Arts in Emanuel
The year that was
Joan Dunn

For the Arts in Emanuel County, 2007 was an exceptional year- right from the beginning. With an exhibit of mailed works entitled "The Art of Communication," the Gallery RFD opened in January. The opening reception for the Gallery also was one stop on the first Second Saturday Art Stroll in Swainsboro.

Our monthly meander for the Arts has taken us to several venues in downtown Swainsboro over the last months. Many visitors have joined us in experiencing the arts in our community. Artists from various locations throughout the world have exhibited here. Yes, I did say throughout the world. Each month, Gallery RFD has a juried show with works submitted from all over. With so many venues such as the Kalmanson Gallery, Jack's Java Cove, and 114 West Main, artists have found Swainsboro to be an attractive place to show their work.

To complete the evening, the Art Stroll concert series featured a variety of musical guests, often sponsored by the Downtown Commission for Arts and Commerce which was established in 2007. Currently made up of the Chamber of Commerce, Daniel's Chevrolet, the Emanuel Arts Council, The Forest-Blade, Gallery RFD, the Mill Creek Foundation, Nordson, Radio Jones and the Georgia Rural Economic Development Center at East Georgia College, the commission was formed with the mission to help revitalize downtown Swainsboro through the arts.

Breaking with a long-standing tradition of having receptions for gallery openings on the first Sunday of each month, the Kalmanson became a major component of the Art Stroll by moving the reception to the Second Saturday evening. One of the most exciting events at the gallery was "Art and the Motorcycle" which not only featured work by nationally known artists but actual motorcycles as well- an exhibit so large that space at the building on the corner of West Main and North Green became a gallery annex. Another show at the Kalmanson was the first of its kind (ever, anywhere)--a gallery exhibition of Art Trading Cards, Editions and Originals with 356 (2.5"x3.5") pieces of art created by members of the Emanuel Artists Guild and guests from Kansas, Kentucky and Texas.

Taking a bold step away from its usual musical offerings, the Emanuel Arts Council presented Dayfall in a full-fledged rock concert. Other musical events included the Emanu'Ole Opry and "Some Enchanted Evening" (Rodgers and Hammerstein music performed by the Springer Opera Company). Open Mic Nights continue at Jack's Java Cove every other Monday night.

Arts Emanuel 2007 was held in conjunction with the Art Stroll so the festival lasted all day long. Beginning at 10 am with children activities, entertainment including WTOC's Magic Marc, art exhibits including a car show and continuing through the Art Stroll , it culminated with the Afromotive concert which finished at 10:30 p.m.

Celebrating the Arts, a mural based on the festival was completed in downtown Swainsboro by the Emanuel Artists Guild.

Innovative events that expanded our artistic vision and enhance the reputation that Swainsboro and Emanuel County is gaining as a destination to experience the arts highlighted the year. And 2008 promises to be even better!

Joan Dunn is an artist, member of the Emanuel Arts Council Board of Directors and President of the Emanuel Artists Guild. She is interested in learning about creative arts efforts throughout the area. Contact her at joan-ofart@ nctv.com.

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