By Jeff Ophime

Arts Center Director



Jane Simpson and I were invited to attend an open house of sorts last Monday at the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia. I wasn’t sure of what to expect from this road trip. It’s been so busy here at the Arts Center that I really didn’t have time to give it much thought. All I knew was that I was honored to have been invited and I was confident that it would be a worthwhile excursion. To say that what I experienced was beyond my expectations would be an understatement. I was amazed, impressed and inspired all at the same time.

I’ll start with amazed. I had no idea that this impeccably well appointed school of art existed at the University of Georgia. I have always heard great things about the university so it’s just the art school that caught me off guard. I had been on the campus one other time for a tour of the Georgia Museum of Art, and that was also a great experience. The Dodd School of Art has one of the best arts facilities that I have ever seen or will, possibly, ever see. This modern building is filled with beautifully appointed art studios that are spacious and filled with natural light. No detail seems to have been overlooked by the creators of this amazing facility.

I was impressed by the interesting works of art that were on display by student artists in beautiful galleries and on hall walls. One expansive piece of wall sculpture was made entirely out of shirts and socks that were tied together forming a web-like art form that reminded me of an expansion bridge. Textile examples filled several walls with patterns, colors and textures that made my mind race with possible applications for these hand made fabrics. Photographs, ceramics and graphic arts of the highest quality were also on display.

The inspired part of my experience at the Lamar Dodd School of Art is the investment that the University of Georgia has made in creative minds. The next Leonardo da Vinci could be working in Athens on drawings and designs for a great invention that will change the world. Leonardo was hundreds of years ahead of his time with plans for flying machines, robots and automobiles. Creativity always seems to be the catalyst for the genius minds of our world to do great things for mankind. A soft sculpture made from laundry just might be the inspiration for a giant wind catcher that will deliver power to millions of homes. Stranger things have happened.

Please remember that the opening reception for “Images and Objects of Colquitt County” is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. The printing on the front of the invitation that went out to Arts Center Patrons, unfortunately, was very unclear. This exhibit is in conjunction with Moultrie’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. It includes pictures and objects covering 150 years of local history. The Arts Center Honors Choir will be on hand to sing for everyone’s enjoyment.

There will be a luncheon and speaker on Monday, Nov. 16, at noon, discussing the formation of this community. Melody S. Jenkins will offer distinctive stories about the past that shaped the character of the community today. Tickets are $10 each and they can be purchased at the Arts Center. I know that this luncheon will be informative and enjoyable because I have heard Melody speak with great passion about the early days of Moultrie.