Arts Around Square Festival brings tourists to Cuthbert

CUTHBERT – The Cuthbert downtown square was filled with the arts recently for the Arts Around the Square Festival. With the support of the Georgia Council for the Arts, Andrew College hosted the second annual festival.

Tourists, locals and regional visitors criss-crossed the square to take part in the activities of the day which included listening to music from the Smiths Station High School Jazz Band from Smiths Station, Ala.; viewing the Crossroads Art Exhibition, which featured encaustic artist Matthew Moye from Lumpkin, along with other local and Andrew College artists; a solo art exhibition by Chattahoochee Valley Community College Assistant Professor of Art Christie Cannon, and an improv theatrical workshop and face-painting led by Andrew College’s theater department.

Events were purposely held throughout downtown to encourage walking and visiting with neighbors. A panel discussion was held in the Welcome Center. Discussion centered on the impact of arts on a community. Panelists included Joy Jinks from Swamp Gravy Inc. in Colquitt; Annie Moye from Pasaquan in Buena Vista; Chris Johnson, art professor and muralist from Andrew College, and Karan Pittman, author and Randolph County historian. A lively and meaningful discussion was held that left the audience thinking about how they can help bring the fine arts to their communities.

The highlight of the afternoon was the Magnolia Alley mural dedication at 3 p.m. Mural artist Johnson has been designing and painting these murals for several months. A large crowd gathered to witness the official dedication.

Speaking at the event were Linda Buchanan, president of Andrew College; Cuthbert Mayor Steve Whatley; Vincent Gadson, a Cuthbert city councilman; state Rep. Gerald Greene, and of course, mural painter Johnson. The artist gave a detailed description of the process involved in creating the murals, from concept to completion. He also pointed out figures in the murals and their importance to the community.

Special guests were introduced, including musician and song writer Cole Taylor; Eddie Davis, a local resident featured in a mural; and family members of Rosey Grier, an American actor, singer and former professional NFL football player, who is also featured in the mural.

Established in 1854, Andrew College is related to The United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.