Matt Hamilton | The Daily Citizen“The Nutcracker” is an annual Christmas-time event put on by the Dance Theatre of Dalton each December.

VALDOSTA – For people who say they don’t like art, Cheryl Oliver wants them to think again.

“Have you ever sat in a deer stand and appreciated a sunrise? Have you ever gone to a football game and worn your team’s logo on your cap or your shirt?” said Oliver, who is the executive director of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts in Valdosta.

“People don’t realize that all around us, every single moment of every day, is art, whether it’s natural world art, graphic design art (or) performance art.”

Oliver said the arts first and foremost provide what every individual is after: a high quality of life. Art means personal growth, creative expression and enhancement of the spirit, she said.

But when it comes to a community as a whole, governments and businesses are more concerned with the bottom line, the return on investment.

People often think it’s a choice between the arts and economic development, but a recent study from the Americans for the Arts shows the two go hand-in-hand. The study reports that in 2015, the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $166 billion of economy activity.

Oliver said on the local level, it’s easy to see how the arts generate tax dollars and fuel tourism because art lovers will flock from all over the region to a specific city for a certain exhibit or performance.

“While they’re here, they are going to fill up their cars with gas, and they’re going to go shopping and they’re going to eat in a restaurant, and some of them even spend the night in hotels,” Oliver said. “So there’s this big impact economically of attracting people from outside your area.”

Oliver said people often measure a community’s health by the vibrancy of its art scene, so the cultural arts go a long way in attracting potential businesses and residents.

The SunLight coverage area — Valdosta, Thomasville, Moultrie, Tifton, Milledgeville, Dalton, Ga., and Live Oak, Fla.,  and the surrounding counties — is bursting at the seams with art, from energetic dance shows to tranquil art exhibits to dazzling symphonies.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the art events happening in the region this fall:

LOWNDES COUNTY

ANNETTE HOWELL TURNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Where: 527 N. Patterson St.

Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and Mondays. Most opening receptions, however, are 5-7 p.m. Mondays on designated dates.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 247-2787 or visit www.turnercenter.org.

EXHIBITS

Withlacoochee Quilters Guild exhibit, Sallie & Harmon Boyette Gallery, Margaret Mittiga Gallery & Josette’s Gallery; Linda Wunder, “East Meets West,” Price Campbell Foundation Gallery, Mittiga Gallery; “Classical Conversations of Valdosta Student Exhibit,” Roberta George Children’s Gallery. Run dates: July 31-Sept. 13.

Plein Air Painters of South East, David Malcom, more. Run dates: Shows open Sept. 18 and run through October.

Georgia Artists with Disabilities, Steven Walker, Thomas Dodd, Snow Village, etc. Run dates: Nov. 6 through December.

PRESENTER SERIES

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts regularly hosts three nationally touring shows that will stop in Valdosta as part of the annual Presenter Series. The shows will be performed at Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St. More information: Visit the arts center, 527 N. Patterson St., or call (229) 247-2787. The three 2017-18 shows will be announced in coming weeks.

First show date: Nov. 17.

LITTLE ACTORS THEATRE

Where: 1108 S. Patterson St.

Children’s theatre organization.

Shows are performed at Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, 3101 N. Forrest St., and the LAT headquarters.

More information: Call director Diane Tovar at (229) 292-4742 or visit www.littleactorstheatrevaldosta.com.

“Monster in the Closet,” by playwright Angela D. Stewart. Synopsis: “Emily has a big problem. Not only is she sent to bed just as she reaches the highest level of her new video game, but there’s a monster in her closet! It’s not just her imagination. Her friend Stephanie saw it, too. Suffering the teasing of her brother and his friends, Emily and Stephanie recruit some of their own friends to help capture the monster. What they don’t know is that Murray, the closet monster, doesn’t mean any harm — he only wants to play Emily’s new video game. He’s too scared of kids to even think about trying to frighten them. Murray’s boss, the Dream King, has heard about his goofing off on the job, and now Murray is on probation. Murray’s supervisor, fellow monster Wanda, is not happy with him either. After all, every monster knows that when a child is born, a monster is assigned to watch over her — not to play with her toys and especially not to get caught in the act! What will happen when Emily has all her friends over for a sleepover to try to capture Murray? Even with Emily’s friend Brain’s careful analysis and planning, the girls wind up trapping the Dream King and his secretary, Toady, instead of Murray. With other wonderfully entertaining characters like Sandy the Sandman and his dream weavers, the solution to Emily’s monster problem brings humor, a bit of ingenuity and a little magic to this charming and delightful family show.” Run dates: Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.

THEATRE GUILD VALDOSTA

Where: The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley St.

More information: Call (229) 24-STAGE or visit www.theatreguildvaldosta.com.

The local theatre organization continues presenting its traditional Main Stage season of shows and its children Gingerbread Players productions.

SHOWS, MAIN STAGE

“Deathtrap” by playwright Ira Levin. Synopsis: “Seemingly comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a dry spell which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college — a thriller which Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit. Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness, and with such an abundance of thrills and laughter, that audiences will be held enthralled until the final curtain.” Run dates: Aug. 3-5, 10-12.

“A Christmas Spectacular.” Synopsis: “Your favorite songs of the Christmas season performed by some of the best singers, actors, and instrumentalists in the area, all presented in a magical Winter Wonderland setting. A must-see for the entire family.” Run dates: Dec. 7-9, 14-16.

SHOWS, GINGERBREAD PLAYERS

“Alice@Wonderland: The Musical” by Jonathan Yukich, Bill Francoeur and Scott Deturk, based on the novel by Lewis Carroll. Synopsis: “The folly of the 21st century collides with the madness of Wonderland in this rocking musical adaptation that remains faithful to Lewis Carroll’s original tale. Alice is a texting, tweeting, and Googling girl of the modern digital era, yet she finds herself in the Wonderland of old. With all of the characters you know and love including the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts, this musical imagines a present-day Alice encountering the Wonderland so many of us treasure.” Run dates: Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Oct. 6-8.

VALDOSTA CHORAL GUILD

Rehearsals are regularly held 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the weeks prior to concert dates, Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 500 Baytree Road. There are no auditions. First rehearsal, Aug. 14. Membership is open to anyone attending rehearsals.

Director: Adrienne Reissiger.

Christmas concert, traditionally first or second weekend of December.

VSU ART

Where: Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Gallery hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 333-5835 or visit www.valdosta.edu/art.

EXHIBITS

Art Faculty Exhibition: Annual arts show featuring VSU art department faculty. Run dates: Aug. 21-Sept. 8. Reception: 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 21.

“My Eyes Proclaim”: Abstract paintings by Julia Morrisroe. Run dates: Sept. 18-Oct. 6. Reception: 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 18.

“Cute & Creepy”: The art of Carrie Ann Baade. Run dates: Oct. 16-Nov. 3. Reception: 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 16.

Fall Senior Exhibition: VSU art seniors exhibit their works prior to graduation. Run dates: Nov. 12-Dec. 4. Reception: 1-3 p.m. Nov. 12.

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE & DANCE

Where: Theatres in the VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

More information: Call (229) 333-5973 or visit www.valdosta.edu/comarts.

SHOWS

“I and You” by playwright Lauren Gunderson. Synopsis: “One afternoon, Anthony arrives unexpectedly at classmate Caroline’s door bearing a beat-up copy of Walt Whitman’s ‘Leaves of Grass,’ an urgent assignment from their English teacher. Homebound due to illness, Caroline hasn’t been to school in months, but she is as sardonic as Anthony is popular. As these two let down their guards and share their secrets, this seemingly mundane poetry project unlocks a much deeper mystery that has brought them together. ‘I and You’ is an ode to youth, life, and the strange beauty of human connectedness.” – From Playscripts.com. Run dates: Sept. 14-20, Lab Theatre.

“Connect/Kinect: The Annual Dance Concert.” Synopsis: “From the Oxford Dictionary: Connect: to bring together; to relate. Kinesics: body movement and gesture as non-verbal communication. In the 2017-18 iteration of the Annual Dance Concert, the VSU Repertory Dancers will explore how we kinect; how dance and movement can bring us together and help us relate to one another.” Run dates: Oct. 12-15, Sawyer Theatre.

“The Imaginary Invalid” by Moliere. Synopsis: “‘The Imaginary Invalid’ is widely regarded as one of Moliere’s comic masterpieces. In the play, Argan, a fearful but miserly hypochondriac, divides his time between summoning doctors to care for his ills and trying not to settle the resultant bills. He resolves to marry his daughter, Angélique, to a medical student, hoping to acquire unlimited access to gratis consultation. Argan’s household soon joins Angélique’s plan to teach her gullible father a lesson and marry the love of her life.” – Adapted from NYU School of Medicine. Run dates: Nov. 9-15, Sawyer Theatre.

SCHOLARSHIP SHOWS

“Rhyme & Reason: 19th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser.” Synopsis: “Enjoy a delicious meal and musical theatre entertainment as you support the Golden Circle Scholarship & Support Fund. The evening’s entertainment will feature rhythm and rhyme from Musical Theatre.” Tickets for the Cabaret fundraiser will be available in October. Run date: Nov. 19, Magnolia Room, VSU University Center.

VALDOSTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Where: Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Exceptions noted.

More information: Call VSU College of the Arts Outreach at (229) 333-2150 or visit www.valdostasymphony.org.

Conductor: Howard Hsu.

CONCERTS

Beethoven’s “Leonore Overture,” No. 3, Op. 72b; Glazunov’s Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82, with guest artist Corinne Stillwell, violin; Dvořák’s Symphony in D Minor, Op. 70. Run date: Sept. 23.

Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro Overture”; Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major, K. 297b, with Susan Eischeid, oboe, Peter Geldrich, clarinet, Kristen Johns, horn, Shannon Lowe, bassoon; Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 60. Run date: Oct. 21.

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with Dance Arts, Inc. The VSO partners again with Dance Arts’ long-running Christmas tradition. Run dates: Dec. 1-3, Mathis City Auditorium.

THOMAS COUNTY

THOMASVILLE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Where: 600 E. Washington St. Exceptions noted.

Admission: Free. Exceptions noted.

More information: Call (229) 226-0588 or visit www.thomasvillearts.org.

EXHIBITS

Carly Berry exhibit at Grassroots Coffee Co. Run dates: July 1-Sept. 30.

Marty Hawthorn, Open Studio: Military Tribute Mosaic. Studio 209, 209 W. Remington Ave. Hawthorn designed a 40-square-foot mosaic work of art depicting the military experience in both war and peacetime with historical images fired on ceramic tiles. Members of the Thomasville community are invited to help create the mosaic during a series of public open studio sessions. Run dates: Aug. 12, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Andrew Sabori, “Coming to America: The Immigration Experience,” Main Gallery. Showcases Sabori’s reproduction of the Ellis Island lost mural for the first time to the public at large, along with National Archive portraits, passport papers and photos. Admission: $15. Run dates: Aug. 9-Oct. 4., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Opening reception: Sept. 7, 5-7:30 p.m.

SHOWS AND FESTIVALS

ArtReach. Since 1993, ArtReach has been a TCA collaborative program with local public and private schools to provide professional theatre performances for all school children, grades Pre-K through 12. Performances take place at TCA’s theater during the school day. To schedule a class field trip, contact Mary Oglesby at (229) 226-0588.

ArtReach: Ellis Island. Grades 6-8. Run dates: Sept. 6-8.

ArtReach: Silver Trout Art. Music, storytelling and puppetry for grades 4-5. Run dates: Oct. 18-19.

22nd Annual Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival. Various locations. TCA celebrates the sporting life through art. Guests may choose from a dozen events during a 10-day period. Details at www.pwaf.org. Run dates: Nov. 9-19.

THOMASVILLE ENTERTAINMENT FOUNDATION FAMILY AND CONCERT SERIES

TEF is presenting its milestone 80th annual concert series of world-class artists and ensembles in 2017-18, held at the intimate 500-seat concert hall at the Thomasville Center for the Arts. TEF also presents a dedicated Family Series geared toward younger audiences and families.

Admission: $38 adults, $15 students. Exceptions noted.

More information: Call (229) 226-7404 or visit www.TEFconcerts.com.

SHOWS

Chris Brubeck. Returning to Thomasville after very well-received performances in past seasons, Chris Brubeck’s trio presents a sojourn through the landscape of American music with a lively set list of Delta blues, New Orleans jams and Tin Pan Alley standards. Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Chanticleer. Thomasville native and Chanticleer music director William Fred Scott brings the Grammy Award-winning “orchestra of voices” to South Georgia in a program evoking the grand scale and human cost of war, featuring works by Dufay, Janequin and Bates. Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Fall Family Frolic. TEF kicks off its second annual Family Series with a family picnic with kid-friendly roots, folk and rock music and engaging activities, featuring Susana & Timmy Abell and Big Bang Boom! proving that music can be educational and fun. Thomasville Amphitheater. Free admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Oct. 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

ArtsPower’s Production of Biscuit. Based on the children’s books by Alyssa S. Capucilli, this popular musical features a frolicking puppy who loves exploring, making new friends and even stirring up some mischief. Part of TEF’s Family Series. Pre-K though second grade. Children free, adults $10. Nov. 4, 11 a.m.

THOMASVILLE ON STAGE & CO.

Where: Storefront Theatre, 117 S. Broad St.

Founded in 1979, Thomasville’s vibrant community theatre company presents an annual season of plays and musicals, as well as an annual festival of new works by area playwrights, at its historic Storefront Theatre in downtown Thomasville.

Admission: $15 adults, $12 students.

More information: Call (229) 226-0863 or visit www.tosac.com.

“The Fantasticks.” Run dates: Sept. 15, 16, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m.; Sept. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m.

THOMASVILLE MUSIC & DRAMA TROUPE

Where: Thomasville Municipal Auditorium

South Georgia’s finest teenaged entertainers made up of, yes, middle and high school students from across the region who have built a 45-year reputation of stellar, professional-level performances featured throughout the Southeast, in New York, two performances at the White House and in England.

Since 1977, Troupe’s Christmas Shows have ushered in the holiday season with familiar Christmas carols, classical sacred pieces and high-energy dancers to usher in the holiday season.

Admission: $20 reserved, $15 general admission

More information: Visit www.thomasvillemusicanddramatroupe.com.

2017 Christmas Show. Run date: Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.

ARTS FOR THE COMMUNITY AT THOMAS UNIVERSITY

Where: TU Art Gallery, Student Life Center, Magnolia Campus, 1550 Magnolia St.

Gallery hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 8 a.m.-noon Fridays. Opening reception at 7 p.m. Sept. 11.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 227-6964 or visit www.thomasu.edu. For a guided viewing, email rcurtis@thomasu.edu.

EXHIBITS

Art Faculty Exhibit featuring works of Rich Curtis and David Allio. Run dates: Sept. 11-Oct. 20.

Art Exhibit featuring the works of Julie Bowland. Run dates: Oct. 30-Dec. 1.

SUNDAYS AT FOUR PERFORMANCE SERIES

All shows at 4 p.m.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 227-6964 or visit www.thomasu.edu.

Celebrate the ‘70s. Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe, 427 Covington Ave. Sept. 17.

Chamber music. Trinity Anglican Church, Thomasville. Oct. 15.

Americana — Acoustic Blues. Flowers Foods Executive Classroom, Smith-Bonvillian Hall, TU Forbes Campus, Thomasville. Nov. 19.

Thomasville Singers present Handel’s “Messiah.” St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Thomasville. Dec. 3.

FRIDAYS AT NOON PERFORMANCE SERIES

All shows at noon.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 227-6964 or visit www.thomasu.edu.

Lopez-Tabor Duo. Thomasville United Methodist Church Chapel. Sept. 22.

Avis Berry, jazz singer. Balfour Chapel, TU Forbes Campus, Thomasville. Oct. 27.

Phyllis Pancella, mezzo-soprano. First United Methodist Church Chapel, Thomasville. Nov. 17.

COLQUITT COUNTY

COLQUITT COUNTY ARTS CENTER

Where: 401 7th Avenue S.W. Moutrie.

McCall, Vereen and Traverse Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 985-1922 or visit www.colquittcountyartscenter.com.

EXHIBITS

Dr. Vincent Keesee, “A Southerner’s Perspective,” Vereen Gallery. Run dates: Aug. 11-Sept. 21.

Ingrid Erickson, “Works in Cut Paper,” Vereen Gallery. Run dates: Oct. 5-Nov. 16.

“Coming to America: The Immigrant Experience,” McCall Gallery. Run dates: Oct. 12-Dec. 14.

Christmas Shoppe, Vereen Gallery. Run dates: Nov. 30-Dec 13.

ARTOBERFEST

An afternoon of art vendors, demonstrations, and a family outdoor craft area. Oct. 7.

MUSIC

“A Night at the Grand Ole Opry.” Come and enjoy an evening of favorites from the Grand Ole Opry including songs from George Jones, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Johnny Cash and more! All proceeds will benefit Auditorium Upgrade Project. Director: Mickey Key. Tickets $10. Run dates: Aug. 11 & 12, 7 p.m.

THEATER

“Broadway Bound” by Neil Simon. Synopsis: “Part three of Neil Simon’s acclaimed autobiographical trilogy finds Eugene and his older brother Stanley trying to break into the world of show business as professional comedy writers while coping with their parents break-up and eventual divorce. When their material is broadcast on the radio for the first time, the family is upset to hear a thinly-veiled portrait of themselves played for laughs.” Directors: Clay Newton and Charlie Arnold. Auditions: Aug. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Run dates: Nov. 10-12.

“A Year with Frog and Toad.” Synopsis: “Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, ‘A Year with Frog and Toad’ tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.” Director: Megan Crawley. Auditions: Aug. 24, 5:30-7 p.m. Run dates: Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

“Junie B. Jones.” Synopsis: “It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a ‘Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,’ and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously lovable character and fun-filled songs, ‘Junie B. Jones’ will capture audience members’ hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.” Director: Melissa Sims. Auditions/call: Aug. 31, 6:30-8 p.m. School run dates: Oct. 26-27. Public run dates: Oct. 28-29.

“Family Theater – A Christmas Carol,” based on the novel by Charles Dickens and adapted by C.C. Ford. Synopsis: “All ages are encouraged to participate in the delightful holiday tale of how one man finds the true Christmas Spirit.” No production fee applies. Director: Melissa Sims. Auditions: Oct. 23. Rehearsals in dance studio through Nov. 15. Run date: Dec. 7.

CALICO ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

The Calico Arts and Crafts Shows bring a variety of artists together twice a year at Spence Field in Moultrie, site of the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition. Works in a variety of media are available for sale, including woodworking, photography, textiles, pencil artwork, painting and many others. The Holiday Show will be held Nov. 11 and 12.

TIFT COUNTY

ABRAHAM BALDWIN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

Where: 2802 Moore Highway.

More information: Call (229) 391-5001 or visit www.abac.edu.

EVENTS

ABAC Fall Fine Arts Faculty Showcase. Howard Auditorium. 7-8:30 p.m. Run date: Aug. 22.

ABAC Fall Choral Concert. Howard Auditorium. 7-8 p.m. Run date: Nov. 2.

ABAC Band Concert. Howard Auditorium. 7-8 p.m. Run dates: Nov. 13 and 14.

Student Recitals. School of Liberal Arts. 4-5 p.m. Run dates: Nov. 30, Dec. 4 and 6.

FIRST TUESDAYS CONCERT SERIES

A Night of Woodwinds. Featuring Duo Astralis, Angela Massy, flute, and Vahan Sargsyan, piano. Driggers Lecture Hall Chapel of All Faiths. 7-8 p.m. Run date: Oct. 3.

A Night of Jazz, featuring Thomas Heflin, trumpet, with instrumental graduates of the ABAC Music Program. Driggers Lecture Hall, Chapel of All Faiths. 7-9 p.m. Run date: Nov. 7.

A Christmas to Remember, featuring the ABAC Music Program and Music Faculty. 7-8 p.m. Run date: Dec. 5.

ABAC PRESENTS! SERIES

The Neeman Piano Duo. Howard Auditorium. 7-8:30 p.m. Run date: Oct. 19.

“Tuesdays With Morrie,” starring Jamie Farr. Howard Auditorium. 7-9:30 p.m. Run date: Nov. 30.

BALDWIN PLAYERS

“Greater Tuna” by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Howard Auditorium. 7-9:30 p.m. Run dates: Oct. 26-28.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURE

Where: 1392 Whiddon Mill Road.

Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m Tuesdays through Fridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m Saturdays.

Admission: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children 5-16, free for children 4 and under and active duty or retired military.

More information: Call (229) 391-5205 or visit www.abac.edu/museum.

ART GALLERY EXHIBITS

Abandoned Rural America Exhibit and Outreach. The works in this exhibition include photographs, paintings, drawings, three-dimentional artifacts and video representing the farmland and houses that were once the dream of some American family, now changed forever. Run dates: Sept. 16-Jan. 17. Opening reception: Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.

TIFTON MUSEUM OF ARTS AND HERITAGE

Where: 255 Love Ave.

More information: Call (229) 382-3600 or visit www.tiftonmuseum.org.

Paws on Love Exhibit. Enjoy a unique art show featuring original work depicting dogs. Run dates: Sept. 10-29.

PLOUGH GALLERY

Where: 1203 College Avenue N.

Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment.

EXHIBITS

Paintings by Mississippi artist Rory Wright. Oct. 21. Opening reception 4-7 p.m.

Brooke Millecchia. Oct. 21.

SUWANNEE COUNTY (FLA.)

LIVE OAK ARTISTS GUILD

Where: Suwannee River Regional Library, 1848 South Ohio Ave., Live Oak.

The Live Oak Artists Guild is an organization whose objective and purpose is to advance the skill, knowledge and appreciation of the arts among its members, the general public, as well as offer assistance and encouragement to area students. It has promoted the arts in Suwannee County since 1979.

Autumn Artfest: 21st annual Fine Art Exhibition, which is designed to allow a maximum number of artists to participate, thereby encouraging the growth of both interest and participation in the visual arts. Reception and awards: 1-3 p.m., Sept. 10. Run dates: Sept. 11-22. Award exhibit run dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 6.

BALDWIN COUNTY

RUSSELL AUDITORIUM

Where: Georgia College & State University Campus, between Chappell Hall and the Maxwell Student Union.

Admission: Free. Exceptions noted.

More Information: Call the Department of Public Services/Facility Reservations at 445-2749 or 445-6542.

SHOWS

“Big Love,” an Off-Broadway award-winning play about 50 brides based on Aeschylus’s “The Suppliants,” by Charles Mee, directed by Kathy Newman. For mature audiences. Admission: $14, GC students $5. Run dates: Sept. 27-30, Oct. 1.

Georgia College Wind Symphony Fall Concert. Director: Cliff Towner. Run date: Oct. 19.

Georgia College Jazz Band Fall Concert. Director: Cliff Towner. Run dates: Nov. 9, 10.

“Cornerstones,” the Georgia College Orchestra Fall Concert. Conductor: William McClain. Run date: Nov. 16.

Georgia College Department of Music Holiday Concert. Run date: Dec. 1.

“The Nutcracker.” Admission: $12, GC students $5. Run dates: Dec. 8-10.

BLACK BOX THEATRE

Where: 135 W. Hancock Street, adjoined to the GC Campus Bookstore.

Admission: Free. Exceptions noted.

More Information: Call the GC Department of Theatre and Dance at (478) 445-8920.

SHOWS

“Big Love.” Illuminating discussions for campus and community. Run date: Sept. 27.

“Aesop’s Fables Redux,” A senior capstone. By Susan Pennington, directed by Haley Fusia. Run dates: Oct. 23, 24.

“Detroit ’67,” a Kennedy Prize Winner with Motown Music, by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Dr. Amy Pinney. For mature audiences. Admission: $14, GC Students $5. Run dates: Nov. 8-12, 15-19.

“Directing Projects,” short scenes directed by GC Theatre students. For mature audiences. Run dates: Nov. 29-30.

MAX NOAH RECITAL HALL

Where: Inside Porter Hall on the Georgia College Campus.

Admission: Free. Exceptions noted.

More Information: Call the GC Department of Music at (478) 445-8289.

SHOWS

“String Quartet Giants,” a selection of pieces for string quartet. William Pu, violin; David Johnson, violin; William McClain, viola; Martin Gueorguiev, cello. Run date: Sept. 12.

“Chameleon,” Grant Larson, saxophone; Owen Lovell, piano. Run date: Sept. 18.

Duo Mosaic, Martin Tosch-Ishii, cello; Henrik Karapetyan, violin. Run date: Sept. 26.

“Honoring the Jazz Masters,” a selection of pieces for jazz quartet. Kevin Whalen, trumpet; Ben Weatherford, guitar; Paul Vaillancourt, drums; Chris Enghauser, bass. Run date: Oct. 3.

“Variety is the Spice of Life,” Gregory Soles, piano. Run date: Oct. 12.

Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert. Director: Nathanial Gworek. Run date: Nov. 2.

“Music Theatre Scenes,” a selection of scenes from GC Theatre and Music students. For mature audiences. Run dates: Nov. 14 & 15.

Small Ensembles Concert. Maureen Horgan, coordinator. Run date: Nov. 20.

JOHN MARLOR ARTS CENTER

Where: 201 N. Wayne St., Milledgeville.

Gallery Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Admission: Free.

More Information: Call Milledgeville Allied Arts at (478) 452-3950 or email Director Brian Renko at alliedarts@milledgevillealliedarts.com.

EXHIBITS

Valton Murray, oil paintings in handmade wooden frames. Run dates: June 11- Aug. 11.

Charles Jones, wood sculptures. Opening Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. Run dates: Aug. 20-Sept. 29.

WHITFIELD COUNTY

CREATIVE ARTS GUILD

Where: 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton.

Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.

More information: Visit www.creativeartsguild.org.

EXHIBITS

Gallery Five20:

To Russell Cook, “Disarrangement of Form.” Run dates: July 7-Aug.21.

Festival. Run dates: Sept. 15-Oct. 19.

Paula Gregg. Run dates: Nov. 3-Dec. 15.

Gallery One11:

Mary Hamby, “His Beard Really Isn’t That Blue.” Run dates: Aug. 4-21.

Festival. Run dates: Sept. 15-Oct. 20.

Alexa Lett. Run dates: Nov. 3-Dec.15.

Jonas Hall:

Keith McFarland, “Larger Than Life.” Run dates: Aug. 4-21.

Festival. Run dates: Sept. 15-Oct. 19.

Festival of Trees. Run dates: Nov. 4-Dec. 2.

ARTISTIC CIVIC THEATER

Where: 907 Gaston St., Dalton.

More information: Visit www.actdalton.org.

Next production: The Studio Cabaret.

The Studio Cabaret is an ongoing series showcasing performers from the Dalton area. Dates and times to be announced.

DALTON LITTLE THEATER

Where: 210 N. Pentz St., Dalton.

More information: Visit www.daltonlittletheatre.com.

Next production: August: “Osage County”: A father’s death spurs a dysfunctional family reunion in Oklahoma. Run dates: Sept. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30 and Oct. 1 at 7 p.m., and Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.

THE SNOW QUEEN

Where: Dalton High School theater.

More information: Visit www.creativeartsguild.org/dance/the-snow-queen.

A Dalton tradition since 2005, “The Snow Queen” is a ballet based on the well-known Hans Christian Anderson story.

Admission: $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

Run dates: The production is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 16-18 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

THE NUTCRACKER

Where: Dalton High School theater.

More information: Call (706) 527-2787 or visit www.daltonartsproject.org.

Check the website or call for ticket prices.

A holiday tradition is also a Dalton institution. The Dalton Arts Project presents “The Nutcracker.” This will be the 25th year the ballet has been performed in Dalton. Run dates: Dec. 8 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 16 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The SunLight Project team of journalists who contributed to this report includes Patti Dozier, Charles Oliver, Will Woolever, Jessie Box, Alan Mauldin, Eve Guevara, Dean Poling and team leader John Stephen.

To contact the team, email sunlightproject@gaflnews.com.