I count myself blessed to have the opportunity to stroll the hallways of the Arts Center each day. This building is full of so many memories for so many. I recently toured a group of graduates of Moultrie High School who had gathered to celebrate their 80th birthdays together. I enjoyed hearing them share the memories of their time in this grand old building.

I remember walking these hallways lined with tall clunky sounding lockers when I was in the 9th grade. I remember when the old wooden seats of the auditorium went all the way to the entrance doors and stopped just short of the stage. I remember Mrs. Suggs teaching me how to sew in the room that now serves as a dance studio. I remember falling asleep in Mrs. Mapp’s science class that was located where the ballroom is now.

I remember getting bit by the theater bug on the stage here in the first high school musical production I was ever in. My role as Ado Annie in “Oklahoma” planted the seeds for the passion I have for live theater today. I played opposite my friend Jimmy Norris, who teaches piano and voice here at the Arts Center. Good times. Good memories.

Oh by the way- the Arts Center Theater will be staging OKLAHOMA! this summer! OKLAHOMA is a great show for all ages and a wonderful way for families to spend “staycation” time together in a fun and creative way.

I was here as program staff in the early to mid-80’s when the building was being renovated. I remember showing Saturday morning movies in the auditorium — with no air conditioning. I remember when the long hallway behind the stage was the big art studio. The high school was still using the old cafeteria as the weight room for the football team at that time.

I remember bringing my daughter to dance class in the dance studio that also had no air conditioning — just big noisy fans to blow the hot air around. I remember Melissa and the Sheldon boys, Chad and Wilson, serving as stage hands for a family entertainment series.

I hope my little trip down memory lane has stirred up some memories for you as well. And I hope you are willing to share those memories with the Arts Center. Take a minute to write them down and either mail them to us at 401 Seventh Ave SW or email your memories to info@colquittcounty.org . And if you have any photos to share we would love to have copies of those as well. You can come by the Arts Center and we will scan them or you can attach them in an email and send them along.  

If you haven’t been by the Arts Center in a while- come on over and take a tour. Every 6 to 8 weeks there are new exhibits to enjoy – totally free! We have classes and workshops in all disciplines and need based scholarships are available for all classes.