Thursday, March 17, 2016

SACC Announces First Concert; Montana Skies to Perform on April 9

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council announces it first fundraiser concert in its Jonquil City Sessions concert series.  Montana Skies is the inaugural act. The concert will take place at the American Legion Post 160 Music Hall on Saturday, April 9, 2016, 7:00 pm.  The address is 160 Legion DR SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.SmyrnaACC.org or at the door.


About Montana Skies:

Their name, Montana Skies, is a metaphor for musical freedom, and they continue to follow their creative instincts far beyond traditional boundaries. In concert, these award winning musicians delve into music from Pink Floyd and Rush to Vivaldi, and House of the Rising Sun, as well as their own originals that have been featured everywhere from NPR to the Travel Channel. Montana Skies seemingly non-stop tour schedule has taken them all across the US as well as to Canada, Asia, and Russia.

Combining elements of classical technique, jazz improv and the power and energy of rock n' roll; Jonathan's guitar wizardry and Jenn's blazing electric cello combine to create a sound that is truly remarkable. While the music defies simple categorization, it is a fusion in the truest sense of the word. It's been called everything from chamber rock to psychedelic strings. Whatever you want to call it, rest assured, this ain't your grannies chamber music.

Montana Skies' name is taken from one of the first songs Jonathan composed for the group titled "Montana Skies." At the time of its composition, he and Jennifer were completing their individual studies of music (he in Montana and she in Italy) and they realized that they wanted to meld their musical vision. Inspired by the fact there were really no great compositions for cello and guitar, what resulted from this new musical freedom of expression between the two was the formation of Montana Skies, and a unique style of music that would garner instant recognition and praise.

YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhxHpKh5V9mGnMq4hL2EqA/featured 

REVIEWS:

"...rambling across a map of influences from American folk and Arabic music to jazz, flamenco and pop. And Montana Skies' unrelenting tour schedule is geared toward taking this harmonious hybrid to the masses." -- Atlanta Journal Constitution

"Their first piece elicited a standing ovation, one of many throughout the evening. Their virtuosity left the audience exhilarated and wanting more." -- Pat Crawford, host, WUWF RADIO LIVE

“In their two appearances here, Montana Skies packed the house with enthusiastic fans, before whom Jenn and Jon’s alternately mystic, soaring, pounding, and sizzling melodic and visual dynamics riveted the audience, who swayed in unison in spellbound rhythm. Theirs is a fusion of musical harmony, counterpoint, and energy unique in the experience, an immersive feast for the eyes and ears! When you leave, you’ll still be going, ‘Wow!’” –Gregg Averett, Acoustics at Oak’s End

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

SACC Launches “Talk of the Town” Monthly Speaker Series at Brawner Hall

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council launched its new monthly speaker series, “Talk of the Town”, last night at Brawner Hall.  Local historian and writer Jeff Clemmons spoke for 90 minutes on the history of the famed Rich’s department store.        

Mr. Clemmons traced Rich's 137-year history and educated the attendees about the true stories behind Penelope Penn, Fashionata, The Great Tree, the Pink Pig, Rich's famous coconut cake and much more, including how events at the downtown Atlanta store helped John F. Kennedy become America's thirty-fifth president. With an eye for accuracy and exacting detail, Clemmons recounted the complete history of this treasured southern institution.

Afterwards attendees participated in a book signing of Mr. Clemmons’ book “Rich’s: A Southern Institution”. 

Speaker Bio:

Jeff Clemmons has lived in the Atlanta metropolitan area for more than a quarter of a century, but his Atlanta roots run much deeper. His great-great-grandfather Archibald Clemmons fought in the Atlanta Campaign, including the Battle of Atlanta, during the American Civil War.

Clemmons has a degree in business administration from Reinhardt University and a degree in creative writing from Georgia State University. His current full-time employer is an international law firm based in Atlanta, where he works in the public relations department.
Outside of his day-to-day job, he gives walking tours that he created of the Midtown and SoNo districts of Atlanta for the Atlanta Preservation Center. He also serves on the board of the Atlanta Preservation Center’s auxiliary group, CIRCA, which offers its members private tours of some of metropolitan Atlanta’s most interesting historical structures.

Friday, March 11, 2016

SACC Co-Sponsors Smyrna Schools Celebrate the Arts

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council is thrilled to have participated in the first annual Smyrna Schools Celebrate the Arts last night at the Smyrna Community Center.  The Smyrna Area Art Teachers, Smyrna Education Foundation, Wave of Excellence-Smyrna City Schools and the Smyrna Arts & Culture Council invite were the sponsors.

The event was a great success with a huge crowd attending.  Each of the Smyrna area schools had a sampling of student art on display as well as a collaborative piece of art that was for sale. The Smyrna Education Foundation hosted a Silent Auction that benefited all of the City of Smyrna Schools. The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council had professional artists on site who displayed their art and spoke to students about careers in art. 

Click this link to view the extensive online photo album ofthe students’ artwork.

Refreshments were donated by: Smallcakes Smyrna (cupcakes), Chick-fil-A (tea & lemonade), Zaxby's (cookies, wraps), REV (coffee), Bella's Pizzeria (cheese & fruit tray), Glenda Baker & Associates (water) & Kara Gold (paper products).


Planning is already underway for the 2017 Smyrna Schools Celebrate the Arts event. 

Sunday, March 6, 2016

SACC Implements e-Mail Newsletter and List Management System

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council implemented a new e-Mail newsletter and e-Mail list management system today.  Website visitors can now easily sign-up to receive e-Mail updates every few weeks on our upcoming events and our progress. 

When signing up, visitors can specify if they are an artist, performer or cultural expert and also denote their volunteer interests. 

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Photography by Celia Durand Opens at Smyrna Public Library

Photography (with digital artistic techniques and elements) by Celia Durand is on display in the upstairs Art Gallery at the Smyrna Public Library until April 30, 2016.

ABOUT CELIA DURAND (artist statement)

As a young adult, I moved to New York from my native country of Argentina. My previous studies and degree were in teaching and journalism but since childhood I dabbled in art and crafts.

During the early years, besides raising a family, I studied ceramics and sculpture and developed my own style. During that time I participated in several group showings and received several awards. I also taught myself the basics of early microprocessors and computers.

After moving to Washington D.C., I learned computer programming and wrote several programs, including "The Banner Machine" - which printed large-sized banners using a dot matrix printer - and a number of companion utilities for a retail point of sale software package.

Our move to Atlanta coincided with the advance in digital photography which opened for me a whole new field and gave me the capability of combining my artistic aspirations with my fascination with computers.


During the last several years I have participated in numerous art shows and received many awards. My website illustrates all aspects of my work and its evolution and my Facebook page keeps everybody abreast of my latest art related news.

Porcelain and Stoneware by Candy Casarella Opens at Smyrna Public Library

Porcelain and Stoneware by Candy Casarella is on display in the upstairs Art Gallery at the Smyrna Public Library until April 30, 2016.

ABOUT CANDY CASARELLA (artist statement)

I was born and raised in Southern California. I first experienced working with clay at the University of California – Santa Barbara. I’m the mother of two grown children and three adorable grandchildren.


I lived in New Jersey for twenty years, participating in art shows and have sold pottery throughout the area. Then I moved to Atlanta in 1981 where I studied at Penland and Callenwolde.

I’ve had my work on display at Simpsonwood, Spruill Gallery, Framing Artistry, Red Space Gallery, Yellow Dog Gallery and have done art and craft events all over Georgia. Pottery is my therapy and my passion. It’s a great joy to create things that others use and enjoy.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

SACC Publishes 6-Month Progress Report


Today we published our 6-month progress report which details our progress since being formally established on August 12, 2015.  

The report summarizes our strategic planning efforts, provides updates on the management and program committees and outlines our vision for the future.