L Y N D O N H O U S E A R T S C E N T E R N E W S L E T T E R

Inside the Ware-Lyndon House MuseumBy Tim Brown

In 1994, the voters of Athens approved a specialpurpose, local-option sales tax (SPLOST) to fund vitalimprovements to the city, one of which involved theexpansion of the Lyndon House Arts Center. The LHACproject was envisioned to create spacious galleries,studios and classrooms in a new addition, and the house

was scheduled to undergo acomplete rehabilitation.

When the LHAC reopened in1999, the community wasstunned: The new facility wasmore extraordinary than anyoneanticipated, and the house’srehabilitation achieved anunparalleled level of excellence.The restoration was hailed as atriumph for historic preservation,and Athens became home to oneof the most important housemuseums in America.

The Ware-Lyndon house was builtduring the early 1850s by the firstmayor of Athens, Dr. Edward R.Ware. The only remainingstructure from the once-prominentLickskillet neighborhood, thehouse was constructed in a grandItalianate-Greek Revival style andwas considered one of the finesthomes in Georgia. In 1880 thehouse was sold to Dr. Edward S.Lyndon, whose family occupiedthe residence until it was acquiredby the city of Athens in 1939.

The house functioned in variouscapacities during the twentieth century, including servingas Athens’ USO during World War II. 1974 proved apivotal year: a group of local artists held what proved tobe a very successful juried exhibition, and the LyndonHouse Arts Center was established soon after.

When the LHAC was approved for renovation, acommittee was formed to plan the restoration. Theydecided that the house museum should interpret twoeras: some rooms were returned to the style of the1850s, when the Wares were in residence, and other

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The beautifulRenaissanceRevival over-mantel mirrors,the white Italianmarble mantel,and theMahoganyEnglish banquettable in theWare-LyndonHouse diningroom

Vol 4 #1 A FACILITY OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Spring/Summer 2008

ArtiFactsStaff

EditorMadeline Darnell

GraphicDesignerVan Burns

WritersPamelaAdkins-Ramey

Rosanna Ames

Claire Benson

Celia Brooks

Tim Brown

Madeline Darnell

NancyLukasiewicz

Caroline Self

Dale Wechsler

Jenny Williams

PhotographyVan Burns

John Weber

ShannonWilliams

Arts UnleashedAll Over AthensBy Dale Wechsler

If you were out and about in Athens on the weekendof March 28 – 29 and found yourself engaged inweaving at the “Y” or wondering why you werehearing the strains of clawhammer banjo at the WOWplayground – or perhaps hearing Haiku at the zoo, youweren’t dreaming, you just experienced Arts Unleashed.This new eclectic artsevent was presented byAthens-Clarke CountyLeisure Services ArtsDivision. Arts Unleashed isdescribed as a de-centralized arts festivalpresented as a partnershipamong a wide range ofartists and artsorganizations across thecommunity – literally. Infact, during the weekendmore than sixty Athenspoets, musicians, actors,dancers, and visual artistswere scheduled to hit thepavement (and parks,lobbies and store aisles)to bring the arts to tenunconventional venuesthroughout the city.

Stuart Miller, Arts DivisionAdministrator for the ACCLeisure ServicesDepartment says, “ArtsUnleashed is anopportunity to take artout of its many boxes(theaters, museums,galleries, studios) and put itright in the path of Athenians as they go about theirdaily lives. It is designed to showcase area artists andarts groups and remind folks what a wealth of artistictalent we have in this city. I hope that this event servesas a sort of informal invitation for people to connectwith the arts in Athens as audience members,spectators, and consumers.” Miller’s inspiration for thisprogram came from presenting a similar program whilehe was Executive Director of the Thomasville CulturalCenter in southwest Georgia in the 1990s.

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Photo: Shannon Williams

Spotlight

Caroline SelfBy Madeline Darnell

You might find Caroline Self in her office off thechildren’s studio, or up to her elbows in papier-mâchéor other art materials ready for creative transformationby children from the neighborhood centers. If notthere, she could be any number of places around thearts center meeting with artists and arts center patrons.In October 2007,Caroline joined thestaff of the LyndonHouse as the artseducation programspecialist. It didn’t takeher long to get intothe swing of creatingexciting art programsfor children and adults.

“The creative energyhere carries methrough the day,”Caroline says of hernew job. She is excitedabout working withthe LHAC staff,meeting all the creativepeople who come tothe center, and she hasa voracious appetite forall kinds of art. Shecomes naturally to artbecause her father andgrandmother wereboth artists. As a child,she and her grand-mother frequentlyengaged in making artprojects together. Herfavorite media, so far,are pen and ink and oilpainting as well as thestudy of contemporaryart.

Caroline graduatedfrom E. CarolinaUniversity in PoliticalScience, “to please herDad,” she adds, butshe couldn’t stay awayfrom her strongest passion, art. She is currently only afew semester hours from completing her master’sdegree in art education.

Before coming to Lyndon House, Caroline taught withthe Normal Park Museum Magnet Elementary School inChattanooga, TN. There she coordinated the resourcesof the seven museums in the area to help teachers planwith the museum professionals each term. Frequentmuseum visits and art lessons enhanced the entire

curriculum in the Museum-magnet schools creatingexcellent learning environments for the children, Carolineexplained. Art was integral in this program. When askedto elaborate on how the museum-school partnershipworked, she explained by way of example that whenchildren studied paleontology and dinosaurs theycreated, as part of their studies, three murals for theJurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods. The muralswere exhibited in the natural history museum.

Since coming to the Lyndon House she has brought theneighborhood center children to the arts center eachmonth. Collaborating with Camille Branch, they plan arts

activities around adifferent book eachmonth. She alsooversees thelongstanding TuesdayArt Club with childrenfrom Thomas Lay Park,twice weekly art lessonsat Pinewoods LearningCenter, twice monthlyTeen Cartoon Club,programming for specialprojects such as ArtsUnleashed, and a widevariety of children’s andadult classes, art camps,and the annual HarvestFestival.

Her plans for the futureinclude the developmentof more outreachprograms and festivals.She also hopes that asthe Lyndon House staffgrows, she can developmuseum schoolpartnerships.

Caroline’s husband,Ahren, is a footballcoach and teacher atClarke Central HighSchool. Her son Chadcurrently lives in Canada,and her daughterChelsea, is a potter andis a freshman at EmoryUniversity in Atlanta.Chelsea also participatesin dance and theater.

Everyone who meets Caroline enjoys her calm, friendlypersonality. They also agree that Caroline, with herpassion for art, artists, creativity and learning through thearts, has landed in the right place. Welcome Caroline.

LyndonHouse ArtsFoundation

Board ofDirectors

Tim BrownCo-President

Lanora PierceCo-President

Mary Beth JustusTreasurer

Irene DodgeTreasurer

PamelaAdkins-Ramey

Rinne Allen

Joshua Bienko

Van Burns

James Carter

Cathy Dailey

Madeline Darnell

Dana Downs

Marie Gayeski

Eric Krasle

Leslie Lawson

Jessica Magnarella

MatthewMcKinney

Ken McLeskey

Amy Miller

Montu Miller

Erika Perry

Justin Pettigrew

Sam Pittard

Rachel Sleppy

Dan Smith

Dale Wechsler

Nora Wendl

Don Williams

Jenny Williams

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Photo: Shannon Williams

If you have any information that you wouldlike to see included in the next issue of

ArtiFacts, please email: lhaf@bellsouth.net

us and the most unique gifts can be found in any pricerange, from a Bendzunas blown glass vase to a BlueHeron (Christie Moody) fused glass plate.

The Visual Arts Guild of Athens operates the shop in apartnership with LHAC. This year, for the first time, theysponsored a $100 Patron’s Award for the 33rd JuriedExhibition and awarded three $50 merit awards toRefusés artists: Jay Kuhr, Eric Simmons & AntoonSpeters. When the guild had galleries on Clayton Street(the Loef Gallery and the Gallery @166) they hostedRefusés.

We offer congratulations to Connee Flynn, one of ourGallery Shop artists, on receiving a $350 merit awardfor her watercolor Not Alone. Connee had two worksselected by juror Charles Wylie into the 33rd JuriedExhibition, the second piece is a linocut entitledGrandmother Oak. Connee is secretary of the VisualArts Guild and volunteers in the shop and additionallyserves on the hanging committee, helping to keepthe shop displays looking fresh and inviting.

Other Visual Arts Guild Members have been in thelimelight as well, participating in Arts Unleashed, a2 day event and innovation of new Arts DivisionAdministrator, Stuart Miller; Par Ramey (guild president)was spied painting in the produce section of Earth Fare,Alex Burns (vice president) cartooning at the MichealsBrothers Building and Margaret Agner demonstratingher craft at the YMCA.

From TheGallery ShopBy Celia Brooks

Spring has literally flown into the shop, with artistsproviding some very enticing artworks for shop visitors.New guild member Helen Hill does tole painting andher decorative kitchen stools and French flower bucketsare charming. Other new members include Michael

Spronck and Abraham Tesser. Spronck presents aselection of lovely small landscapes on canvas at veryreasonable prices. Tesser’s exquisitely crafted woodenchairs and tables are on display and he offers customwork as well. Beautiful silk butterflies by Margaret Agnernow adorn the walls along with very detailedscratchboard dogwoods by Christopher Domis and awonderful spring color assortment of weavings byBonnie Montgomery.

We have a great selection of prints by Van Burns, JamieCalkin, and Jean Gibson that make wonderfulgraduation presents. If it is a Mother’s Day gift you arelooking for, beaded jewelry by Jenny Burke or RobinWienrich may be just the ticket. The bird baking bowlsby Georgia Mudcats (Janice Hall and Pat Shields) or aturned wooden vase by Jane Bridges are also goodsuggestions for Mom. The wedding season is also upon

Photo: Shannon Williams

A wide variety ofhand-made itemsare available inthe Gallery Shopat Lyndon HouseArts Center

Opposite:New EducationSpecialistCaroline Self

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LHACStaff

Claire BensonLHAC Supervisor

NancyLukasiewicz

ExhibitionSpecialist

Caroline SelfEducationSpecialist

Celia BrooksArts Preparator

ShannonWilliams

Program Leader

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@ Lyndon House@ Lyndon HouseExhibitions & EventsBy Nancy Lukasiewicz

Lyndon House Arts Center presents continuallychanging art exhibitions which feature the broad rangeof works by practicing local and area artists in a varietyof media, styles and concepts. From traditional toavant-garde, works by professional, novice, young orelder artists can be seen in Lyndon House Arts Centergalleries. Some exhibitions are theme presentations,some are competitions, and some are targeted to aspecific media or a local patron’s collection. Childrenvisiting the galleries must be accompanied andsupervised by an adult for the safety of the artworkand for artwork content.

Gallery Hours:Tuesday & Thursday 12 noon - 9 p.m.Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Lyndon House Arts Center welcomes proposals forfuture exhibitions - call 613-3623 x226 with ideas.

33rd Juried ExhibitionExhibition Dates: February 22 – May 7, 2008

The 33rd Juried Exhibition is a professionally orientedart competition open to Athens area artists working inall visual media. Judged by Charles Wylie, the LupeMurchison Curator of Contmeporary Art at the DallasMuseum of Art, the exhibition includes 182 worksselected from 679 pieces submitted by 262 area artists.

CLR by ADDExhibition Dates: April 10 – June 7, 2008

The CLR, an urban smart and clean designed CigaretteLitter Receptacle was commissioned by the ACCSanitation Department, Keep Athens Clarke CountyBeautiful, ACC Storm Water Utility and the TobaccoPrevention Coalition.

Immersion - Exploring theDepths of WatermediaExhibition Dates: May 16 – July 19, 2008Reception: Friday, May 16, 5 - 7 p.m.

Incorporating techniques of watermedia that span fromtraditional to experimental, artists Celia Brooks, NjambiMwaura, Par Ramey and Elizabeth Vitale bring togethera diversity of talent that explores the realm of thisexciting media.

China Painters 32nd AnnualTea, Exhibit and SaleExhibition Date: May 17, 20089:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Athens Area Porcelain Artists organization wasselected by the Georgia World Organization of ChinaPainters to be the host group for the 2008 StateConvention, which will be held at Lyndon House ArtsCenter. Call 706-743-7697 for information.

Portraits of our CommunityExhibition Dates: May 25 – July 19, 2008Reception: Sunday, May 25th, 2 - 4 p.m.

Sponsored by a GCA Grassroots Arts grant to theAthens Community Council on Aging, this projectincludes pencil portraits of patrons and volunteers atthe Council on Aging by area artist Stan Mullins andalso incorporates their oral histories on verbal panelsin the gallery.

When Fish Fly!Exhibition Dates: June 3 – July 19, 2008

An imaginative, ever-growing collaborative instal-lation held in conjunction with LHAC summer artprograms for young folks in June. Come once, comeoften... each day will likely be a different experience.

Common StructuresExhibition Dates: July 9 – Sepember 6, 2008Reception: Sunday, July 20, 2 - 4 p.m.

Too often, the utilitarian secondary structures of therural landscape are overlooked in favor of thegrander mansions and plantation houses, whichtend to idealize the image of America’s cultural past.This exhibition in black & white offers viewers theperspectives of Tim Reilly’s large format photographsof common structures along with pen and inkdrawings of Pete Muzyka.

Full House 2008Exhibition Dates: August 10 – November 8, 2008

An invitational exhibition including over a hundredart works in a variety of media by local artistmembers of twelve art organizations which meetregularly at Lyndon House Arts Center: Athens AreaArts Council, Athens Area Porcelain Artists, Athens ArtAssociation, Athens Fibercraft Guild, Athens LaceGroup, Athens Photography Guild, Casa de laCultura, Cotton Patch Quilt Guild, Ladies’ GardenClub, Lyndon House Arts Foundation, Classic CityWoodturners, Printmakers Cooperative and VisualArts Guild of Athens.

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Ware-Lyndon House Museum(Open during LHAC regular hours)

The Ware-Lyndon House (c. 1850’s) is a Late GreekRevival home with Italianate influence listed on theNational Register of Historic Places. The interior hasbeen restored and arranged with decorative arts andfurnishings of the period. The historic display roomfeatures artifacts related to the historic house and to thehistory of Athens. History and Interiors Tour, a 20-minute audio tour with earphones & CD player isavailable for visitors. Copies of the custom designedHistoric Ware-Lyndon House Activity Book are alsoavailable for young visitors of all ages.

LHAC Library Resource RoomA part of SPLOST IV and joint partnership between theAthens-Clarke County Library and Lyndon House ArtsCenter, LHAC’s Library Resource Room provides an artsrelated research collection of publications, including arthistory and artist biographies, business and law forartists, art education curriculum and methods andstudio art techniques. Resources are available duringoperating hours on a reference room basis. Bookdonations are welcome. Open during operating hours.

Monthly Art Meetings atLyndon House Arts Center

The Lyndon House Arts Center serves as meeting placeand hub for many local arts organizations. Below is alist of organizations with contact information. Visitorsand artists are invited to attend programs at meetings ofthese art organizations. Free for visitors, but member-ship dues are required for monthly attendance. Formore information call LHAC at 706-613-3623.

Lyndon House Arts Foundation, Inc.The Lyndon House Arts Foundation was created toadvance the arts and to support the development andoperation of the Lyndon House Arts Center. TheFoundation is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)3organization and donations are tax deductible. ContactLyndon House Arts Foundation at P.O. Box 187 Athens,GA 30603 or email lhaf@bellsouth.net

Athens Area Arts Council - The Arts Council is anonprofit organization, staffed by volunteers working tointegrate our community’s vast cultural resources intoarea schools and the economy. Board meetings are at5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month atLHAC. The Arts Council’s website is www.athensarts.org.

Athens Area Porcelain Artists - Membership isopen to anyone interested in hand-painted china.Meetings are held at LHAC on the second Friday ofeach month at 10 a.m. For further information call706-548-4808.

Athens Area Woodcarvers - A casual group ofwood carving and sculpture enthusiasts from all walksof life who meet to learn from each other. For moreinformation call 706-546-8037.

Athens Art Association - Founded in 1919, theAthens Art Association is the oldest of the Classic City’smany artistic groups. Monthly meetings are held atLHAC on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.Contact the Athens Art Association at 293 Hoyt Street.,Athens, GA 30601 or visit their websitewww.athensart.org

Athens Fibercraft Guild - Meetings are held atLHAC on the second Tuesday of the month at 12:30p.m. All skill levels are welcome, from beginner toinstructor. For additional information call 706-769-8573.

Athens Lace Group - Lace enthusiasts meetmonthly at LHAC. Times to be announced.

Athens Photography Guild - A gathering ofphotographers who want to expand their creativetalents and skills. Meetings are held at LHAC on thethird Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Forinformation call 706-369-1997 or visit their websitewww.athensphotographyguild.com

Casa de la Cultura - A program for Spanish speakersto explore and develop artistic interest, the group meetsweekly at LHAC on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. For moreinformation call 706-543-0138.

Cotton Patch Quilt Guild - Monthly meetings areheld at LHAC on the second Tuesday of the month at7 p.m. Several quilting bee groups meet at additionaltimes as scheduled. For more information on the QuiltGuild call 770-725-1305 or visit their websitewww.geocities.com/cottonpatch85.

Key Women - A local community initiative includingretired educators who meet on the third Saturday of themonth at 12 noon.

Ladies’ Garden Club - Founded in 1891, it is the firstGarden Club in America. Monthly meetings are held atLHAC on the first Wednesday of the month at10 a.m. For more information call 706-549-4569.

Printmakers Cooperative - Meet every Saturday at10 a.m. Printmakers bring their own supplies and workon individual intaglio and relief works, share knowledgeand techniques among members.

Teen Cartoon Illustrators’ Club - Teenagersinterested in comic book illustration, animation, andpop culture meet twice monthly at LHAC on Thursdaysfrom 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. For more information call706-613-3623.

Visual Arts Guild of Athens - The Visual Arts Guildof Athens is a non-profit organization offering artistservices to the community. The Guild partners withLyndon House Arts Center to manage the LHAC GalleryShop. For information call 706-613-3623 x224.

Getting to Know theLyndon House ArtsFoundationBy Jenny Williams

As we settle into a new year, it is a time of change atthe Lyndon House Arts Center. Visitors rarely know thata dedicated board of volunteers help to serve theCenter’s needs, but the Lyndon House Arts Foundation(LHAF) was established in 1993 for this very reason andover the years has served as a huge support for manyof the Center’s projects.

The 2007 board was led by co-presidents Rachel Sleppyand Rinne Allen, who worked tirelessly on manyprojects focused on fulfilling the Foundation’s mission:to support the Center through fundraising andvolunteer hours in order to supplement its operatingbudget provided by Athens-Clarke County LeisureServices.

Foundation members assess the additional needs of thearts center by talking to the Center’s staff and thenworks to fund those needs. "For example, the staff hasexpressed a desire for the design of website additionsthat would link to the Leisure Services website andwould include archival features similar to other artscenter and museum websites " said Rachel Sleppy.“They have also expressed a desire for professionalphotography lighting for Shannon Williams to usewhen she photographs work for their catalogs andpromotional materials.”

The Foundation was originally created to assist inbuilding the Center by raising $20,000 to hire KressCoxand Associates to produce the rendering and costestimates for the envisioned expansion and renovation.Other projects funded by the Foundation’s efforts

include cosponsoring the SPLOST IV proposal passed byAthens-Clarke County voters to secure $6 million for therenovation and expansion of LHAC. Later they assem-bled the decorative arts collection currently displayed inthe historic Ware-Lyndon House. A few years after thatthe foundation co-sponsored another successful SPLOSTproposal for the brick walkway, restoration of the diningroom and construction of the kitchen garden.

In addition, the Foundation purchased audio-visualequipment for the Center’s community room; purchaseswork from the annual Lyndon House Arts Center JuriedExhibition, and publishes this newsletter.

“In the past, LHAF has struggled a bit trying to find itssignature fundraising event,” said Sleppy. “But last year,

we held the Gypsy Artists’ Market and it was a success.The Board has decided to try it again this year but on alarger scale.” The funds raised through these events aswell as through donations are used for internet servicefor patrons and volunteers, for example.

In 2007, the Foundation also raised funding throughprivate donations to continue the free art program atthe Biblioteca de Pinewoods, a community learningcenter for the Hispanic community that is co-sponsoredby the LHAC and the ACC Library and featured in ourlast newsletter.

“Rinne and I had hoped that future funds would focuson providing scholarships, both for adults and children,for classes to the Center as well as moving toward thewebsite goal of the Center and continuing the PurchaseAward and any other pressing needs of the Center,“said Sleppy. “Eventually, it would be great if theFoundation had the funding to secure a permanentposition for a Volunteer Coordinator.”

The work of Rachel Sleppy, Rinne Allen and the entire2007 Foundation Board is greatly appreciated and willserve as inspiration to the 2008 board members.

Photos: Shannon Williams

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and enthusiasm to spread awareness within the Athenscommunity of the Center and its contributions to the artcommunity. During his term Brown also hopes to fostera wider appreciation of the Ware-Lyndon Housemuseum that is so closely linked - not just in proximity -to the Center. “A personal goal of mine is to increaseawareness of the Ware-Lyndon House Museum amongthe people of northeast Georgia,” says Brown.

Lanora Pierce, a preparator at the Georgia Museum ofArt as well as a painter and sculptor, shares heroptimism about the coming year. “The current boardincludes many natives like me, who have grown upwith the Lyndon House. So promoting the Arts Center iseasy for us - having witnessed first hand its supportiverole for the arts,” she says. “It’s the place where artists

can gain a foothold into the professional artscommunity. One example of this is the annual juriedarts exhibition. This show has such integrity amongartists because it doesn’t matter who you are - it’s yourwork that merits a space on the wall. Professors havehad their work rejected at the same time their students’art was accepted. It has become a rite-of-passage ina way.”

As Pierce describes the unique role the Lyndon HouseArts Center plays within the community, “There really isno more effective cultural organization in the Athensarea that engages the entire Athens area demographicin such a direct way to its own arts community. We aregrateful to the dedicated staff of the Lyndon House ArtsCenter and the board wants to help them by raisingfunds and building endowments for programming,equipment needs, whatever they need to keep doingwhat they do best.”

Pierce adds, “I think our biggest challenge right now isto focus the diverse talents of our board to their mostefficient use. I think we can do that.”

Visitors to thefirst Gypsy ArtistMarket lookedover original artworks, raffleitems andpurchased gentlyused art supplies.

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Lyndon House Arts Center is operated by theAthens-Clarke County Department of Leisure

Services as a center of excellence for the benefitand cultural enrichment of youth and adults.

Festivals, art classes, workshops, galleryexhibitions, art meetings, special events andhistoric house museum aim to provide area

citizens with a positive experience in the visualarts, encouraging them to appreciate the arts

and to develop their creative talents.

.What’s Gearing Upfor 2008By Dale Wechsler

This year’s board is a large group – some 30 newmembers – brimming with energy, enthusiasm andvaried talents. Tim Brown and Lanora Pierce will act asthis year’s co-presidents. Mary Beth Justus will serve astreasurer and Irene Dodge as secretary.

Tim Brown, who is the director of the Friends of theGeorgia Museum of Art and certainly no stranger to theLyndon House Arts Center, is excited about the yearahead. He looks forward to tapping the board’s talents

Art BytesBy Pamela Adkins-Ramey

Looking for a reason to connect with the Lyndon HouseArts Center? Among the various great reasons likehelpful art classes and special events - is theupcoming Full House Exhibition. This is aninvitational exhibition including over a hundred worksin a variety of media by local members of fourteen artsorganizations which meet regularly at LHAC. Join agroup (see page 5 for a list) before August and get yourframed artwork ready. Full House 2008 will take placeAugust 10 - November 8, 2008.

It's Coming! The 36th Annual Harvest Festival,October 24, 2008 9:30 a.m - 2 p.m. This event hasbecome the quintessential educational field trip forschool children. Activities include woodturning, cornhusk doll making, canning, blacksmithing, soapmaking,spinning, quilting, carriage rides, music, trains, butterchurning, weaving, encounters with animals, painting,storytelling, pottery, natural dyeing, and washingclothes - just the way it was done in the 1800s. CallLHAC’s co-sponsor Athens Community Council onAging at 706-549-4850 to register your school andreceive additional maps and an instruction sheet.

Get ready for the free-wheeling, fast paced AthensTwilight Criterium Pro Cycling Race April 26 - 27.This professional cycling event brings together athleticsfor a 28th year in downtown Athens and $150,000 inprize money. Related activities during “the most insanecriterium in the world” includes local art, theatre, danceand music. Keep pedaling.

Not a lot of time to stop by and get a glimpse of futureartists by visiting the ever popular Lamar Dodd Schoolof Art - 2008 Master of Fine Arts degreeCandidates Exhibition at the Georgia Museum ofArt March 29 – April 27th. This event is free and opento the public. This year there are 17 master’s candidatesincluding one of our own board members JoshuaBienko. Congratulations Joshua.

Do check out the Athens Clarke County Leisure ServicesDepartment website for Lyndon House ArtsCenter, Historic Morton Theatre, East AthensEducational Dance Center, Sandy Creek NatureCenter for upcoming shows, exciting summerprograms for adult and children and volunteeropportunities: www.accleisureservices.com.

The Historic Morton Theatre seeks volunteers forupcoming shows. Call the theatre to volunteer and geta chance to see the shows up close 706-613-3770.

Don’t miss the 12th Annual AthFest. Music, art andkids zone June 18 – 22 in downtown Athens. Named aTop 20 Event in 2007 by the Southeast Tourism Society.AthFest continues to draw crowds of artists andmusicians to Athens for this special week of visual andperforming artists under the blue skies of downtownAthens. It seldom rains on this event.

Speaking of volunteer opportunities – why not join themove to bring public art to Athens. This effort is beingspearheaded by the Athens Area Arts Council. Thegroup meets at the Lyndon House Arts Center monthlyand will present a proposal to the Athens Clarke CountyCommission on the benefits and advantages of publicart consortium in Athens to encourage an enrichedartistically viable community with sculpture, 2-D andother interactive forms of art in the communitylandscape.

Look for your 2008 issue of MandalaLiterary Journal published by theAfrican American Multi-Cultural StudiesDepartment at UGA. The front cover thisyear was selected from juried submissions.This year’s winner is Mia Montgomery withher Prisma colored pencil drawing entitled“Miss Marlena.” The back cover winner is alandscape watercolor by local artist andBoard member, Par Ramey. There was anexhibition of all artwork included in thisyear’s literary journal at Ciné in downtownAthens March 24 – 30 entitled: “MandalaLiterary Journal 2008 Art Submissions:Poets – Artists – Thinkers”. The release partyat Ciné was standing room only.

Clare Methe withher drawing

Strawberry Cakein the LHACexhibitionBetween

Thought andExpression: A

Lifetime ofAthenocentric

Cartoons

LHAF boardmember PamelaAdkins-Rameydemonstrateswatercolor at

Earth Fareduring ArtsUnleashed

Photo: Van Burns8

Photo: Shannon Williams

Summer Class Schedule CALL 706-613-3623 TO REGISTER!

Children & Teen Classes and Workshops Registration date: March 29 until class fills

Class Dates Instructor Age CostAnimals All Around June 2 - 6 Staff 4 - 6 $0 - $82.50* / $97.50**

+ $5 lab fee

Down By The Sea June 16 - 20 Staff 4 - 6 $0 - $82.50* / $97.50**

+ $5 lab fee

The Land Down Under! July 7 - 11 Staff 4 - 6 $0 - $82.50* / $97.50**

Australia + $5 lab fee

It’s My Planet - Explore the June 9 - 13 Staff 6 - 12 $0 - $165* / $180**

Wonders of the Ocean + $5 lab fee

Out of Africa! July 14 - 18 Staff 6 - 12 $0 - $165* / $180** + $5 lab fee

Teen Camp: Drawing & Painting June 23 - 27 Jim StipeMaas 12+ $0 - $70* / $81** + $10 lab fee

Teen Camp: Beaded Jewelry July 21 - 25 Robin Weinrich 12+ $0 - $70* / $81** + $10 lab fee

Cartooning June 16 - 20 Staff 9 - 12 $0 - $70* / $81** + $5 lab fee

Teen Cartoon Illustrators’ Club June 15 & 19, Robert Brown 13+ $5.00 for pizza and

July 10 & 24, soft drink each time

Aug 7 & 21

*Dependent on Scholarship eligibility ** Non - Athens / Clarke County residents

Classes for Adults Registration date: April 2 until class fills

Class Dates Instructor CostJewelry/Metalsmithing Thursday, June 5 - July 31 ◊ Courtney Poole $78 / $90** + $25 lab fee

Painting with Charles Tuesday, June 3 - July 22 Charles Warnock $104 / $120**

Digital Photography Demystified Thursday, June 5 - July 17 Chad Osburn $78 / $90**

Afternoon Art Break for Seniors Wednesday, June 4, Staff $5 each session

July 9, & August 6

** Non - Athens / Clarke County residents

For more information and class times, please go to www.accleisureservices.com/lyndon.shtml,call 706-613-3623 or look for the Leisure Services Summer Program Guide

The 13th Annual Southworks Juried Art Exhibition willtake place May 2 -31 at the Oconee Cultural ArtsFoundation in Watkinsville, GA. This is a national juriedart exhibition displaying a variety of media.

Since we’re looking at numbers – how about the 5thAnnual Perspectives Pottery Exhibition SaleAugust 29 – September 17. This year’s Georgia potteryexhibition celebrates 50 Georgia potters and collectors.

The 24th Annual North Georgia Folk Festival willtake place on Sept. 20 at Sandy Creek Park this year.Look for great bluegrass music, other forms of music,picnicking, local art and regional crafts.

Elements Art Supply has moved to the Shops ofSouth Athens (SOSA) and is now holding art classes.Board member Irene Dodge has a first Friday eventwhere artists are encouraged to come set up a boothand sell or display their art. Call Irene to find out more.(706) 546-1310

Kudos! Congratulations to Irene Dodge for beingselected as the 2008 Small Business Champion inGeorgia by the state chapter of the National Federation

of Independent Business. Irene owns Elements ArtSupply, located in the South Millege shopping center,and is an officer in the Lyndon House Arts CenterFoundation as well as an active supporter of the arts inthe community.

Rose of Athens Theatre is holding open auditionsfor the upcoming season. If you have already missedthe April 3rd & 4th auditions – check out thegroup’s website for more information:http:www.roseofathens.org. Actors, musicians andperformers of all styles and ethnicities are encouragedto audition for the remainder of the 2007/2008 Roseof Athens Theatre season.

Sandy Creek Nature Center Photo ContestEntries must be color photos of animals or naturalscenes taken at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Include a4X6 on glossy paper or a CD, name, phone number,image title, and a paragraph describing the setting inwhich the picture was taken including month andlocation. All ages and experience welcome. Submit inperson. Deadline: June 30.

Arts Unleashed (continued from page 1)

That program, as he explained, was much smaller inscope but shared the same concept of putting artists inunorthodox venues in the community. “Arts Unleashedbuilds on that experience and also uses the Site SpecificArt Program run by the 4Culture Arts Agency in KingCounty, Washington as a model,” Miller added.

Some of the works presented during Arts Unleashedwere site-specific – that is, an art activity that isthematically connected to the venue – and werecreated just for the event, such as Among the Aisles, adance performance presented at Borders bookstore bythe Floorspace Studio. The piece was choreographedspecifically to interpret the behavior and habits ofbookstore patrons. Pleine Aire (open air) Painting waspresented by the Athens Art Association who set up

their canvasesalongHancockStreet next toCity Hall.The StateBotanicalGarden ofGeorgia wasthe venue forperformingand visualartist AndreaTrombetta,who com-bined livemusic, inter-pretive danceand fiber artcreations inthat beautifulsetting.

Some otherhighlights ofthe weekend

included Andrew Lentini and other musicians from theAthens Folk Music and Dance Society playing traditionalfolk music in a not-so-traditional setting – the WOWplayground at SE Clarke Park. Meanwhile, in the café atEarth Fare, actors from the Rose Theatre of Athens tooksuggestions from the audience and improvised scenesfrom (never written) Shakespeare plays. They werepreceded in the produce section by Pam Ramey whocreated some site-specific works to the delight anddiscussion of onlookers.

One of the partners of the Arts Unleashed project is theAthens Convention and Visitors Bureau. Amy Clark,Leisure Travel Marketing Director, is excited about ArtsUnleashed and explains why this partnership is such agood fit. “Arts Unleashed, as an initiative and now afully realized event and ongoing program, not only fitswith our mission and program of work but alsoencompasses one of our target markets: the audiencethat enjoys Athens as a music destination with appealto the cultural and heritage traveler.” Clark points outthat Athens, as a vibrant, eclectic college town, inspirescreative energy that draws visitors here. “It is this10

The downtownPost Office is

painted by ArtsUnleashedparticipant

Margaret Agnerin front of

City Hall on abeautiful springday in Athens

Photo: John Weber

promise of the experience that one will have while inAthens that draws the cultural traveler and keeps themhere, injecting economic investment into our communityand perpetuating the cycle of preservation of the artsand local heritage.” Clark says that Arts Unleashed is aprogram that will help Athens live up to its reputation asa hub in the state for trend-setting southern culture bygiving the public what they have come to expect inAthens – a vibrant and creative program that shows offand promotes our arts community, our heritageand culture.

Shortly before the Arts Unleashed weekend Stuart Millerexpressed satisfaction with the final stages of planning.“I’m really excited about the artists participating. We putout a call for artists last November and we’ve gottensome really high quality and innovative artists involved.”So, if you are an artist, actor, musician, performance artistor a part of an arts or performing organization and feel abit boxed in, watch next fall for the call for artists fromthe ACC Leisure Services Arts Division, submit your ideasand join the ranks of the Unleashed.

Ware-Lyndon House (continued from page 1)

areas reflect the aesthetics of the 1880s, during theLyndons’ residency.

Through the committee’s efforts, an incomparabledecorative arts collection was assembled from a widevariety of sources. The Lyndon House Arts Foundationprovided funds to purchase much of the collection, andthe remainder came from private contributions. Severalpieces, donated by descendents of the Lyndon family,actually occupied the house during the 19th century.

One of the most significant elements of the Ware-LyndonHouse was discovered accidentally. During renovation,a piece of plaster fell from the south wall of the diningroom, and workers were surprised to find that at somepoint, the room’s original walls had been covered by asecond layer of plaster. To everyone’s astonishment,intricate wall paintings were found underneath. Forsome reason, the murals were covered during the early20th century and would have remained hidden had itnot been for the loose plaster.

The discovery of the paintings sparked great excitement,and upon investigation, they were determined to havebeen executed at two different times. The lower wallswere painted with faux wainscoting during the 1850s,and the upper walls were decorated in the 1880s withtwenty panels depicting native flowers of Georgia. Thediscovery of the murals was serendipitous. To find themintact, quite by accident, was rare enough, but for thepaintings to reflect the exact interpretive periods of thehouse was almost unbelievable.

Like the rest of the Ware-Lyndon House, the dining roommurals have been lovingly restored to their former glory.Everything in the house is exceptional—the molding inthe double parlors, the Belter parlor suite, the Lyndonfamily’s heirlooms—everything. We are incrediblyfortunate to have this resource at our disposal; themuseum is one of the many reasons that the LyndonHouse Arts Center is one of the most unique andmagnificent facilities of its kind in the nation.

Winterville BankExhibits Student ArtBy Rosanna Ames

The Commercial Bank in Winterville will be holding itsfirst annual Student Art Exhibit and Auction to benefitlocal participating schools of Eastern Clarke andOglethorpe counties. The exhibit will showcase localtalent from participating schools in grades K-12 duringthe month of May.

All students will be recognized for their participationand judges will review the middle and high school levelartwork for outstanding talent within the exhibit. Dr.Marilyn Wolf-Ragatz, Assistant Principal of Oconee

County Elementary, will chair the judging committee.Artwork will be presented for auction at the receptionand 100% of the sales will be returned to theparticipating school art departments.

The exhibit will be displayed at the Winterville Branch ofThe Commercial Bank located at 100 Moore’s GroveRoad and may be viewed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during May andwill conclude with a reception and auction Thursday,May 29th.

For more information please contact Peggy Hroma atphroma@thecommercialbank.net or call 706-743-7832

11

LHAC ReceivesMore Awards!By Claire Benson

It seems I sound like a broken record. More awards andmore and more awards. I hope I’m not getting a repu-tation as a braggart, but I am, like mother hen, so veryproud of all of my brood, present and past included.

Since I last wrote, I attended the Georgia Recreationand Parks Association Conference. It was a completesurprise to me – no prior leak of info – to be awardedthe Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award for ourAthens/Xalapa, Mexico Artists Exchange Program, a partof our National Leadership Grant from the Institute ofMuseum and Library Services.Fernando Meza visited Athens fora week giving lectures anddemonstrations for UGA, publicschools, Pinewoods LearningCenter, local arts organizations anda Latin craft group. Fernando is aprintmaker and photographer ofinternational acclaim and is aprofessor of art at the Universityof Veracruz.

Our Mexican visitors toured withus and met many of our areaartists from Alan Campbell to thosein the Leathers building and othersurrounding warehouses and evenout to the country for barbecue atZeb Dean’s and visits to Comerand all the Happy Valley enter-prises. We ended the evening atGirasoles. There was wonderfulcultural exchange between ourartists and our guests. Our folkscould not have been better hosts,demonstrating and discussing theirart and even providing gifts forour guests. It was a day toremember for all.

Staff from Lyndon House and ACCLibrary was also able as part of thegrant to visit Xalapa and developseveral sister institution relation-ships for our galleries, galleryshop, teaching studios and library.

Nancy Lukasiewicz attended the Georgia Association ofMuseums and Galleries Conference in Columbus thisyear. She was honored at the luncheon with twoawards from GAMG; the first for Special Project for theArts, again, for the Athens-Xalapa Artists’ Exchange:“For excellence and creativity in building bridges to newaudiences, for generating excitement, and the arts, andenriching communities in both Georgia and Xalapa,Mexico.”

The second GAMG award received is MuseumExhibition of the Year, Category II (Budget under$100,000) for the Dancing Fibers of Peacock Alley:

(continued on page 12)

A few of the manyChenille pieces ondisplay in LHAC’saward-winningexhibition TheDancing Fibers ofPeacock Alley,guest curated byPeter & SandyLoose and PamelaAdkins-Ramey

Photo: Shannon Williams

Lyndon House Arts Center293 Hoyt StreetAthens, GA 30601www.accleisureservices.com706-613-3623

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

ATHENS, GAPERMIT No. 211

How You Can HelpPlease consider making a donation and becoming a partner in the Lyndon House Arts Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)3corporation and donations are tax deductible. Simply fill out the attached form and mail it along with your check. If you would liketo volunteer to be on a Foundation Committee please contact Celia Brooks at 706-613-3623 x224.

Name

Address

City State Zip

Home Phone Work Phone

Fax E-mail

Please make your tax- deductible check payable to Lyndon House Arts Foundation and mail to

Lyndon House Arts Foundation, Inc.P.O. Box 187 � I am interested in being a volunteerAthens, GA 30603 at the Lyndon House Arts Center

Partnership Levels___Artist $20___Individual $25___Family $35___Contributing $50___Sustaining $100___Patron $250___Benefactor $500___Corporate $1000___EndowedScholarship Fund $________Ronnie LukasiewiczEducation Fund $________Other $_____

Thank You

Il venditore daTaonnina by

Leah Mantini,recipient of

2008’spurchase award

from LyndonHouse ArtsFoundation

Awards (continued from page 11)

“For excellence and creativity spotlighting a humblecraft and its cultural impact on North Georgia.” Hopeyou all saw the exhibition of the Chenille collection ofPeter and Sandy Loose, which was guest curated byPamela Adkins-Ramey. The accompanying catalogue is agreat lesson in Georgia history of a cottage industry,which grew to be the largest carpet industry in theworld.

We have also just written a nomination for the entirethree-year IMLS program for the National DorothyMullen Arts and Humanities Award. We had to submit16 copies, so we must have a lot of judges around thecountry. Wish us luck. The award will be given inBaltimore next fall.

Photo: Shannon Williams

Lyndon House Arts Center is a facility of Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department and is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Artsthrough the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. The Georgia Council for the Arts is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts