Welcome to Visit Augusta GA blog

Have you ever had the feeling that you’d just stumbled upon something or someone that was going to be great? I love exploring new artists. It doesn’t matter if it’s music, dance or visual art – I always get great satisfaction knowing that what I’ve just discovered is going to be BIG. I guess it’s kind of like the small group of followers who supported “The Nerk Twins” knowing that they were on to something. Imagine how they felt when their favorite local band suddenly changed the face of music as “The Beatles.”

This weekend, Augusta gets the chance to explore the work of budding contemporary artists. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art will host the 31^st Annual “Sense of Place” exhibit which displays the work of three up and coming modern artists and offers a provocative glimpse into the modern art world.

Tonight, September 16^th is the opening reception for the exhibit, which will run through October 14th. It’s free admission. There’ll be complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres at Ware’s Folly. And you’ll have the chance to discover something big. Who knows, one of them might be the next Andy Warhol.

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art

506 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901

706-722-5495

(Note: This blog was originally posted November 5, 2010. It has been updated with information about Arts in the Heart 2011)

Arts in the Heart of Augusta is one of my favorite festivals.  I look forward to attending each year.  Every year a different country is showcased and this year it was Brazil.

This year I was on a mission!  My neighbor – Mr. Melvin has lived in Augusta all his life but has never been to Arts in the Heart!  I couldn’t believe it so I invited him to come along with me, my mom and youngest son.  Of course, he was surprised by how big of an event it was.

Obviously food is abundant with all the different countries represented.  There are over 15 different countries represented in the world food bazaar each year.  Mr. Melvin had no trouble deciding what to eat though.  He went straight for Jamaica.

I ate a Meat Patty from Jamaica on Friday  so I was headed for the Fish and Chips from Ireland on Saturday.

We walked around and checked out the  arts and crafts, and  jewelry before we stopped at a couple of the stages.

Now, there was a time when I would sit at the Children’s stage or the Family stage and just watch all the different groups perform.

If I got a good seat up front I wasn’t moving!  Since our group was mixed this year I thought we should keep it moving and get a little more variety.

I don’t think I will have to convince Mr. Melvin to go next year.  As a matter of fact he already told me he was going to bring his stadium chair next time!

Arts in the Heart of Augusta 2011: September 16 – 18

Friday, Sept 16: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept 17: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, Sept 18: 12 noon – 7 p.m.

Featured Culture for 2011: GREECE

Weekend Badges: $7 at the gate   //  $5 in advance (available at all SRP locations) 

This summer William attended art camp at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art in Augusta, Georgia. I know this is something not everyone who visits Augusta has time to enjoy, but it you are visiting friends and family over the summer, it is definitely doable. It was so much fun, it is worth checking their summer schedule before you plan you visit Augusta.

The week long class had William building a habitat for his critter. The class was in the afternoon and I enjoyed each day getting the update about his critter’s new home. You might not be able to tell from the photo – but this highly advanced habitat has a satellite antenna, fire alarm, security system and coffee table.

Not to worry, this non-profit visual art school offers more than just critter classes. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art offers opportunities for students of all ages and interests. Quarterly studio classes and workshops are available from drawing and painting to photography, weaving, clay, and sculpture.

The institute was founded in 1937 and housed in a fantastic historic building dating back to 1818. The classes are held in the Walker-Mackenzie Studio dating back to 1907.

In addition, the Gertrude Herbert serves as a showcase for local and regional artists, hosting at least six major exhibits of contemporary art in its Main Gallery each year. Rotating student exhibits feature works by school children from all over the Augusta area.

Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and Saturday by appointment only (24 hours advance notice requested). Admission is free; donations are encouraged.

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art
506 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia.
www.ghia.org
(706) 722-5495

Have you been to the Kroc Center yet? If not, what the heck are you waiting for? It’s amazing! Tours are offered daily on the hour.

The Kroc Center has a very interesting story, for more information on how the Kroc Center operates please click on the link below and check out their informational video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4r2hTeb_pQ

When you first walk in you are greeted by the friendly staff at the reception desk. Tell them you’d like a tour. Whether you are interested in meeting space, aquatics, aerobics, arts and education, group fitness, performing arts or practically anything, the Kroc has something for you! Want to actually experience what the Kroc has to offer and not just tour it? No problem! The Kroc Center offers day passes for only $5 and children three and under are free! And of course, memberships are available.

If you’re looking for a gym that’s great for the entire family, you’ve found it here! Check out this fly through video of the facility! WARNING – prepare to be awed!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXp59d4J0Ok&feature=player_embedded

The Kroc Center has a fitness area that has state of the art aerobic and strength/weight training equipment.

They also offer a remarkable aquatics center which has lap lanes, a water slide, a lazy river, outdoor sun decks and more!

There are several options for meeting space in the Kroc Center, there’s a gymnasium, board/meeting rooms, a performing arts theatre, banquet hall, six acre green space that backs up to the Augusta Canal (for outdoor functions) and party rooms for the little ones’ birthday celebrations. The possibilities are endless. They also offer an in-house catering service, experiences technicians who can help manage all of your audio, video and lighting needs and business and marketing services are all offered.

Want more information about the Kroc Center? Give them a call at (706) 364-KROC or visit the facility for a tour at 1833 Broad Street  Augusta, GA 30904

The Kroc Center
Hours of Operation:
MON-FRI 5:00 am-10:00 pm
SAT 7:00 am-6:00 pm

SUN 1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Click here to see the video!   ———–>  Westobou Ticket Launch Flash Mob in Augusta, GA

First Friday, August 5th was the kickoff for the 2011 Westobou Festival ticket sales.  The Westobou Performance Project made their presence known at the corner of Broad and Tenth Street.  Have you heard the term Flash Mob? Well, at 6:30 pm all these people wearing colourful tee shirts broke out into dance. There were probably a hundred or more. 

I’m not sure if all those that were downtown for First Friday knew whether or not this was going to take place but it was nice to see so many people out downtown. The street looked like a parade had passed through after all the confetti. 

The Westobou Festival is an annual 10-day festival that celebrates art and culture.

The 2011 Westobou Festival will be from September 29th through October 8th.

Everything from the creation of public art like Sarah Hobbs’ installation and viewing on Friday, Oct. 7^th, to huge concerts like Roseanne Cash on Thursday, Sept. 29^th, Langhorne Slim on Saturday, Oct. 1^st, and Lizz Wright on Saturday, Oct. 8^th, to internationally acclaimed ballets like Botanica by Momix on October 6^th and 7th and much more flood the Augusta area for locals and visitors to enjoy.

For a full list of events and ticketing information, visit the Westobou Festival website .