The Arts – July 2018
Looking for a FREE night of FUN in downtown Newnan? Look no further. “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” is coming to Newnan’s Greenville Street Park July 27 & 28, 7:30 p.m. “Midsummer,” one of Shakespeare’s most accessible works and a crowd pleaser, may best be described as a romantic comedy. If you’ve never attended a Shakespeare production or even if you have, this will likely be an enjoyable evening outdoors as you take in a little lighthearted theater. Newnan High School Drama Department and Newnan Theater Company alums James Hendley and Madeline Sain are teaming up to bring Shakespeare alive in Newnan with their outfit “Newnan Shakespeare Company,” a.k.a “Newnan Shakes.” Both Hendley and Sain are also college theater majors who have been honing their acting chops with theater companies since graduating. They look forward to bringing their passion for theater and Shakespeare to their hometown. Says Hendley, “Midsummer is a timeless comedy that has wide appeal. It was an obvious choice for our first production.” They encourage attendees to bring a picnic, a chair and if they wish, a jar to catch fireflies! Facebook: Newnan Shakespeare Company and newnanshakes.com
The Newnan-Coweta Yarn Burners, a local storytelling group, reunites to plan events for the fall and to share a few stories. Storytelling is being touted as one most important skills of the 21st century in business and life. Join this group to hone your storytelling craft, hear stories, have fun and meet a few new friends. Meeting is Thurs, July 26, 5:30 p.m. at The Leaf n’ Bean in downtown Newnan. Information on Facebook: Newnan-Coweta Yarn Burners Storytelling
2018 Summer Movie Madness is in full swing at Newnan Theatre Company! Movies showing Saturday nights July 14 & 21 at 8 p.m. at the theatre located at 24 First Ave near downtown Newnan. Enjoy revisiting or experiencing for the first time classic movies in the comfort of theatre seating and air conditioning! And yes, POPCORN! This year’s remaining summer movies include a double feature, “Frankenstein” and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” Check out selections and ticket information at newnantheatre.org. Tickets are only $5 each and will be available online or at the box office. Note: Grand finale July 21 at the Back to the Future/80’s night event. Guests will have access to unlimited play on arcade games, food, and the movie. Dress 80’s style. $25 or FREE for season ticket holders.
Boogie Nights, NewnaNights! Main Street Newnan is hosting a monthly summer music series in Downtown Newnan. NewnaNights take place on Thursdays from 6-8 pm. The last two evenings in the series, Thurs, July 13 & Aug. 9, features musical entertainment, food vendors, art and more. Bring a blanket or chairs, but plan to dance the evening away in Greenville Street Park. Downtown businesses will stay open late during the Summer NewnaNights, and feature specials and promotions for shoppers and guests. mainstreetnewnan.com
S.H.A.S.T. or Southern Artist Studio Tour, returns to Coweta County Sat & Sun, Nov 10, 11. Visit local artists in their studios where you’ll see plenty of art on display and for sale. It’s a great way to support local artists. Buy art year round from the S.H.A.S.T. Art for Sale Facebook page. The mission of S.H.A.S.T. is to inspire, educate and promote the arts in our community.
David Boyd Jr. of The Boyd Gallery at 14 E. Washington Street is excited to host a pop-up reception in honor of fine art photographer Katheryn Nee on First Friday in August. Nee is known as an urban explorer whose photographs feature haunting images of both urban and rural abandonment. Aug 3, 6-9 p.m.
Writer’s Night is coming to the Moreland Hometown Heritage Museum. Local authors T.M. Brown, George Weinstein, Lee St. John and Steve McCondichie will have an informal discussion on the craft of writing. Each author has a unique style and way of interpreting the world. Sat., Jul 28 3-5 p.m. This program is free and open to the public.
And finally, mark your calendar for the Downtown Newnan Labor Day Arts Festival. Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. More information in the next issue!
(After several years in advertising and working as a librarian, Larisa McMichael-Scott now lives AND works in Newnan. She handles marketing, promoting and organizing arts-related events, writing and other creative and business endeavors. A lover of rock music, folk art and reading, she’s always on the lookout for what’s next in the arts. She’s an empty nester who loves downtown Newnan and is in awe of the unique and talented people who make up our community.)
