The Arts – May
The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. — Pablo Picasso
It’s May and summer is fast approaching. This signals the annual wrap-up of many arts-related events that were planned for the year at least until the fall months arrive. Yes, surely there will be arts-related activities and events during the summer months, but they may be fewer and further between during the lazy, hot days of summer when most folks are trying to “get away.”
At certain times of the year we may have to “dig a little deeper” to find engaging arts events in the community, but art is here and you can always create engaging arts moments for yourself as well! This summer make a goal to take in a play, a concert, a book talk or poetry reading, an art exhibit, a dance performance, a lecture, perhaps a fashion show.
And why be just an observer or consumer of art? Pick up your paint brushes, choose a well reviewed novel, take a dance class. You’ll come away richer for it and perhaps with a little less dust on your soul. Newnan is poised as a city known for hosting quality arts to enrich the lives of those who live and visit here. Think Savannah, Decatur, Athens . . . Okay, so Newnan is not quite there yet, but we are building it. When art is well supported, more art tends to come. So please get out and enjoy the arts events made available in Newnan. The best is yet to come!
Below is a list of places you can take in the arts in our community. Go to the websites, become a patron, follow on Facebook and Instagram, visit the physical location, volunteer, buy tickets, make a donation, take a friend. With your help Newnan can become the next Georgia town well-known for the quality art it supports!
The Nixon Center for Performing Arts
thenixoncentre.net
This venue has a surprising number of unique and dynamic performances each year. Located at 1523 Lower Fayetteville Road in Newnan, office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon – Fri. Become a patron and get special invitations to events with others who support performing arts. Office 770-254-2787.
Newnan-Coweta Historical Society
Newnancowetahistoricalsociety.com
NCHS, under the leadership of Executive Director Jeff Bishop, has grown exponentially with its annual offerings. It has become a leader for arts based programming that supports and educates with a focus on local history. Annual membership and volunteer opportunities are available. Located at 74 Jackson, St. NCHS’ McRitchie-Hollis Museum and the Historic Train Depot located at 60 W. Broad, have both become locations for quality arts related programs. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tues – Sat. Office 770-251-0207.
Storytellers at NCHS’ Oak Hill Cemetery Tour
ArtRez
newnanartist.org
The Newnan Art Rez program offers emerging and mid career artists a retreat where they can pursue visual, literary, and musical projects. Artists are hosted in the historic Gray Cottage located on Clark St near downtown Newnan. This is the location of many art exhibits and demonstrations as is the Carnegie Library, which hosts several Art Rez lectures annually. The Gray Cottage allows artist to get away from everyday pressures to create unencumbered while at the same time offering our community an opportunity to engage with the artists in the program.
Newnan Cultural Art Commission
cityofnewnan.org/newnan_cultural_arts_commission.php
The Newnan Cultural Art Commission (NCAC), is the city of Newnan arm that supports the arts in Newnan. Most scheduled performances take place in The Wadsworth Auditorium located at 25 Jefferson St. and additionally at Newnan’s beautiful Greenville St. Park located downtown. Enjoy the annual Wadsworth concert, a country music show, a dance performance, a Scottish heritage play or a jazz performance.
Newnan Theatre Company
newnantheatre.org
Our little theatre company is an awesome one. It’s like the little theatre that could. It just keeps pumping out quality show after quality show. Become a patron! Attend a few shows. It’s a fun date night and a great way to engage in theatre without driving to the big city. Located at 24 1st Ave, NTC seeks to make their location their permanent home and is taking donations to make it happen. Help out these fine folks by making a contribution today!
Other places to engage with Newnan’s Art Scene include —
Backstreet Arts where you can participate or volunteer with the weekly art classes and activities that go on there weekly. Located at 19-B First Avenue, Newnan. Pay them a visit. You’ll be glad you did. 770-940-ARTS (2787) [email protected]
Corner Arts, Gallery & Studio is a place where amateur artists display, sell and create art. Take a class from one of their many weekly offerings. Shop in the storefront. Located at 30 S. Court Sq, Newnan. 678-633-5705
Also, The Newnan Carnegie Library, Newnan Coweta Public Libraries, Newnan Coweta Art Association, The Boyd Gallery, Three Hearts Farm, and more!
After several years in advertising and working as a librarian, Larisa 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.
