Mission

The mission of the Cultural Arts Council Douglasville & Douglas County is to nurture, guide and stimulate the enjoyment of and participation in the arts among Douglas County residents and visitors

by providing an atmosphere conducive to the arts, broadening the spectrum of quality exhibits and performances available to the community, and fostering individual interactions with the arts through a wide range of satellite groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arts Education

Click here to check out our Classes and Workshops

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR ARTS EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN

More than 8,000 children and young people enjoyed and learned from Cultural Arts Council-sponsored programs this year. CAC’s Artists in the Schools and Arts in Parks programs offered performances by the Berry College Dance Troupe for 4th and 5th graders in November; puppeteer Lee Bryan’s production of “The Princess and the Pea, Y’All” for pre-K through 3rd graders; Georgia Shakespeare Festival’s “Romeo and Juliet” for high schoolers in February; the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party introduces preschoolers to a literary classic in March; in April, Spring Break Arts Camp is held at the county’s Deer Lick Park; and Douglas County Schools students perform during Taste for the Arts in May. Summer arts education now includes the Wynn Workshops in June, Summer Arts Camp at the city’s Hunter Park, and Wonderful Wednesdays Workshops at the Cultural Arts Center in July, exploring the summer show with hands-on activities.

In partnership with Douglas County Schools’ Community in the Schools program, CAC’s Arts in After School initiative this year offered four residencies, reaching at-risk students and their families. Support was provided by GreyStone Power Corporation Foundation, Target Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts.

Last fall Douglas County High School students created bowls for CAC’s 5th annual Empty Bowls Luncheons. This spring during Taste of Douglasville, children and young people made 88 bowls for the charity project. All the proceeds from the luncheons, scheduled for December, will support The Food Pantry in Douglas County.

During the 2011 Taste of Douglasville two new national partnerships also contributed to our educational outreach: the U.S. Tennis Association’s QUICKSTART (for ten and unders to learn the game) and ABOVE THE INFLUENCE, an initiative of the White House’s Office of the National Drug Control Policy, offered interactive fun for teens. Douglas County is one of only three communities in the U.S.A., selected to participate this year. Both of our new national partners have asked to participate in our festival next year.

Classes in visual, performing and literary arts at the Cultural Arts Center and at the Wynn Building are offered for children and adults quarterly. Classes are small and fees are kept low so everyone can enjoy and learn from the arts. The Arts Council also hosts the annual Youth Art Month exhibition during March and the Holiday Card Design Competition and Festival of Trees in December to celebrate student achievement at the Cultural Arts Center.

Performing Arts

Free performances at receptions and other events are offered at the Cultural Arts Center throughout the year. This year our exhibit receptions included performances by musicians Nelson Fleming, Chris Givens, Troy Moore, Amy Wilson and Nancy Whittenburger.

The 4th annual Dia de los Reyes family fiesta, attended by more than 600 people in January, included performances by Grupo de Danza de Santa Teresita demonstrating traditional Mexican and Aztec dancing, the Mariachi Guadalupano Santa Teresita playing traditional music, and St. Teresa’s Bilingual Youth Choir singing carols in both English and Spanish. Western yodeler and cowboy poet David Fillingim sang and recited during last summer’s Ice Cream Social, and Nancy Whittenburger played carols for the Empty Bowl luncheons last December.

With new support from a national corporation, the 2011 Kinna Classic Chamber Concert series featured The Lark Duo (with violinist Vera Ilyushina and Lana Polgol on piano), Brien Engel on glass harp, and pianist Mary Owens.

Free concerts filled downtown’s O’Neal Plaza with enthusiastic crowds enjoying memorable performances last fall by Australian blues guitarist Geoff Achison, the Donna Hopkins Band and the Afro Klezmer Orchestra and more great music this spring performed by Peachtree Station, the Randall Bramblett Band and The Etowah Jazz Society. T.A. Productions’ Raise the Praise performers rocked the audience during “Picnic on the Plaza,” Taste of Douglasville’s new festival kickoff party in historic downtown Douglasville.      

Literary Arts

The 15th annual Georgia Cowboy Poets Gathering, “Remembering Mr. Mac,” presented at Chapel Hills High School and celebrating the legendary Douglas County sheriff, was a wonderful evening with recitations by many Georgia cowboy poets, along with traditional western music performed by Bill Turnipseed, John Linville, Justin Hicks and David Fillingim.

Begun by the DC Connection for its Black History Month celebration six years ago, the 2011 “Afternoon with Authors” series highlighted the achievements of several African American writers during February, memoirist Sylvia Krebs in March, and poet Carlene Tejada in April.

During 2011, the Cultural Arts Council received a gift from the family of poet Turner Cassity to develop a local literary festival. In July CAC presented the first Turner Cassity Literary Festival, an event designed to encourage aspiring writers to develop their writing skills and prepare works for publication under the guidance of expert and experienced authors as well as to honor Turner Cassity whose work was dedicated to and inspires literary excellence in Georgia. In addition to workshops and critiques led by featured authors ( poet and educator David Axelrod, editor and “book doctor” Bobbie Christmas, poet Gregory Fraser, memoirist and editor Emily Hipchen, and poet Will Wright), the festival included readings, book signings, a book fair, and the production of a verse play by local poet Alice Shapiro, performed by members of C.A.S.T. Attracting more than 75 participants in its first year, the Turner Cassity Literary is certain to become a new annual event for the Cultural Arts Council.

Visual Arts

 

CAC presents monthly exhibits of works by local, regional, national and international artists at the Arts Center. Gallery attendance has increased, receptions now often draw 100 or more people, and today’s gallery talks and tours are increasingly popular with larger and more diverse participation. Highlights of the 2010-2011 schedule included: “The Flower Show,” an invitational exhibit displaying works with floral imagery and themes created by West Georgia artists, recent works by Sweetwater Camera Club members in conjunction with Atlanta Celebrates Photography, the 24th annual.

National Juried Show selected by juror Kevin Grogan, the director of the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Douglas County student holiday card designs, a group show featuring members of African Americans for the Arts, a national organization based in Atlanta, during January and February in celebration of Black History Month, Youth Art Month show presenting more than 200 art works by talented students in the Douglas County Schools, a solo exhibit of powerful and provocative collages and assemblages by North Georgia artist Elizabeth Chapman; an international exposition of Japanese art including Ukiyo-E, 19th-century woodblock prints on loan from the Consul General of Japan in Atlanta, Fukusa (Japanese tapestries and embroideries used for ceremonial gift-giving) on loan from weaver Jon Eric Riis, and Netsuke (carved ivory and staghorn belt weights) on loan from the private collection of Douglas County’s Dot Padgett.

The 2011-2012 schedule promises to be equally high quality, varied and diverse. This summer, the invitational survey, “Douglas Collects,” displays 12 local collections including African masks and sculptures, Chinese pigs, classic Chevrolet convertibles, contemporary ceramics, 20th century Japanese prints, music boxes, saddle blankets, Russian, Turkish and Persian samovars, seashells and butterflies, antique dollhouse dishware, and even folk art Santas. The upcoming gallery schedule showcases: functional and decorative works by members of the Georgia Association of Woodturners; “Taiwan Sublime,” featuring contemporary Taiwanese photographers sponsored by the Taipei Economic Council and presented in conjunction with Atlanta Celebrates Photography; the 25th National Juried Show selected by juror Angela Nichols, curator and director of programming and education at Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth; a special show featuring a family of artists from Cameroon who now live in Douglasville in celebration of Black History Month; the Youth Art Month exhibit; concurrent solo exhibitions displaying paintings and drawings by Brian Taylor of Rome, Georgia, and Irish-born, Carrollton-based Eillis Crean in April; and recent works by members of the DC Art Guild in May.

Changing exhibits through CAC’s Art on Loan program this year have featured exhibits of mixed media paintings by Robby Pope, recent works by members of the Douglas County Arts Guild, paintings by artist Hal Riley Burris from the CAC’s permanent collection, textiles and collages created by Atlanta artist and educator Joy Peters, and paintings by Douglas County artist Ken Paradise at the American Red Cross facility. Other works from the permanent collection were also displayed at the Douglas County Courthouse, Atlanta Regional Commission Work Force offices, and Douglas County Parks and Recreation offices in the Old Courthouse.

Permanent Collection

The CAC’s permanent collection continues to grow through gifts and purchases. Recent acquisitions include the donation of a portrait of long-time CAC volunteer Jeanne Kinna painted by Sue Boggs as well as the purchase of art works from the 24th annual National Juried Art Exhibition including a photograph by Natasha Stansel and a painting by Patrick McGowan. A selection of works from the permanent collection is always on display at the Cultural Arts Center where local sculptor Joel Yawn’s untitled steel flowers and Doug Makemson’s recycled metal dog, “Buster,” are permanently installed in front of the historic house.
The twelve “Banners of History,” created by Douglas High School students working with Marietta-based teaching artist Pam Beagle-Daresta several years ago, are now scheduled to be installed in the City of Douglasville’s new Hunter Park facility as a permanent public display this summer. In May 2007 the Cultural Arts Council completed its first major public art work, a 57-foot-long mosaic mural created by more than 150 citizens and designed by ceramic artist Helen Helwig. “Singing Waters” is permanently installed in Douglas County’s Boundary Waters Aquatic Center.

Laura C. Lieberman Executive Director

History of CAC

Since 1986, the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County has offered high quality cultural events and arts activities in our community. Our mission is to nurture, guide and stimulate the enjoyment of and participation in the arts among residents of and visitors to Douglas County. Celebrating 25 years of service, the CAC presents a sophisticated and diverse mix of all kinds of programs – critically acclaimed monthly exhibits at the Arts Center and special shows at the American Red Cross, free outdoor concerts on O’Neal Plaza and classical chamber concerts at the Arts Center, arts education in schools, hands-on workshops and classes for children and adults, gallery talks, a new literary festival, book signings and readings, and even the annual Georgia Cowboy Poets Gathering and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! More than 40,000 individuals were served by CAC programs last year—including more than 8,000 children and young people.

 The Cultural Arts Council offers four not-to-be missed “fun-raisers” every year. In October, everyone enjoys our family-oriented Chili Cook Off on O’Neal Plaza on the Saturday before Halloween. In November, the Board honors contributors to culture in our community with an elegant Gala evening at the Downtown Conference Center. In December, the CAC offers “Empty Bowl” luncheons where people purchase ceramic bowls made by local artists and others; we raised more than $1,000 for a local charity which distributes food to hungry children and their families. In May, more than 12,000 people attended Taste of Douglasville. This downtown festival is Douglasville’s largest annual event with the best restaurants in town participating, arts and crafts vendors from around the state, local talent presented on O’Neal Plaza, student performances on the Second Stage, and lots of hands-on children’s activities. Through the Cultural Arts Council, everyone has many opportunities to enjoy their own creativity -- and to develop an appreciation of others’ artistic achievements throughout the year.

The Arts Council’s first achievement was the purchase of the historic Roberts/Mozley house in the heart of Douglasville for use as a community arts center. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the graceful two-story neoclassical home built by a state senator in 1901 has been home to three mayors, and its restoration initiated historic preservation activity locally. The historic house is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Due to cutbacks of government support, Sunday hours (in the past from 1 until 5 p.m.) have been curtailed.

Five years ago the Cultural Arts Council board began development of its butterfly garden, removing ivy to improve the historic house grounds. With support from Ama-Kanasta Garden Club and family members of CAC volunteers Jeanne Kinna and Connie Meade, the Douglas County Master Gardeners have designed and maintained a new local beauty spot at the arts Center. Their long-term commitment and plan will continue to enhance the facility.

After hours, special event rentals for weddings, receptions and reunions showcase the historic facility to new visitors and old friends alike. CAC members receive invitations to gallery openings and other events, information available to the general public through excellent local press coverage, the CAC’s web site (www.artsdouglas.org), and city and county web sites and public access cable channels.

The Cultural Arts Council supports ten smaller local arts organizations. Many CAC “satellites” regularly meet at the Arts Center. The Douglas County Chamber Singers present seasonal concerts and have performed at Carnegie Hall and abroad. The D.C. Connection sponsors a Kwanzaa celebration and Black History Month activities every year. F.A.M.E. (Friends of Art and Music Education) supports arts education in the Douglas County Schools and coordinates the Youth Art Month exhibit every March. The Historical Society of Douglas County has guest speakers at monthly luncheons and sponsors field trips to historic sites. The D.C. Arts Guild also offers field trips, presents exhibits and holds special workshops. Sweetwater Camera Club invites professional photographers to speak at its monthly meetings and critique members’ photographs. The community theater group, C.A.S.T., offers murder mystery and original productions at local restaurants and other venues. The Cultural Exchange presents entertaining and educational evenings focused on the history, culture and food of other countries. The Cowboy Poets present the annual Georgia Cowboy Poetry Gathering each February. The CAC Curators, a group of more than 30 dedicated volunteers who help with every aspect of running the Arts Center, contribute hundreds of hours annually to the Cultural Arts Center. New volunteers are always welcome.

History of Roberts-Mozley Home

On the National Register of Historic Places

The Roberts-Mozley House 110 years old in 2011!

In 1886,a century before the Douglasville/Douglas County Cultural Arts Council purchased this elegant, late Victorian period home, Judge and Colonel W.T. Roberts exchanged wedding vows with Emma Quillian, daughter of the Reverend J. C. B. Quillian. Reverend Quillian was one of the early settlers of Douglas County, and the property's original owner. After the death of Reverend Quillian, Colonel Roberts bought the land from his mother-in-law and work on the two-story Neoclassical home began March 21, 1901.

With its air of classical architecture, the low sweeping line of a grand front porch, and an entrance with stained glass doors, the house reflected the prominent social status of Mrs. Roberts and the Colonel. His political career included several terms as Mayor of Douglasville and Solicitor General of two county courts before his election to the Georgia State Senate in 1911. After his election, Colonel Roberts moved his family to Washington, D.C., where he served in the U.S. Department of Marketing during the Woodrow Wilson Administration. The house changed owners many times after the Roberts family moved, but its "political" future and social standing in the community continued.

In 1927, Mrs. T. N. Mozley bought the eleven-room estate, which remained in her family until 1971. T. N. Mozley was selected to serve as Mayor of Douglasville in 1936, a position filled by his son, Harold, ten years later. Harold was thought at the time to be the youngest mayor ever elected in the U.S. Walter Turner, who purchased the house in 1978 was responsible for beginning its restoration. He sold the property to the Cultural Arts Council on September 16, 1986.

The Roberts-Mozley house is one of the few early structures remaining in Douglasville which embody the characteristics of a period style. As a result and with its history of prominent residents, the building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U. S. Department of the Interior.

More than one hundred years after the Colonel wed Emma Quillian, the past of this elegant home is vibrant and alive in the dark stained heart-of-pine that dominates the grand foyer, multi-landing staircase, and the forgotten tradition of a "courting bench." Fireplaces, warmed by the soft colors of antique tortoise shell tiles, welcome the community of Douglasville and Douglas County, where social events and service to their community became a way of life for W.T. Roberts and the T.N. Mozley family.

2011-2012 CAC Board of Directors

Staff

Laura Lieberman, Executive Director culturedirector@earthlink.net

Rafael Williams, 2011-2012 Pope Fellow, Programming Assistant cultureadmin@earthlink.net

Marcella Kuykendall, 2011-2012 Pope Fellow, Gallery Assistant cultureassistant@earthlink.net