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The Arts Development Council of Georgia (ADCG) aims to cultivate a thriving economic environment for the creative expression and appreciation for the arts, and The City of Auburn is fully on board with that mission.
A gathering of Auburn City officials, including Mayor Linda Blechinger, were present at the latest ADCG meeting, which was held at the Carl House, and the city is one of the newest supporters of the group, with Blechinger stepping up as a board member.
"I’m really excited to be a part of the ADCG," said Blechinger. "I just want to tell you that the reason why I’m so excited is because Auburn has a huge vision, and we have done a lot to implement … that vision. I believe that art will be the cornerstone of making that happen," Blechinger said.
Not only has the city committed to getting on board with ADCG, Blechinger said that the city’s plans involve a future building or community center that will potentially have an art gallery for local artists and a location for art-related events.
"The city is currently investing in infrastructure, at the same time we are pursuing a building … where we can have all types of art, a community center for art events, and have the public there and bring them together to learn and see what’s so beautiful about our community, our culture," Blechinger said. "We are going to forge ahead in this area … so keep your eyes and ears open … and it will be something spectacular that everyone will be proud of," she said.
Bill Ronay, founding chairman of ADCG is excited about the prospect of having the city on board.
"Auburn’s commitment to the arts is exciting because you hear that from other communities, but they put up a good [front]," Ronay said. "But when it comes down to getting down in the trenches, they aren’t on board … But when she (Blechinger) came out and said what she did," Ronay explained, "I thought, oh wow, if we can make it happen … we can offer our resources in exchange for that sponsorship and let us be the conduit to your effort, he said. There are things that we can do, that [cities] can’t."
President of the Georgia Piedmont Art Center also spoke at the meeting and discussed several events and fundraisers that the Winder center is currently involved with.
"We are currently working to re-brand ourselves," she explained. "We want a good image in the community … have come up with a new logo, and have a new Web site," she said.
Many of the activities at the center involve festivals, art shows, events and fundraisers.
Several other cities were represented at the meeting, including Athens and Eatonton.
Artists were available with some of their works on display, such as glass artists Craig and Kathleen Gill. And many brainstorming ideas were suggested in regards to incorporating the arts into the City of Auburn and other surrounding cities, including a possible musical petting zoo where children can experience wind instruments hands-on, art classes, concerts and more.
ADCG is a 501C3 and membership is July 1-June 30. Becoming a member allows for opportunities such as monthly meetings, elections, website accessibility, workshops, artistic tools and more.
"As many classes as I have been to," said Blechinger, "I’ve asked the question ‘what’s really the formula for success?’ … and you know nobody could
really give me that answer," she said. "So I think that our city is going to be an example of what makes a community alive and active and bringing people together … I can’t tell you how excited I am about this … Our DDA (Downtown Development Authority), all of our staff, our council, we are all on board with this."
For more information on ADCG or to become a member visit www.ADCG.org or call (404) 202-3044.
Members of the Yargo Community Band performed Lee Armstrong’s song "What a Wonderful World" at the gathering.
