The Arts Center’s Mission statement reads: “The Colquitt County Arts Center is a creative cultural resource that makes quality visual and performing art available to a diverse population. The Arts Center provides engaging arts education for children and adults, acts as a steward of permanent collections, and maintains a landmark facility that enriches the whole community.”

Here is how your Arts Center is living into that mission over the next few weeks.

Quality visual arts

The Arts Center has 4 main galleries which include the Vereen Gallery, McCall Gallery, Traverse Gallery and the Contemporary Gallery. All exhibits are free and open to the public during operating hours. M-F 10 am – 5:30 pm

VEREEN GALLERY

Illustrious Expressions: An Exploration of Imagination and Reality

August 23rd – November 2nd

An Exploration of Imagination and Reality is a collaborative exhibition featuring both functional and decorative works in glass. The goal of Illustrious Expressions is to create a conversation in which the viewer begins to question the relationship between the imaginative world and reality. Featuring the works of: Devan Cole, Lisa Mote and Sarah Vaughn

This exhibit will close November 2nd so come by today to enjoy these beautiful glass pieces.

Next Up in the Vereen Gallery is the ever popular Holiday Shoppe which will open to the public on Friday, November 16th and is a great place to shop and support local artisans. The Holiday Shoppe will be open daily Monday thru Friday until December 14th.

McCALL GALLERY

The McCall Collection is a wonderful collection of works on paper by prominent American Artists including John Singer Sargent, Reginald Marsh and Mary Cassatt and includes popular subjects such as landscapes, still-life and figurative subjects. These pieces, some dating back to the early mid 1800’s have recently undergone conservation efforts to continue to preserve them for years to come.

CONTEMPORARY GALLERY

The Contemporary gallery boasts the works of contemporary artists including glass artist Dale Chihuly, wood turned bowls by the three generations of wood turners; Ed, Philip and Matt Moulthrop and an Andy Warhol piece.

TRAVERSE GALLERY

Our Traverse Gallery is the space where we celebrate local artists. Rebecca Richardson is our next artist to be showcased in this space. This artist works primarily in acrylic and each of her pieces are painted on canvas drop cloths left from remodeling work. Each piece tells a story.

Performing arts

Our children’s theater program began with a Kindergarten – 12th grade format when it was formed some 25 years ago. Since that time the interest and talent have grown to the point that about 6 years ago the decision was made to divide the group in half to form a Children’s Theater Company for K-5th grade and a Youth Theater Company for 6th-12th grade.  Last year the older group was divided again to form a Middle/Junior High Company and a Senior High Company. That gives our community three opportunities to celebrate the talents of these young artists.

NEVERMORE

Senior High Theater Company

Final performance is Sunday, October 28th at 2:30 pm   Tickets $10

Dark and dazzling, bizarre and beautiful, Nevermore – The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe is a unique opera-like musical play about one of the world’s most famous and fascinating writers. Through its use of stunning stagecraft, underscored verse, and haunting music. Nevermore blends fact and fiction to create a fascinating and moving theatrical experience that is difficult to describe, but impossible to forget. Performed by students in 10th – 12th grades.

ANNIE-Kids

Performances: Thursday, November 1st at 7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd & 4th at 2:00 pm Tickets $6

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Seussical the Musical

Performances: Thurs-day and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 10 at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.

Tickets $10

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

CELEBRATE! HOLIDAY SKITS AND SONGS AUDITIONS

Join us in celebrating the holidays with themed skits and songs to ignite the Christmas spirit. This community show is sponsored by United Way and is free to the public.

Open to all ages- our United Way Family Christmas shows have become a tradition for a great family experience. Join us for auditions Thursday, November 1st from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Performance: Saturday, December 1st at 7:00 pm. Do you wish to perform a solo, duet, trio or quartet Holiday song? Come prepared to share your talent for auditions.

Cocktails and candy canes

Thursday, November 15th, 6:30 pm Cocktails     8:00 p.m. Performance of Eclipse 6.

Enjoy cocktails and a holiday celebration with a night of music and art. This fundraiser helps us fulfill our mission by making possible multiple outreach programs in our county, bringing the Arts to the community for FREE! The evening will be catered by Covington’s and will include an exclusive preview of the Holiday Shoppe featuring unique handmade works by local and regional artists and will also include a Christmas Eclipse 6 Concert, a nationally recognized and award winning A Capella group. Learn more at eclipse6.com.

ECLIPSE 6 CONCERT

Thursday, November 15th  8 PM

The six members of A Capella group Eclipse 6 originally met while performing in a public relations /ambassador-oriented group that was part of the department of Programs and Entertainment at Utah State University. They began by arranging their own vocal covers of popular songs and performing them on campus and in the Logan area. Increasing public interest and performance opportunities led to the recording of their first album, “Once,” which was released in April 2001. Check out their music on Youtube- and prepare to be amazed!

Tickets are $20

“THE CHRISTMAS ROSE”

This beautiful ballet for the holidays will be presented by the Arts Center Dancers and Rose City Ballet at the Withers Auditorium on Sunday, December 9th at 3:00. Tickets are $10 and children 2 and under are free.

Arts education for children, adults

The Arts Center continues to identify trends and interests in order to offer our diverse community a variety of opportunities to explore their gifts and talents and try new skills. Listed below are current offerings.

GLASS BLOWING

Glass Blowing Workshop with Hot Glass Academy Artist Devan Cole

November 13th &14th 30 min sessions open from 4:00-9:00 PM on each day

Join glass artist Devan Cole for a 1-on-1 30 minute glass blowing experience. In this workshop, participants will get to learn the basics of the interesting process of creating hand blown glass pieces as they create their very own cup, paperweight, or ornament. $78 per 30 minute session. A hand blown glass piece would make an excellent gift for a special someone. Call to reserve your time slot today.

FLUID ART WITH CASEY CORBIN

November 17th FUNdamentals: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Introduction to fluid art pouring mediums, materials, and methods. Participants will see demonstrations of basic Flow Art Techniques and will create Flow Art pieces of their own. $29.00 per person 25 spots available November 17th Three NEW Techniques: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Participants will learn and do the following Fluid Art Techniques: Waterfall, Slice-N-Swipe, and Spin. $69.00 per person 25 spots available Participation in both workshops: $98.00 per person Deadline to Register: Wednesday, November 14, 2018

PAINT A DOOR HANGER – YOUR CHOICE!

Saturday, November 10th 10:00 am – 12:00 pm $20 Supplies Included Choose from a variety of pre-cut door hangers to paint and match your style! Door hangers painted by you will make a great gift for a teacher or co-worker.

ART OF FASHIONING THE HOLIDAYS

Tuesdays, 6th – 27th 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm or Wednesdays, 7th – 28th 10:30 am – 11:30 am $80 includes supplies Celebrate the holidays with a series of workshops including card making, ornaments, small gifts and yummies! Instructor Kathy Nelson

SILK SCARF PAINTING

Saturday, November 10th $40 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Design your own wearable art with dye painted directly onto silk scarfs. You will create 2 unique scarves, one to keep and one to give. Instructor Harvie Ann Cox

COOKING WITH CONNIE

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Ages 6-10    $20 Supplies Per Class Included

Make a new and fun recipe every month with Connie Fritz!

Monday, November 12th       Pecan Pie       Bring your mixing bowl and whisk!

Monday, December 10th        Monkey Bread      Bring a Bundt pan, mixing bowl and whisk.

LAST THURSDAY WORKSHOP: PAINTED GLASS GLOBES

Thursday, November 29th at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm     $25

Choose from a selection of glass globes on a wooden base to create a unique candle holder for votives. Paint using alcohol ink or glass paint. Instructor Harvie Ann Cox. Deadline November 21st.

KALEIDESCOPE KIDS

PreK-5th Graders      December 8th: 10 am – 12 noon

Students will create art for the holidays including a Handprint Tree Art, Ornaments and More. Cost is only $10 per student. Deadline to register is December 5th.

NEW CLASSES

Guitar Lessons

Guitar with John Neely. Call the Arts Center to schedule your lesson today!

Kids Yoga

Each yoga class will incorporate music, dance, and fun to improve posture, physical health, self esteem, and social skills.  Children will learn fun poses to encourage physical strength and focus. Team building exercises will be a part of each class and will reinforce peacefulness between students. Students will be encouraged to play while learning listening and concentration skills easily translatable to the classroom.

Ages 3 – 8 years old    Each class is $20 for one hour or $80 per month

Mondays 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm       Tuesdays 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm    Saturdays 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Bring your own yoga mat!     Instructor Katie Aufenthie

Kids Music

The children’s music class will explore the bond between music and the world through thematic studies and skill building games. Each class will include the chance to play a number of varied instruments, compose original music, and create a piece of art to take home. Props and characters help influence musical knowledge and enforce applications between music and learning.  Ages 3 – 8 years old Each class is $20 for one hour or $80 per month

Mondays 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm      Tuesdays 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm   Saturdays 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Instructor Katie Aufenthie

The Arts Center is always open to suggestions from our community. Give us a call at 985-1922, check us out on Facebook or Instagram and go to our website www.colquittcountyarts.com to sign up for notification about upcoming events so you never miss a workshop or performance opportunity.