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Media Features

A collection of media features on the Greater Augusta Arts Council, projects, and events.

 

“Greater Augusta Arts Council calling on artists for Black History project”

Published by WJBF, Feb 12, 2021
By Barclay Bishop

Via WJBF – “ The Greater August Arts Council is looking for artists to help them with a project focused on bringing Black History to life. It’s Phase Two of the Golden Blocks Project. The two artists chosen will bring the knowledge from inside the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, to public spaces in the Laney-Walker Bethlehem Neighborhood.”

Watch the full video online HERE at WJBF.com!

“Artist Search Underway for Golden Blocks Phase 2”

Published by The Augusta Press, February 4th, 2021
By Charmain Brackett

VIA The Augusta Press – “Applications are being accepted for the second phase of a public art project.

“We want to engage with the treasure of cultural history which is the Golden Blocks,” said Pax Bobrow, the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s project manager, “Our city has an incredibly rich and diverse cultural heritage.”

The arts council along with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and the City of Augusta Housing and Community Development are collaborating on this project. The National Endowment for the Arts provides additional funding.”

Read the Full Story Online HERE: The Augusta Press Article

 

“Golden Blocks Public Art Project Phase 2”

Published by Augusta CEO, February 1st, 2021

VIA AUGUSTA CEO – “The Greater Augusta Arts Council and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum are thrilled to announce that the application for The Golden Blocks Project Phase 2 is open immediately for applications. This project is made possible by a collaboration between the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, and the City of Augusta Department of Housing and Community Development, with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.”

Read Full Article online at AugustsCEO.com!

“Ribbon cutting to mark launch of Augusta Sculpture Trail”

Published by WRDW News 12, Jan 26, 2021
By Tradesha Woodard

VIA WRDW News 12 – “The city of Augusta and the Greater Augusta Arts Council will hold a ribbon cutting for the new sculpture trail.

The event will be from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 6 on the Augusta Common at Reynolds Street.

Speakers will include Mayor Hardie Davis; Bennish Brown with the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau; Commissioner Sean Frampton; Brenda Durant, executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council; Margaret Woodard, Downtown Development Authority; and emcee Jay Markwalter from the Georgia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Music will be provided by Karen Gordon, and live painting by local artist Billy S.”

View the full video online at wrdw.com

“Augusta Sculpture Trail: Lifting spirits one piece at a time”

Published by WRDW News 12, Jan 22, 2021
By Tradesha Woodard

VIA WRDW News 12 – “If you’ve walked around downtown Augusta recently, you’ve probably seen some new attractions along Broad Street.

Ten new sculptures are now on display, ones that have been in the works for some time. It’s all a part of the Augusta Sculpture Trail initiative by the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

The council has made it a priority to make the city an arts destination. And we wanted to find out the story behind all the artworks.

It’s a variety of ideas and inspirations from artists hoping to leave you breathless at your first glance.”

View the full video online at wrdw.com

“Sculpture show taking form in Augusta”

Published by WJBF, Jan 21, 2021
By George Eskola

Via WJBF – “The latest artistic effort for the Garden City is taking shape. The final pieces for the Augusta Sculpture Trail are going up.

The Arts council leased 10 sculptures, that are set up across different parts of downtown. They will be part of a walking tour.”

Watch the full video online at Wjbf.com!

“Arts in the Heart 2021 canceled, smaller festival planned”

Published by WJBF, Jan 24, 2021
By Wes Cooper

Via WJBF – ““The word of last year I say was pivot and because we’re an arts organization I say we’ve been doing a pirouette for the last 10 months,” said Greater Augusta Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Durant.

Arts in the Heart is canceled for 2021 but the Greater Augusta Arts Council hopes to hold a smaller event in the third week of September, the ArtsCity Festival.

Durant explained, “It would be limited food booths but a lot of take out from downtown restaurants which will help our restaurants that have needed it and we’ll put a lot of tables out and people can enjoy some of the best features of the Arts in the Heart festival.””

Watch the full video online at Wjbf.com

“Augusta getting a sculpture trail as part of plan to make city more arts-friendly”

Published by WRDW News 12, December 1, 2020
By Ciara Cummings

VIA WRDW News 12 – “The city is getting a new sculpture trail.

Ten art pieces will be erected across the downtown area. The Greater Augusta Arts Council told News 12 Tuesday this is part of its continued efforts to make the city an arts destination.

They say this is another chance for the public to appreciate all the creativity the city has to offer in a COVID-safe way.”

Read Full Article online at WRDW News 12!

“A call for local artists: Sculpture on the Augusta Canal Trail”

Published by WRDW News 12, August 26, 2020
Report by Tyria Goines

Via WRDW – “Do you want to showcase your artistic abilities? The Greater Augusta Arts Council invites local artists to submit proposals for a newly commissioned public art sculpture.

Georgia Rehabilitation Institute Inc. in association with the Greater Augusta Arts Council and the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, will commission the creation and installation of one exterior public art sculpture on the Augusta Canal Trail.”

Read Full Article online at WRDW.COM

“Artist’s secret to James Brown mural in Augusta: ‘Keep it funky’ “

Published by WRDW News 12, August 19, 2020
Report by Tradesha Woodard

Via WRDW – “If you’ve been around downtown Augusta lately, you’ve seen the new mural in the works that’s dedicated to the Godfather of Soul. While it looks like the work is almost done, the artist behind it says there’s more to come. Although the mural isn’t quite finished, it provides different scenery in downtown Augusta.

“I never look at the clock when I’m on the lift and I’m painting. I’m in my element. I could be there for 25 hours if my body could take it,” said Cole Phail, the artist behind the James Brown mural. “His songs have a common theme: Keep it funky,” the artist said. “So my goal is to keep it as funky as possible.” From 6 at night to sunrise, he’s working. And he says the community couldn’t be more supportive.”

View the full video online at wrdw.com

Arts in the Heart of Augusta: Coverage of the 2020 Cancellation

“‘Its been difficult for arts’: Pandemic poses challenge to local artists”

Published by WRDW News 12, July 26, 2020
Report by Kennedi Harris

Via WRDW – “The cancellation of several art shows and events, including Augusta’s Arts in the Heart festival, have left many artists facing a new struggle.

“Everybody’s just trying to be creative and do what they can and come up with creative ways to get through and basically just survive 2020” said local artist Rachel Bingaman.

Bingaman has been painting professionally for 8 years. She says she’s seen at least a 5 figure loss in sales this year due to the pandemic.”

Read Full Article online at WRDW.COM

 

“Locals react to the cancellation of Arts in the Heart”

Published by WJBF, July 23, 2020
Report by Wes Cooper

Via WJBF – “Arts in the Heart, the latest event to be canceled due to coronavirus. It means about a $1.7 million hit to the local economy.

“We would be asked to be socially distanced at the festival and our festival just doesn’t work that way. Even though we space the artists’ booths more and we made it more for our attendees, it was not going to be socially distanced,” said Brenda Durant, Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

Karis Melchior, an employee at Artsy Me said, “I completely understand like why it’s canceled just because we need to protect the public and things like that. But I hate it for our artists and the money that it brings. And the enjoyment everyone gets from it.”

Watch the full video online at Wjbf.com

 

“Art Council cancels Arts in the Heart of Augusta 2020 festival”

Published by WFXG, July 23, 2020
Report by Mary Klinger

Via WFXG – “The Greater Augusta Arts Council announced they are canceling the 2020 Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival due to COVID-19.

The council says “The recent surge in COVID-19 cases and unprecedented pandemic mandates precautions for the well-being of our community.”

On Arts in the Heart of Augusta’s website, coordinators say “It is with a heavy heart that the City of Augusta and the Greater Augusta Arts Council has to announce that the award-winning festival will not be held this year. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases and unprecedented pandemic mandates precautions for the well-being of our community.”

Read Full Article online at WFXG.COM

 

“Arts in the Heart canceled due to COVID-19 concerns”

Published by WRDW News 12, July 23, 2020
Report by Jeremy Turnage and Celeste Springer

Via WRDW – “With fears of COVID-19 still causing many events to be canceled locally, statewide, and nationwide, festival organizers with Arts in the Heart say they are canceling their event, as well. Festival organizers say the recent spike in COVID-19 cases pushed them to make the decision.

“As we cautiously planned the 2020 Festival it was heartwarming to receive support with over 185 applications for the Fine Arts and Craft Festival, Performing applications to fill the 5 stages and nearly 20 International Food Booths. Our media sponsors and major sponsors were working with us to produce another wonderful celebration of everything ‘art’ in Augusta,” a statement from the group said.

The announcement was a pretty big blow as this year’s festival was supposed to bring in about $1.7 million.”

View full video at wrdw.com

 

“Artist relief fund distributes $50,000, completing its work”

Published by WRDW News 12, July 21, 2020

Via WRDW.com – ” A pandemic relief fund for local artists has completed its work with the distribution of 114 grants totaling $50,000

The Artist Emergency Relief Awards have been overseen by the Augusta Arts Consortium and made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of the CSRA and the United Way of the CSRA.

This effort was an emergency fund to help self-employed/contract artists of all disciplines in the CSRA to recover income lost from cancellations due to COVID-19 precautionary measures. ”

Read Full Article online at WRDW.com

“Best Festival in the South award given to Arts in the Heart of Augusta”

Published by WFXG, May 4, 2020
Report by Ceara Hester

Via WFXG – “The Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival was awarded the 2020 Top Festival of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS).

The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards has put the best festivals and events of the Southeast in the spotlight for the past 34 years. STS is a non-profit organization that promotes travel and tourism within 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.”

Read Full Article online at WFXG.COM

“Laney-Walker mural unveiled as part of public art project”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, August 4, 2019
Report By Charmain Brackett

Via Augustachronicle.com – “The first phase of a new public art project was installed in Augusta’s Laney-Walker historic district Wednesday.

‘This is one of four works in the Golden Blocks project,” said Brenda Durant, the executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. “The four artists have chosen to work together.”

Artist Sala Adenike created the mural, which highlights four African-Americans and their accomplishments. Its subjects are John P. Waring Sr. and the Lenox Theatre, the Rev. Charles Walker and Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lucy Craft Laney and the Haines Institute, and Jerrylyn Dent and the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Co.”

READ FULL ARTICLE ON AUGUSTACHRONICLE.COM

“Plans for New Art Projects Abound in Augusta’s Growing Economy”

Published by BuzzonBiz, May 25, 2019
Report by Wit Wells

Via buzzonbiz.com -“…”What really inspired me is that arts really are an engine for economic prosperity, because people come out of their hiding holes and spend money on the arts,” Bobrow said.

The council’s ongoing effort to enliven the arts scene in Augusta stems from the same conclusion expressed in Arts and Economic Prosperity 5: that local economies benefit significantly from having a thriving arts scene.

According to the study, one-third of attendees of arts-focused festivals and events come from out of town, and they spend twice as much money at those events as locals do ($47.57 per person versus $23.44 per person).”

Read Full Article on BuzzonBiz.com

“Artist preserving Summerville’s history on utility box”

Published by WRDW News 12, January 25, 2018
Report by Jason Raven

Via WRDW.com -“Neighbors and passerby’s in one of Augusta’s historic neighborhoods have been thanking artist Cyndy Epps.”Typically you paint a painting and put it up on a wall. You’ll hear some feedback but this has been a cool experience,” Cyndy says. Cyndy is painting on a utility box on Gould’s Corner (at the intersection of Walton Way and Milledge Road) in the Summerville neighborhood.

View full video at wrdw.com

“The Artside: This call for artists will affect future art for Augusta”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, January 17, 2018
Written By Charmain Z. Brackett

Via Augusta.chronicle.com -“The Greater Augusta Arts Council has been working with the city of Augusta and its officials to create more public art opportunities for artists. It’s currently looking for nominations of local artists to serve on a public arts’ advisory panel.

The panel is comprised of city leaders, artists and members of the community.

‘Years of work have brought the desire for more expressive public art in Augusta to an all-time high,” said Pax Bobrow, project manager with the Greater Augusta Arts Council, in a news release. “The Public Arts Advisory Panel will help us build a framework for the city to unleash that creative energy.’

Read Full Article Online at Chronicle.Augusta.com

 

“Comprehensive study details economic impact of Augusta’s arts community”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, November 18, 2017
Written By Joe Hotchkiss

Via Augusta.chronicle.com -“The arts don’t just nourish the soul. They provide potent fuel for an economic engine.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council has known that for a while, but recently it learned the dollars-and-cents details: Arts and culture generate more than $57 million in direct economic activity for the greater Augusta area.

That was one of the biggest takeaways from the Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 survey project, described as the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the United States.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT AUGUSTA.CHRONICLE.COM

” Editorial: For art’s sake, Help define our community by embracing public art”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, October 22, 2017
Written By the Augusta Chronicle Editorial Staff

Via Augusta.chronicle.com -“Why have public art?

 There have been many reasons. It’s said that Ramesses II ordered the carving of the statues at Egypt’s Abu Simbel to intimidate the neighboring Nubians. When Michelangelo’s David was unveiled in Italy in 1504, it stood as a symbol of independence for the Florentine Republic.

The reasons for having public art in Augusta don’t loom as large as all that – but that doesn’t make public art any less important.”

READ FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

“Public art can help create community pride, unify residents, expert says”

Published by the Augusta Chronicle, October 17, 2017
Written By Damon Cline

Via Augusta.chronicle.com – With the last major installation of public art occurring nearly two decades ago, Augusta is a little behind the culture curve.

 But no more than the average community, one of the nation’s top public art experts said Tuesday.

“One of the conversations that I always get from anywhere I visit is that ‘We’re so behind in public art…that everyone else is doing something awesome,’ ” said Patricia Walsh, public art program manager for Americans for the Arts. “No, you’re not. It’s OK, we’re seeing growth across the country (in small- and mid-size markets).”

FULL ARTICLE AT CHRONICLE.AUGUSTA.COM

“Arts in the Heart a brilliant ray of sunshine after Irma”

Published by the Metro Spirit, September 23 2017
Written By Amanda Main and Stacey Eidson

Via Metrospirit.com -“A few days before Hurricane Irma brought tropical weather to the Augusta area, Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival organizers were wary of what effects it might have on their festival, held the weekend after. The tropical storm blew through on Sept. 11, and the festival took place Sept. 15 through Sept. 17.

But thankfully, the weather cleared up a few days before, and despite losing a day of work to the storm, organizers, volunteers and other festival workers came together to put on a bigger, more successful festival in its 37th year.”

READ FULL ARTICLE AT METROSPIRIT.COM

“Have a Say About Public Art in Augusta”

Published by the Metro Spirit, September 23 2017
Written By The Insider

Via Metrospirit.com -“Calling all artists and everyone else in Augusta who cares about future public art in the Garden City. The Greater Augusta Arts Council will be hosting a community input session on public art on Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the Linda Beazley Conference Room at the Municipal Building starting at 5:30 p.m. Specifically, local Augusta artists are invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the city’s future public art projects and provide the Greater Augusta Arts Council some much-needed input. If citizens and local artists show up, this could prove to be an interesting and beneficial meeting. This meeting could put the word “public” back into “public art.”

READ FULL ARTICLE AT METROSPIRIT.COM

“Plans in the works to bring more art to the Garden City”

Published by WJBF, May 8 2017

Via WJBF.com -“Augusta is home to the Savannah River, Augusta National, and multiple historic districts. Still, civic leaders say one thing is lacking– public art that distinguishes the Garden City.

A new Public Art Master Plan sets out to fulfill the missing component.

Thousands visit Chicago just to get a picture with the iconic “bean”. Now, the city is working with the Greater Augusta Arts Council to create a piece that tells the story of Augusta.”

READ FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

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Erica Pastecki's "Pop a Cork" is giving us serious Erica Pastecki's "Pop a Cork" is giving us serious 😍 😍 !  This piece is available in the WetPaint auction right now! Support local art and the Arts Council every time you take home a piece of gorgeous art from Saturday's event.
If your desk needs a little pep, you're in luck. T If your desk needs a little pep, you're in luck. This darling terrarium by Irina Wnorwski is just what it needs. This piece is available in the WetPaint auction right now! Go bid on this cutie, your desk thanks you. {link in bio}
FEATURED ARTIST: Ashley Gray Ashley Gray is an Ai FEATURED ARTIST: Ashley Gray

Ashley Gray is an Aiken, SC ceramic artist with a love for creating public art. She is one of the four artists who were selected in Phase ONE of the Golden Blocks Project, and she is also a recipient of a 2020 Porter Fleming Foundation grant to create, Basking Turtles, a piece along the Augusta Canal Trail. Her bas relief work is also hanging at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market in Atlanta, Georgia's Sweet Auburn Historic District.
To read more: https://www.augustaarts.com/member-artist-interview-ashley-gray/

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #ashleygray
Here's to hoping that June Klement's "Nature's San Here's to hoping that June Klement's "Nature's Sanctuary" is a moment of zen on your timeline today. This piece is one of 70+ pieces in our WetPaint auction, available for purchase. You can find the link to the auction in our bio.
Do your professional headshots need updating? Ther Do your professional headshots need updating? There's a CSRA Photography photoshoot package listed in the WetPaint silent auction! You can start bidding at 5pm tonight when the auction opens!
AUGUSTA ART ADVENTURE: Augusta Sculpture Trail Sca AUGUSTA ART ADVENTURE: Augusta Sculpture Trail Scavenger Hunt
By Brenda Durant

I love that we have the new Otocast App for the Augusta Sculpture Trail. I loaded the app on my phone when I was in Chattanooga at a Public Art Conference a few years ago and fell in love with the features. So, when the opportunity came up to have Otocast in Augusta, The Arts Council jumped at it. Otocast is a free app. You can easily find it in your app store or download it using the QR code on every sign on the Sculpture Trail. One of the best features is the option to stand in front of a sculpture and hear the artist talk about his/her piece. I love it!

Click link in bio to read more.

#loveaugusta #augustaarts #augustasculpturetrail #publicart #publicartaugusta
Have you encountered Si-Long Chen's ( follow her a Have you encountered Si-Long Chen's ( follow her account @foxsilong) photography? She's currently showing several pieces at the Augusta & Co "Growth and Color" show. Si-Long Chen, nicknamed Fox, was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. Growing up, she lived with her mom and her sister in Hsinchu Science and Industrial Park. As a child, Si-Long has been traveling back and forth between the U.S. and Taiwan; it wasn’t until 2006 when she decided to stay in the U.S. permanently to advance her education.

Under the guardianship and the care of her aunt and uncle in Martinez, Ga., Si-Long attended Lakeside High School. After graduating from high school in 2009, she matriculated at Augusta State University (Now Augusta University) to study Communications and Fine Arts, and she graduated in May of 2013. During her senior year in 2012, she was naturalized as a U.S. citizen. Since she graduated, she has been working in digital marketing and communications field. When Si-Long is not in the office of her day time job, she goes around the community to take photos as a freelance artist.

Click link in bio for more info.
#loveaugusta #augustaarts #silongchen #föxchen
Can you even believe that this is a watercolor pai Can you even believe that this is a watercolor painting? Rhonda Bryce has lent her incredible talent to the WetPaint auction and has two stunning pieces listed! Auction is live on Monday night, get excited!
We can't stop admiring this gorgeous piece that lo We can't stop admiring this gorgeous piece that local artist Lillie Morris has listed in the WetPaint silent auction. The auction goes live on Monday and it's full of incredible pieces.
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