Artside: This call for artists will affect future art for Augusta”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, January 17, 2018
Written By Charmain Z. Brackett

Via Augusta.chronicle.com -“The Greater Augusta Arts Council has been working with the city of Augusta and its officials to create more public art opportunities for artists. It’s currently looking for nominations of local artists to serve on a public arts’ advisory panel.

The panel is comprised of city leaders, artists and members of the community.

‘Years of work have brought the desire for more expressive public art in Augusta to an all-time high,” said Pax Bobrow, project manager with the Greater Augusta Arts Council, in a news release. “The Public Arts Advisory Panel will help us build a framework for the city to unleash that creative energy.’

Read Full Article Online at Chronicle.Augusta.com

 

“Comprehensive study details economic impact of Augusta’s arts community”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, November 18, 2017
Written By Joe Hotchkiss

Via Augusta.chronicle.com -“The arts don’t just nourish the soul. They provide potent fuel for an economic engine.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council has known that for a while, but recently it learned the dollars-and-cents details: Arts and culture generate more than $57 million in direct economic activity for the greater Augusta area.

That was one of the biggest takeaways from the Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 survey project, described as the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the United States.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT AUGUSTA.CHRONICLE.COM

” Editorial: For art’s sake, Help define our community by embracing public art”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, October 22, 2017
Written By the Augusta Chronicle Editorial Staff

Via Augusta.chronicle.com -“Why have public art?

 There have been many reasons. It’s said that Ramesses II ordered the carving of the statues at Egypt’s Abu Simbel to intimidate the neighboring Nubians. When Michelangelo’s David was unveiled in Italy in 1504, it stood as a symbol of independence for the Florentine Republic.

The reasons for having public art in Augusta don’t loom as large as all that – but that doesn’t make public art any less important.”

READ FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

“Public art can help create community pride, unify residents, expert says”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, October 17, 2017
Written By Damon Cline

Via Augusta.chronicle.com – With the last major installation of public art occurring nearly two decades ago, Augusta is a little behind the culture curve.

 But no more than the average community, one of the nation’s top public art experts said Tuesday.

“One of the conversations that I always get from anywhere I visit is that ‘We’re so behind in public art…that everyone else is doing something awesome,’ ” said Patricia Walsh, public art program manager for Americans for the Arts. “No, you’re not. It’s OK, we’re seeing growth across the country (in small- and mid-size markets).”

FULL ARTICLE AT CHRONICLE.AUGUSTA.COM

“Arts in the Heart a brilliant ray of sunshine after Irma”

Published by the Metro Spirit, September 23 2017
Written By Amanda Main and Stacey Eidson

Via Metrospirit.com -“A few days before Hurricane Irma brought tropical weather to the Augusta area, Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival organizers were wary of what effects it might have on their festival, held the weekend after. The tropical storm blew through on Sept. 11, and the festival took place Sept. 15 through Sept. 17.

But thankfully, the weather cleared up a few days before, and despite losing a day of work to the storm, organizers, volunteers and other festival workers came together to put on a bigger, more successful festival in its 37th year.”

READ FULL ARTICLE AT METROSPIRIT.COM

“Have a Say About Public Art in Augusta”

Published by the Metro Spirit, September 23 2017
Written By The Insider

Via Metrospirit.com -“Calling all artists and everyone else in Augusta who cares about future public art in the Garden City. The Greater Augusta Arts Council will be hosting a community input session on public art on Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the Linda Beazley Conference Room at the Municipal Building starting at 5:30 p.m. Specifically, local Augusta artists are invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the city’s future public art projects and provide the Greater Augusta Arts Council some much-needed input. If citizens and local artists show up, this could prove to be an interesting and beneficial meeting. This meeting could put the word “public” back into “public art.”

READ FULL ARTICLE AT METROSPIRIT.COM

“Plans in the works to bring more art to the Garden City”

Published by WJBF, May 8 2017

Via WJBF.com -“Augusta is home to the Savannah River, Augusta National, and multiple historic districts. Still, civic leaders say one thing is lacking– public art that distinguishes the Garden City.

A new Public Art Master Plan sets out to fulfill the missing component.

Thousands visit Chicago just to get a picture with the iconic “bean”. Now, the city is working with the Greater Augusta Arts Council to create a piece that tells the story of Augusta.”

READ FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

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Calling all artists! You have one week to finish y Calling all artists! You have one week to finish your Wet Paint Party & Sale applications! The form closes Jan. 24 at midnight!

Click link in bio to apply!
The Growth & Color show is now available at August The Growth & Color show is now available at Augusta & Co's gorgeous gallery space. You can visit in person (don't forget your mask!) or you can enjoy the pieces online. We hope this peek of sunshine and warmth makes your heart happy through the end of winter!

Click the link in bio to view and purchase art.

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #augustaandco #growthandcolor #artshow
THE AUGUSTA SCULPTURE TRAIL INSTALLATION HAS BEGUN THE AUGUSTA SCULPTURE TRAIL INSTALLATION HAS BEGUN

The City of Augusta and The Greater Augusta Arts Council is pleased to announce that sculptures on the new Augusta Sculpture Trail are being installed next week on Broad Street, The Augusta Common, and at The Riverwalk at 8th Street. The first sculpture “Impractical Hardware” was installed Monday, January 11th at 10th and Broad Street. The artist, Harry McDaniel, is from Asheville, NC.

The remaining nine sculptures will be installed Monday January 18th from 9:00am until 3:00pm, Tuesday January 19th at 1:00pm and Thursday January 21st from 9:00am until 3:00pm. The public works of art are being placed at intervals that make for a fun and easy outdoor walking trail. The top ten sculptures were selected from 120 submissions and the pieces will remain a part of the Sculpture Trail for two years. 

A digital walking tour is being produced by Otocast, that can be accessed from any mobile device. This tool will help visitors learn specifics about each work of art while they explore the Augusta Sculpture Trail. It will include a variety of mobile activities that will be added over the two year installation time, including “badges” that can be earned by participants.

Sculpture Trail highlights include:

• 10 Public Sculptures from Nationally Renowned Artists
• Feb. 6, 2021 Celebration and Unveiling
• Walking Tour App with Info on Each Sculpture and Artist
• A Perfect Social Distancing Attraction for Groups, Families and Visitors
• Events for 2 Years tied to the Augusta Sculpture Trail locations
• Sculpture Trail Open January 2021- January 2023

For more information about the Augusta Sculpture Trail click the link in bio. 

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #augustasculpturetrail
Golden Blocks Project is a project spearheaded by Golden Blocks Project is a project spearheaded by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Named the Golden Blocks Project, it refers to the historic nickname of the corridor of business and industry located on or near Campbell and Gwinnett Streets. Today, Campbell and Gwinnett Streets are James Brown and Laney-Walker Boulevards.

During the time of segregation, the area nicknamed the Golden Blocks was the heart of Augusta’s black business community. Federal “Red Line” policies prevented citizens from receiving bank mortgages within certain areas that were predominantly non-white populations, and businesses elsewhere in the city were allowed to discriminate against black patrons due to Jim Crow era laws. In the Laney Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods, black-owned banks, insurance companies, theaters and other businesses worked to offset this discrimination and thrived, creating a strong sense of community.

To learn more, please visit the link below.
https://lucycraftlaneymuseum.com/golden-blocks/

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #lucycraftlaneymuseumofblackhistory #augustablackhistory #thegoldenblocks
The Greater Augusta Arts Council mourns the loss o The Greater Augusta Arts Council mourns the loss of Philip Morsberger. The Morris Museum of Art posted a beautiful tribute that we invite all to read: https://www.themorris.org/news/philip-morsberger-1933-2021/

The Wet Paint Committee will honor Philip by dedicating the Wet Paint Party and Sale to his memory. 

Philip was a friend of the Arts Council, named Artist of the Year in 2014, with a Mayoral proclamation and Philip Morsberger Day. We are honored to call him a friend and comforted by the legacy of his creative life.

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #philipmorsberger
Wet Paint Party & Sale 2021 The Greater Augusta Ar Wet Paint Party & Sale 2021
The Greater Augusta Arts Council
Feb. 27, 2021

DEADLINE: January 24, midnight

The application for the Arts Council's annual Wet Paint party & art sale is live now! This event will be entirely virtual in light of challenges with COVID-19. We will have more details about the virtual event closer to the date. Click the link in bio to apply!

#augustaarts #loveaugusta  #wetpaintparty #wetpaintparty2021
Visit the Winter Art Sale, on view right now throu Visit the Winter Art Sale, on view right now through January 31, 2021 at the City Gallery! This is your opportunity to purchase original artworks and  support local artists. We are excited to feature our very first 3D virtual gallery for this show. Click the link below and walk the halls virtually to view works by these River Region participating artists:

Francie Klopotic
Rhian Swain
Sindhu Pillai
Ronda Bryce
Alexis White
Mary McCullah
Abstract Alexandra
Melissa Cearley
Jessica Crowe
Laurie Algar
Lea Rigdon
Angelika Bondar
Melody Collins
Zoey Green
Rose Castleberry
Paul Bailey
Delaney Gay
Si-Long Chen
Karen McCuller
Kaleyah Turmon
Terrance Washington
Charmane O’Berry
Warren Richard Jr.

https://www.artsteps.com/view/5fbd2eb24156a011fbea98db?currentUser

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #augustaartists #citygallery #winterartsale
Be sure to check out The Strong Female Lead art sh Be sure to check out The Strong Female Lead art show, on view right now at Augusta & Co.! To view and purchase original works by local artists Staci Swider, Alicia Cully, and Francie Klopotic, please visit the link here: https://augustaandco.square.site/s/shop

#augustaarts #loveaugusta #augustaandco #thestrongfemalelead #artforsale #AugustaArtShow
We're closing our #ArtCityAUG campaign tonight and We're closing our #ArtCityAUG campaign tonight and wanted to check, one more time,to see if you'd be willing to support more public art in Augusta!

https://www.gagives.org/story/Supportarts

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #GAGives #gagivesday
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