By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Atlanta Metro  > Fulton County > Atlanta

Art is a real hands-on experience at the High Museum’s “Toddler Thursday” workshops in the Greene Family Learning Gallery.

There are numerous reasons to visit the High Museum of Art in Atlanta—everything from the permanent collection “American Art” to the newly opened exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius.” But did you know about the ongoing family programs that the High hosts each week?

Toddler Thursday is just that — on Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., you can drop by the Greene Family Learning Gallery (a space designed for children where families can play together in five, fun activity areas) with your 2 - 5 year old to create a piece of art. Remaining projects for Toddler Thursdays this month show parents and little ones how to make collages (October 22) and wearable crowns (October 29).

Often, the High Museum of Art presents programs for families that are an outgrowth of current exhibitions. For instance, in conjunction with its John Portman exhibit, the museum will collaborate with the American Institute of Architects to present the Youth Architecture Fair for students, teachers and families on October 24. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Northwest Georgia Mountains > Bartow County > Cartersville

The Booth Western Art Museum exhibits one of the most important collections of contemporary Western art in the country, including this painting, “Crazy Mountain Saddle Slickers” by Carrie Fell. 

Basically, this is a museum of Western art, but it is also a wonderful place to learn about the West — its people, both Native Americans and cowboys, their culture, and their way of life. In fact, their slogan is “Explore the West without Leaving the South.”

The only museum of its kind in the Southeast and the second largest art museum in Georgia, galleries of Booth Western Art Museum feature primarily Western artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. More than 200 Western artists display work here. Permanent collections include the American West Gallery, the Mythic West Gallery, the Reel West Gallery, and the Cowboy Gallery. Now through October 25 is “Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography” and “Painting the Canyon: Works from Grand Canyon Collections” in the Special Exhibition Gallery and through November 8 is “Route 66 Meets Highway 41: Roadside Impressions by Chuck Middlekauff” in the Theatre Lobby Gallery.

It’s easy to get your child actively involved with the museum’s art by picking up a Saddlebag upon your arrival that is filled with family activities that you can do during your visit. You will also want to spend time in SageBrush Range, a hands-on play area, where they can touch and interact with exhibits. Children can climb in a ¾-scale stagecoach; recreate Native American beadwork; learn about people who explored and settled the West; listen to cowboy songs, poetry and jokes; weave on a real loom; watch vintage Western television programs; or learn to draw a horse or buffalo. They can even experience being a Chuck Wagon cook at a replica of a chuck wagon. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Atlanta Metro > Fulton County > Atlanta

This 1953 painting, “Celestial Gate” by prominent African-American artist Hale Woodruff, is part of the permanent collection at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. 

The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, located in the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center at Spelman College in Atlanta, has a 4,500-square foot exhibition area that displays an impressive collection of art, ranging from painting and sculpture to prints and textiles. It is the only museum in the nation that emphasizes works by and about women of the African Diaspora in its collections, exhibitions and programs.

The museum’s permanent collection contains 20^th century paintings and sculptures by African American artists. Particularly significant are the works by Hale Woodruff, the prominent painter, printmaker and teacher who taught at Spelman College and established the art department at the Atlanta University Center in 1931. The permanent collection at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art also comprises extensive African holdings, with a strong emphasis on the art of central Africa. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Central Georgia > Bibb County > Macon

Known as the Mother of the Blues and recognized as the first great black professional blues vocalist, Ma Rainey is one of the Georgia born musical greats who has performed at the Douglass Theatre in Macon. 

Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Otis Redding, James Brown, Little Richard. They are some of the early jazz and blues greats who have performed at the Douglass Theatre in Macon. When you are in that town, stop by the newly renovated theatre to learn some fascinating African-America history.

According to the written history of the Douglass Theatre, Charles Douglass was born the son of a former slave in 1870 and grew up in a one-room house built by his father.

“Working as soon as he was large enough to earn money, he peddled light wood and vegetables in the morning, attended school in the afternoon, and chopped cotton for fifteen cents a day.

“In a time of racism and segregation, Douglass saw opportunity in serving the black population of Macon. In 1898 Charles Douglass entered into the bicycle repair and renting business and did well until the automobile craze came. In 1901, Douglass worked as the director of the Georgia Loan and Savings Company. There he met his future wife Fannie, who was an assistant cashier.

“Organizing the Florida Blossom Minstrels and Comedy Company in 1907 made him very familiar with the minstrel circuit of entertainers. He also took advantage of TOBA (Theatre Operators Booking Agency) – a network of over 40 theatres, which was the major source of employment for many black performers. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Central Georgia > Bibb County > Macon

If you are looking for a place to view some extraordinary African American art, history and culture, consider taking a trip to Macon and the Tubman African American Museum.

Named for Harriet Tubman, the “Black Moses” who led hundreds of slaves to freedom, the Tubman Museum has grown over the years to become the largest institution of its type in the state and a key educational and cultural resource for the entire southeast region.

You’ll find a number of interesting permanent exhibits. “From Africa to America” is a pictorial collage that covers everything from historical events to people who made significant contributions to the history of African Americans. The Georgia Area Artist Gallery features popular works by Georgia based artists. Inventors Gallery features many items of our daily lives that were created by African Americans, including the ironing board, the ice cream scoot and the golf tee. The Folk Art Gallery contains works for notable African American folk artists. There is also an area for changing exhibits.

On display until July 25 is “Wini McQueen: The History of the Dream Project.” In 2000, the Tubman African American Museum commissioned textile artist Wini McQueen to produce a series of works of art to be installed in the rotunda of the Museum’s new facility in downtown Macon. The installation consists of more than 130 individual works of art that tell stories of the struggles and triumphs of a people and a community. This special exhibition features a selection of works from the project that pay homage to the individuals, institutions and organizations that have made a positive contribution to the quality of life in Macon, and who were instrumental in the founding and development of the Tubman African American Museum.

Besides its exhibitions and special events, the Tubman Museum also holds classes throughout the year, such as modern and African dance.

Read more about African American History, Macon and Bibb County, or find other activities in the Central Georgia Travel Region here at Browns Guides.

 By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Art gallery openings are exciting events. An opening, such as this one for the Dogwood Gallery’s Martin Pate exhibit, can bring an early understanding and appreciation of art to any child.

Like many kids, Brianna likes to draw. Like many parents, we like to go to art gallery openings—the night when a gallery introduces a new show or artist. We decided it wasn’t too early to let her come along, so Brianna has attended several openings with us the last few months—the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia for “Rising Movers & Shakers,” Callanwolde for its Elizabeth D’Angelo exhibit, and, just this past Saturday night, Dogwood Gallery in Fayette County for its Martin Pate opening.

Gallery openings are usually vibrant events—colorful artwork, art-funky attired people, and tasty hors d’oeuvres and drink. Of course, gallery openings are also usually adult gatherings, but I have noticed several other parents bringing children of all ages along on these outings. And the gallery owners I’ve met don’t seem to mind—especially if children stick close to their parents and display some interest in what is going on. A gallery opening can be an educational experience. Brianna certainly appreciates the artwork she sees, and we supplement the trip with talking about her favorite piece of artwork and introducing her to the artist if it is someone we know personally. (more…)