Whew, July has been a kaleidoscope of color, movement, and moments that hit deep. If I had to name the vibe? Purpose in motion (with a side of “head is officially swimming”).

Let’s rewind and roll it out.

This month has been business-forward in the most beautiful, chaotic way. At the Greater Augusta Arts Council, we’re fully submerged in Arts in the Heart planning, mapping stages, managing madness, locking in partners, and breathing life into every creative corner of the festival footprint in downtown Augusta. While big ideas are still brewing, right now it’s all hands, hearts, and holy water on deck for the festival.

Before things took off at full tilt, I had the joy of stopping by the Miller Theatre thanks to an invite from the incredible Jason Craig to judge the Augusta Poster Show. While I couldn’t attend the show itself, I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the submissions along with peers Dirk Meyer & Heather Williams. Our local artist are so creative it hurts, clever, bold, intentional work that made the judging hard but deeply fulfilling. Keep showing out, Augusta.

Now for the personal part…

In June, I brought my mama to Augusta after the loss of my stepdad. You all know the story with my Dad, now my Mother, The matriarch. The wisdom keeper. The steady drumbeat of our family. And now? We’ve got four generations of  my parent’s lineage living in Augusta. That’s rare and sacred. My children and grand children get to live in the presence of their Great Grand Parents, something so few ever experience. We are committed to making this season of their lives the most joyful and abundant one yet.

Then came July 4th weekend, when we hit pause and boarded the Carnival Cruise Line’s Glory. The Bahamas were hotter than a gym with no AC and the ship was bursting at the seams with children gone wild and grown folks living their best libation-fueled lives. It was loud. It was hot. It was hilarious. But it was a gift to rest, to laugh, to float (sometimes literally) with people I love.

Fast-forward to July 17th–21st, when we flew back to Kansas, Mama, myself, and my firstborn to pack up her lifetime of memories. That’s when I learned more than I ever wanted to know about the difference between carriers, brokers, and movers and how they all apparently love to play hot potato with your belongings. After days of rescheduling, miscommunication, and me mentally calculating how fast I could learn to drive a semi, her things finally made it onto a truck. And now? They’re somewhere between Wichita and Augusta, riding on a wing, a prayer, and the grace of every road angel in between.

Now back on home turf, I’m knee-deep in festival logistics, and honey, it’s shaping up to be a masterpiece.

Here’s the latest:

• Global Stage remains in its rightful home at The Augusta Common, bringing the world to our backyard.
• Soul Suite is moving indoors to the elegant Marriott Convention Center, thanks to a beautiful new partnership.
• Jazz is sliding back into the base of 8th Street, ready to set the tone and the mood.
• Community Stage will shine at the Amphitheater, and
• The Family Stage will live across from the Common, nestled near the river on Reynolds. A perfect place for joy, movement, and little feet with big dreams.

And cue the confetti, Amazon is our TITLE SPONSOR. Yes, that Amazon. I mean… come on. Who could ask for better?

As if all that weren’t enough, I’m also gearing up for a professional development conference. Because even when the schedule’s packed and the head is spinning, growth is non-negotiable. I’m excited to bring back fresh energy, insights, and tools to pour right back into our creative community.

So as July wraps its colorful arms around me, I’m holding space for it all the family, the festival, the fatigue, and the fire to keep going.

Keep creating. Keep connecting. And most importantly,

Keep talking artsy to me.

With love, logistics, and a lightly used moving checklist,

Denise