The SACC history committee held its first public meeting last night. 11 volunteers attended and mapped out a detailed series of projects for the next year. The projects are:
SACC is partnering with Friends of Smyrna Library for First Sunday Lecture Series. The lectures are focused on local history topics and are held in the downstairs meeting room at the Smyrna Public Library on the first Sunday of the month at 3 pm. We are also partnering on local and regional history acquisitions. SACC volunteers conduct research on books and other assets pertaining to local history that are recommended to be added to the library’s collection. The Friends of Smyrna Library provide the funding for the library to purchase the recommended selections.
The first phase of developing a comprehensive historical city map has been completed in the form of the Jonquil City Historical Trail. Extensive research was conducted to identify 60+ historical sites along the Atlanta Road corridor from Belmont Hills to Brawner Hall. Narratives were written and historical photos were sourced. This information is being programmed into a Google Maps app that can be used on Apple and Android phones and tablets. It will also be available on a computer through an Internet browser.
Online systems with capabilities to present historical photos and articles are being assessed with the intent of a new website being launched this summer.
Our Oral History project will involve conducting one or more interviews with local senior citizens to capture their vivid memories of Smyrna’s past. Volunteer training is being offered to support this project. When the training is completed more information will be published on next steps.
The Smyrna Public Library has an outstanding genealogical collection. We plan on sponsoring workshops to encourage its use.
Three very interesting research projects can use additional volunteers: Photograph historic 19th century maps in the Cobb County Registry of Deeds plat books, research 19th century Marietta Daily Journal back issues beginning in 1866 for Smyrna-related articles and inventory Smyrna’s old city records and make them available online
The Board of Directors of the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council approved numerous projects for 2016 during the monthly Board of Directors meeting held last night. We are thrilled to make the following announcements:
• We will support the upcoming Smyrna Schools Celebrate the Arts being held on March 10.
• We will sponsor a free monthly lecture series that will begin in March at Brawner Hall.
• We will sponsor the introduction of fine art to the Jonquil Festival in conjunction with the City of Smyrna and JRM Management.
• We will sponsor a recurring outdoor, environmentally-focused art exhibition in conjunction with Keep Smyrna Beautiful where artists can use items donated to the Smyrna Recycling Center to create art.
• We approved the next steps in establishing a series of art education classes that we will sponsor within the year.
• Additional projects will be announced soon.
Check back for news about exciting volunteer opportunities!
Dr. William Marchione, author of A Brief History of Smyrna, presented detailed and thoroughly researched lecture titled “The Metamorphosis of Downtown Smyrna - 1838 to 2002” today.
The presentation started by explaining the forces fostered the development of the thriving commercial district in and around intersection of Atlanta Road and Spring Street in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Every decade from the 1830s to the to the present time was included.
Also presented were complete details on the factors led to the complete demolition of that once thriving commercial center in the late 1980s, and to its reincarnation as the modern, planned downtown we enjoy today.
The "First Sunday" lecture series is held in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room and is jointly sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library and the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council.
The January/February art gallery exhibit for 2016 opened today - Oils and Acrylics by Devin KOLbY. Devin’s exhibit is on display until February 28. The art gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The art gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.
Biography:
Devin KOLbY, the Artist of KOLbYcreations was born March, 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia. Devin KOLbY’s passion for creativity started at an early age. He played the Double Bass in the school Orchestra from 6th grade until his senior year where he held the position of 1st chair. His musical talent extended to playing piano into enjoying all genres of music. KOLbY’s interest took a detour towards photography and visual editing. This led his pencil to pad and he began sketching and experimenting with watercolor and other art mediums. While away in college his passion for art grew and as the stroke of his paint brush filled with acrylic colors met the canvas the self taught artist KOLbY, was created.
In 2011, Devin KOLbY unfortunately struggled with depression that resulted in his suicide attempt. Through, divine intervention he survived life support and today he’s on a journey to recovery. Devin KOLbY and his mother are advocates for suicide prevention and together they are erasing the stigma and sharing information with the hope that one day there will be services, resources and support for this unrecognized, unrepresented group, Survivors of Suicide Attempts. Through his traumatic experience, KOLbY’s now, creating with a renewed sense of life and perspective. In 2015, KOLbY, will continue his education and enhance his creative abilities by enrolling into art school.
KOLbY’s, detour has come, full circle and evolved into remarkable art, photography, music and living. He’s artistically influenced by Basquait, Warhol, KAWS and Dali. He’s inspired by color, life and energy. KOLbY’s abstract Creations include mediums of acrylic, oils and mixed media.
Follow KOLbYcreations on: facebook, twitter & instagram.For upcoming KOLbYcreations exhibits, booking information and purchases contact: (404) 580-9464 Not Your Usual Event or KOLbYcreations317@gmail.com.
The January/February display gallery exhibit for 2016 opened today - Pottery by Mariella Owens. Ms. Owens' exhibit is on display until February 28. The display gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The display gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.
Artist Statement:
Hi, I'm Mariella Owens. I've been doing pottery for 35 years. And have made many accomplishments.As an artist, I attempt to be very creative with my work, exploring all the different ways of utilizing the clay and making it work for me. I try to have parallels between my work and nature.
The artwork shown on my website supports my vision and development goals by enabling me to move forward with my art shows and studio. It makes a continuation of my developmental style.
My career as an artist started as a hobby for relaxation. I would hand build pieces and play on the wheel. After 2 or 3 months, it became so fascinating that I started spending my lunch breaks on the wheel, slab roller, and extruder at Riverbend Art Center in Dayton, Ohio.
I wanted to improve my technique and skills as a potter, so I took 9 week sessions of classwork at Riverbend Art Center. After completing the three sessions, I was invited to participate in the student's show Riverbend. Within that first show, I sold enough of my work to buy my first potters wheel. After several smaller shows, I was asked to be an instructor by the Art Counsel in 1984 at Riverbend Art Center. After teaching my first 9 week session, I was asked to return to do 3 sessions instead of one.
I have been doing 10-12 art shows per year and have won numerous awards from Best of Show to Honorable Mention since 1984. In March of 2000, I purchased a barn that I renovated into a studio. The grand opening of "Mariella's" happened on November 2000.Currently I'm living in Georgia and doing lots of shows.
