The month of March brought with it beautiful flowers around town (including many painted on business windows by local artist Becky Patterson) as well as an array of creative endeavors and opportunities. Read below to see how Lamar County’s residents and students bloomed during March.
Lamar Arts
Lamar Arts hosted Pardi Gras on Friday, March 28, at the Lamar Arts Depot and Gallery. A crowd of arts enthusiasts enjoyed hors d’oeuvres catered by Mangia on Main. Due to unsightly weather in January, the annual membership meeting and celebration was combined with a gallery opening for artist Amy Renfroe. Renfroe was named Lamar Arts’ Artist of the Year. The current show featuring Renfroe’s paintings and other media will run through April 27.
After food was served, Lamar Arts President Bob Barber recognized several new board members as well as volunteers and committee members for their effort to make Lamar Arts’ mission possible. Barber presented outgoing Treasurer Bill Bonner for his years of service to Lamar Arts; Bonner is rolling off the Board of Directors due to an upcoming move. Barber also encouraged attendees to complete an online interest survey to aid Lamar Arts in planning future community arts workshops and events. For the survey or more information about Lamar Arts, visit www.lamararts.org.
Lamar County Elementary School
Students at LCES took part in a variety of art projects in honor of Georgia Agriculture Week hosted March 17-23. Ag Week is a yearly celebration to support and recognize local agribusinesses, farmers, and “Georgia Grown” commodities. Students created 2-D and 3-D artwork featuring animals, barns, gardens, and farmland landscapes.
The highlight of the week came on Friday, March 21, thanks to a unique partnership between Lamar County Schools’ nutrition staff and the LCES art department. Fifth graders were invited to create colorful hallway banners using an unusual paintbrush: potatoes! Students collaborated on table-sized posters using the donated potatoes to stamp designs. Plates of different colored paints were rotated around the room every few minutes and the creative energy was contagious.
Lamar County High School
March is Youth Art Month and Music in Our Schools Month, so Lamar County High School celebrated big with a designated Fine Arts Week from March 24-28. In an effort to connect high school students with career insight and further skill development, guest speakers and master classes were scheduled throughout the week. Gordon State College and Piedmont College professors hosted informative visual art and theatre workshops on topics like bookbinding, drawing, and performance. Guest speaker, Ryan Cumming, shared a classical guitar performance with band and chorus members on Monday. Additionally, Teri Zgoda shared her experiences as a professional photographer with students on Tuesday. Laurie Eurich and her art students hosted a watercolor paint workshop Thursday evening. The event was open to the community. For a small fee, guests explored different watercolor techniques and learned how to paint whimsical floral designs. All proceeds from the event will fund a trip to Savannah for the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Arts Festival Student Competition.
Lamar County Primary School
On Thursday, March 27, “A Whole World of Art” was unveiled at Lamar County Primary School to over 500 guests. Art teacher, Chrislenn Kight, hosted a school-wide Art Show featuring interactive displays, food trucks, giant coloring pages, and games. All students Pre-K through second grade had thematic art on display from their study of countries such as Brazil, China, Greece, Egypt, and more. As students and their families “traveled” from country to country, staff and volunteers stamped a passport booklet to recognize their visit. LCPS Art Club members played an integral part in creating the larger than life displays and signage for the event.
Haley Turner
Haley Turner is a writer, teacher, and arts enthusiast born and raised in Jackson, Georgia. She shares stories highlighting education, community events, and local creative outlets. She resides in Barnesville with her husband, Grant.
