I just had a conversation with someone today about the Arts Center and the attendance for the Randy Gibbs exhibit. When I thought about all of the people that I have had conversations with about Randy’s work, what stands out is the number of people from out of town who have come to the Arts Center to see great art. All of our visitors have one thing in common; they were all amazed by what an incredible arts facility we have here in Moultrie and impressed with the quality of our art on display. Out of towner’s frequently will ask more questions, so it is usually easy to pick them out.

This incredibly beautiful collection of Randy’s work will be in the Vereen Gallery through Nov. 15. I want to encourage everyone who enjoys views of nature, chickens, agriculture, flowers, fish, dogs, cats, dogwood blossoms or hummingbirds to come see this exhibit. How is it that it seems easier to attract visitors to the Colquitt County Arts Center than it is to get people from our own Community?

One of the nice things about the Art Centers is that it is always changing. The exhibits in the Vereen Gallery change every couple months, so what was here in August is gone and there is something new to see. To fully appreciate the Arts Center you need to come, at the very least, every three months to keep up with what’s new and exciting. More often would be better.

As a rule we try to greet visitors as they enter the building to welcome them and to offer them assistance. Good customer service is expected when you go to any retail store, gas station, doctor’s office or whatever type of business you are in. Our Arts Centers are no different than any other business when it comes to good customer service.

It’s always a pleasure to spend time with our visitors and to take them on a tour of our facility and to answer their questions to the best of my ability. It’s a real boost to my morale to have people fawning over this beautiful arts center. “This place goes on and on” is a common comment when you are traversing 40,000 square feet of the Arts Center. “The auditorium is in such great condition. You must get a lot of use out of it.” I also get to tell them about the generous donation that made the auditorium look as new as the day it was completed. This also brings up our hard working and talented ACT group; they’re always a pleasure to brag on. “Tell us about your programs for children” is my chance to talk about our numerous classes for kids and young adults. The history of this 80 year old school building and how it was transformed into an arts center is always enjoyed by interested visitors.

You don’t have to be from out of town to have a tour of the arts center. You also don’t have to be from out of town to be impressed with everything that is offered at the arts center every week. The only difference is that you have the opportunity to take advantage of the many programs for children, adults and seniors any week of the year.

Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” I think what Picasso is saying is that we need to look at things with a “fresh eye.” So much of what a child sees is new and it is therefore looked at with wonder and amazement. The Colquitt County Arts Center is filled with new things to see and experience for all ages.

I want to invite you to come to the arts center for a tour even if you are familiar with everything we do. You just might see something or learn something that you never knew existed. Pretending to be a stranger in your own town just might open your eyes to a whole new world. Or in the case of the Randy Gibbs exhibit; a whole new Colquitt County more beautiful than you ever imagined.