 There is an exciting new Gold Rush in Dahlonega in the performing and visual arts. Bluegrass and mountain music remain staples in the community and musicians congregate for impromptu picking and singing every Saturday from April through October. You can hear a variety of music styles live each weekend at venues on the historic town square. The Arts scene isn’t limited to just music, though. Live theater thrives at the Holly Theatre on of Georgia’s top producing theaters. There is an abundance of artistic talent in the surrounding mountains. Works of many local and regional artists an crafters – in every medium imaginable – can be found in and around Dahlonega. Several of the wonderful wineries surrounding Dahlonega feature music and wine on the weekends. There are a number of interesting studios, galleries and even restaurants on the public square which regularly showcase local works. Several annual events such as the Mountain Flower Festival of the Arts and the Bear on the Square Mountain Music Festival invite local residents and visitors to enjoy the work of regional artists and musicians. Tour the artists’ studios and watch the artists at work against the backdrop of the charming historic square. www.dahlonega.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=68&Itemid=136
 Dawson County is a budding arts community. The Bowen Center for the Arts in downtown Dawsonville is leading the way with exhibits that change monthly. The center offers classes and sponsors live performances. Join us for the Art in the Garden festival in May. Those who prefer the elegance of glass will delight in Blue Ridge Glassworks and Substantial Lion. The gallery at Around Back at Ricky’s Place features artists such as Cornbread, where you will find paintings, face jug pottery and other whimsical and primitive art. www.dawsonarts.org
 Located in the middle of the Hospitality Highway, Cumming and Forsyth County offer a diverse arts experience in a charming small town atmosphere. From artist studios and galleries to live theater and bluegrass festivals, the arts are thriving and provide visitors and locals alike a unique opportunity to enjoy world renowned and collected artists in easily accessible surroundings. The yearly Bellezza Exhibit is an eagerly anticipated gathering and the Sawnee Artist Gallery located at Humpus Bumpus Bookstore presents shows of local artists on a rotating basis. Bonnie Flood Gallery features regional artists in the charming Vickery Village and Barbara A. Wood Gallery, located off Exit 15, showcase her original oils and limited edition prints. The bronze statues of Gregory Johnson can be enjoyed around the square in downtown Cumming and the somber War Memorial is a haunting tribute to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. His studio is also located in Forsyth County and open for tours by appointment. Additional information on our artists, galleries and entertainment can be found at www.cummingforsythchamber.org.
 Soothe your soul in Alpharetta with shops offering contemporary glassware, ceramics and pottery found near a folk art complex of wildly decorated cottages. The city is home to dance companies and performance theatres, art galleries and numerous outdoor concert series under the stars, where blankets and lawn chairs, picnics and coolers are encouraged. Catch a performance at the newly opened Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. The $35 million 12,000 capacity outdoor venue is host to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, touring Broadway shows and concerts. Experience the Arts
 Roswell is home to a thriving arts community. Numerous galleries and studios dot the landscape of Roswell, especially in the Historic District. Throughout the year you will find art festivals, ArtWalks, and an array of special activities. Storytelling and heritage music events are often showcased in the city. Check out the Roswell Cultural Arts Center’s array of musical concerts, dance, puppetry and theatre, or folk art in the heart of the historic district and galleries that will keep you fascinated for hours. Roswell Visual Arts Center and Clay West offer a variety of exhibitions and workshops. Quilt shows, rug-hooking exhibitions are annual events you’ll want to be sure to catch. Raiford Gallery is a must see, located in a building as intriguing as the 400 artists represented. Georgia Ensemble Theatre offers professional theatre performances while Kudzu Playhouse provides a wide selection of community theatrical productions. In Roswell our history and culture blend for exciting and entertaining artistic experiences. For more on our Arts, Folk & Heritage information, and our numerous special events, please visit www.visitroswellga.com
 Arts are an intricate part of the community infrastructure in Sandy Springs. Our beloved neighborhood facility, Abernathy Arts Center, provides quality instruction and an open and inviting gallery featuring monthly exhibits. Another treasure is our college of creative professional studies, The Art Institute of Atlanta, celebrating fifty years in arts education in culinary arts, creative design, and fashion and media arts. Students are engaged in the community and volunteer their artistic and culinary talents to gain experience while sharing a delightful feeding frenzy to foodies. Last, but certainly not least, is the Sandy Springs Festival. In its 22nd year, the festival is centered on arts from music to collector pieces. One spotlight attraction is the Artist’s Market; the Fine Artists section demonstrates expertise in areas of painting, metal art, photography and fine jewelry. Visit us at www.visitsandysprings.org for more Arts Info and dates for exhibits.
 Buckhead – an art lover’s haven
The community of Buckhead welcomes artists and their patrons with days of viewing! With seventy-six – yes, SEVENTY-six – art galleries, certainly this northern part of Atlanta is the showroom of Georgia.
From AlanAveryArt to Wing and a Prayer, alphabetically; from the new Atlanta Art Gallery (on Peachtree) to Fay Gold (on Miami Circle) that celebrates twenty-eight years in October; from photos to oils, Buckhead offers something new for every taste. An especially exciting operation Is the just opened Hagedorn Foundation Gallery (in unit 25 at 425 Peachtree Hills Ave.) where all revenues go to charity.
In addition to galleries, there are forty-three sculptures on public display throughout the community. These, and the art showrooms, are all listed in the Buckhead Guidebook. This annual directory is published by the Buckhead Coalition and made available through its offices at 3340 Peachtree and in area book stores at $5.
Art related, but of greater interest to historians, is data in the Guidebook on seven historic cemeteries with from two to one thousand burials. There is also introduction to twenty historic sites, and a list of seventy-two historic markers.
What really sets Buckhead apart from the competition, however, are the Decorator Districts, which true art lovers can’t resist. These are – in mapped order – Bennett Street, Peachtree Decorative Arts Plaza, Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, Galleries of Peachtree Hills, and Miami Circle Market Center. Here can be found accessories, antiques, art, bronzes, fabrics, fountains, furniture, interiors, jewelry, lighting, marble, mirrors, porcelain, rugs, and silver in over two hundred and fifty stores. www.buckheadis.com |
