Playful Pianos of Smyrna Program Launched

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council and Smyrna Parks & Recreation have partnered to present an exciting public art initiative named Playful Pianos of Smyrna. Donated pianos are painted by local artists and placed in public spaces for the community to play and enjoy! 

The first piano was installed at the Smyrna Community Center on November 28, 2017.  It is named Jonquil Joy and was painted by local artist and SACC Board Member Carrie Tankersley.  Thank you to the Stokes Family for donating the piano.

Three more pianos will be installed in 2018.  If interested in donating a piano please email SmyrnaACC@gmail.com. Tax receipts will be provided.  You can also support the program by making an online donation on our donor page.


Enjoy the photo album.

Fall 2017 Circle of Fine Art Concludes

We braved the rain, frigid temperatures and high winds over the weekend and presented Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival.

THANK YOU, Amanda Mohs, Sue Pezely, Corinne Mitchell, Joan Friedman, Ida Beth Barner, Shelton LaBron, Amanda Foss, Marise Fransolino, Teri LeVine, Jen Felder and Heidi Hunt for punching the weather in the nose and exhibiting your beautiful art under tough circumstances.

THANK YOU, Robert Gaines (The Jonquil Project), Leah Barnes (SACC#SmyrnaGARocks) and Carrie Tankersley (SACC Community Mural) for managing your events on Saturday and Sunday. Additional sincere thanks go to our all the volunteers who worked on this program for 6 months and over the weekend.

Jonquil City Historical Trail Launches On Sunday, October 15th

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council, a by-product of the City’s Strategic Vision Plan, and the City of Smyrna will inaugurate Phase 1 of the city’s long-awaited Jonquil City Historical Trail on Sunday, October 15 at 3 pm with a kickoff reception at the Smyrna Public Library followed by a tour of several of the trails 20 sites. The library is located at 100 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, Georgia 30080.

This unique electronically-accessed historical trail will provide visitors, young and old alike, with both historical images and narratives identifying the chief landmarks in Smyrna’s historic downtown. This information will be available through a city-sponsored online mobile application that can be accessed by cell phones, computers and other electronic devices.

The concept and the historical content of the trail was generated by the SACC History Committee, co-chaired by Smyrna historian William P. Marchione and Architect/Artist Shaun Martin. The mobile app was constructed, funded, and will be maintained by the City of Smyrna.

The long-term objective of the Jonquil City Historical Trail is to integrate history, historic preservation, and the arts through a multi-media celebration of Smyrna’s history. 

All interested persons are cordially invited to attend the inauguration of Smyrna's Jonquil City Historical Trail on Sunday, October 15 at the Smyrna Public Library at 3 pm.  For further information, readers should contact William Marchione at wpmarchione@gmail.com or Shaun Martin at shaunlmartin@gmail.com.

Ida Beth Barner Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Ida Beth Barner. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Ida Beth Barner is an accomplished artist who specializes in watercolors. She serves on the board of the prestigious Georgia Watercolor Society. She is known for her delicate painting style in bright colors. A New Jersey native, Ida Beth relocated to Atlanta many years ago. She is very active in the local arts community. She also serves on the board of the annual Brookhaven Arts Festival.

https://www.facebook.com/SmyrnaACC/posts/1434754396574266

Jenna Mason Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Jenna Mason. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Jenna Mason is a wife, mother and career woman who resides in Kennesaw, GA. She grew up in Athens, GA as the middle child amongst three girls. Always a bright young woman with a creative spirit, she studied art in high school before attending Georgia Tech where she studied Chemistry. In addition to spending time with her family and her art, Jenna also enjoys reading, playing tennis and cooking – especially baking.

Jenna's professional career started in Cincinnati, Ohio with Procter & Gamble and also includes other successful organizations like UCB Pharmaceuticals and Medallia. Although she has enjoyed much success in corporate America, Jenna has always struggled with fitting in with the traditional corporate culture and enjoys having a creative outlet. Painting allows her to focus her mind and escape from her wonderful, yet hectic, life.

Jenna's comes from a family of artists, most notably her Nono (maternal grandmother), who is her inspiration. Her work is also inspired and supported by her amazing husband, four beautiful children and her lovable cats. She paints a variety of diverse subjects including beautiful flowers, birds, boats, fishing lures, sports, and also does custom pieces upon request. She hopes her paintings will bring you as much joy in viewing them as they have brought her in creating them.

https://www.facebook.com/jmasondesignsonline

Heidi Hunt Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Heidi Hunt. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

The peace, joy and beauty that I strive to infuse into my surroundings are the same qualities I try to recreate in my watercolors and oils. I work directly from nature and am happy when my viewers recognize and connect with my vision of the world, often images of flowers they may love and grow in their own homes and gardens, and landscapes of local scenes or of New England, where I grew up.

Jennifer Felder Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Jennifer Felder. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

My name is Jennifer Felder and like many artists, art is my outlet. In my earlier years, I expressed myself through dance- the art of movement. Now my expressions emerge in forms of photography , painting, alcohol inks, collage, mixed media, and encaustic painting. Art also provides me the opportunity to unwind and to attempt to relinquish the need for structure or control. When painting , I tend to gravitate to textures and more abstract works. I haven’t quite determined which medium is my favorite, but I plan on enjoying my journey while exploring them all. I had the wonderful opportunity to have 2 pieces of art selected and displayed at the NOVAS [National Open Visual Arts Show] 2016 exhibit.

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA (Go STEELERS!!) , grew up in Newburgh, IN, and now reside in Dallas, GA. I met my incredibly supportive husband, Vincent, in college at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and have 3 wonderful children: Vashtia, Kiyoko, and Dimitri.

2016 - NOVAS [National Open Visual Arts Show] 2016 exhibit - Title: Drifts - Title: Geisha’s Dream
2016- Georgia Lawyers for the Arts' Annual Gala -Untitled Alcohol Ink artwork – donation for silent auction & acquired
2017 - NOVAS [National Open Visual Arts Show] 2017 exhibit -Title: Bloom

Teri Levine Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Teri Levine. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Gauguin once wrote about color as the language of the listening eye, that which helps our imagination soar with inner power and mystery. From the beginning of my explorations, color has always been my driving interest, and the primary power in my work.

By using oil and acrylic paints as my surface, I create paintings emphasizing color juxtapositions and interactions. The flow of color and line, shape and form become intricately interwoven as translucent and opaque layers of glaze are laid down. Each layer creates new forms that I respond to in making the painting.

I strive to combine expressionism with cubism and yet make the paintings understandable to the art critic and casual viewer. My work speaks to the universal human tendency to appreciate beauty and to find meaning in abstraction. The appreciation of the beautiful is an essential aspect of humanity, and there is a positive, almost spiritual energy involved in the experience of the beautiful.

Shellton LaBron Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Shellton LaBron. His art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

I was born in Statesboro, GA. I am visual artist, artisan, inventor and poet. I would consider my art to be mostly conceptual and innovative with bold colors and stylized renderings. I've lived mostly in the Southeast, including Florida and South Carolina. I matriculated in the early years in Georgia and completed my Bachelor of Science degrees at SC State University. While attending college, I earned two diplomas, one concentrating in Marketing and the other concentrating in Fashion Merchandising. Later when I moved to Atlanta, GA, I completed my Associates of Arts Degree in Fashion Design at Bauder College. There I read, researched and proposed doing more in the field of Fine Art. As a small child I remember questioning my mother on why I could not draw like my brother (or paint as she did), so she said to me, "You won't know until you try." From there my interest sparked, my skills blossomed, and exploration began.

Secondly, though I have taken some Art classes, I would consider myself self-taught. The natural world and surreal imagery, colors, forms and beauty captivate me. I believe that any object or subject can be applied to a surface and used to convey thoughts and imagination. I strongly believe in all types of mediums and experimentation is one of my key strengths. I love to add texture and depth. I try to provoke deep emotions and modes in my work. I cater more to abstract, surreal and conceptual creativity, but not exclusively. I consider art as universal, so I create with the cosmos in mind. I am very keen when it comes to tantalizing and innovative concepts. I want the world and my touch of human ingenuity to portray an unbound and flowing energy in all of us.

I have belonged to several art associations and communities, such as, South Cobb Arts Alliance, RawArtists.org, Chocolate & Art – Atlanta, Atlanta Artists Center – Atlanta, GA, Mano A Mano Art Shows, FineArtAmerica.com, Artwanted.com, and RedBubble.com. I am also Vice President of AAFTA for 2017. I have exhibited my work in different venues and an assortment of emerging artist gatherings. I have instructed Art and Design at Bauder College, Atlanta, GA. I desire to eventually get my work published and into high end galleries. I am definitely looking to expose my work to New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami.

What is ART to Shellton LaBron Tremble? It's POWER. It's PASSION. It's PERPETUITY. I try to merge spiritual thoughts with tangible mediums. ART to me is as infinite as the mind of a youthful toddler. It can be everyday objects or impossible realities.

Marise Fransolino Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Marise Fransolino. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

I was born in Brazil and have been living in the United States since 1983. My life as a ceramist began in 1999, after having finished my first pottery class. I was instantly intrigued by the medium and became fascinated with the process of throwing, glazing, and firing, and happily surprised to see how well my Industrial Design background fit with the ceramic arts.
At the same time, I found that I love teaching the medium, and started my ceramic instructor career teaching kids at a community arts center. Soon after, I started offering workshops and classes for adults as well.

Since I have set up my studio, I have been working full time while building my knowledge at ceramic workshops whenever possible. My passion and dedication to ceramics has taken me on a tireless search for more challenging techniques.
My work is to be used and enjoyed, and hopefully it will bring beauty into peoples lives. As an instructor, I hope to inspire others to love ceramics as much as I do.

Formal Education:
Master of Product Design, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Bachelor of Industrial Design, Universidade Federal do Estado do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
Bachelor of English, Universidade Cató lica do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
Ceramic Education:
Potter's Wheel and Hand-building - Spruill Center for the Arts. Atlanta, GA - 1999-2001
Volunteer Ceramic Lab Assistant - Spruill Center for the Arts. Atlanta, GA - 1999-2000
Workshops: Tom Coleman 2004
Linda Arbuckle 2003
Jim Connell 2003
Michael Simon 2002
Gay Smith 2001
Don Davis 2000
Robin Hopper 2000
Ron Meyers & Don Penny 2003
Anagama with Rick Berman 2002
Speed Salt Firing with Mike Garnes 2001
Mark Derby 2001
Raku with Rick Berman 2001

Exhibits:
21st Annual National Arts Program - City Gallery East - Third Place Recipient in Professional Category, Atlanta, GA - 2007/2008
Tradition & Transformation - An Invitational Exhibit of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Chastain Arts Center- Atlanta, GA - 2007
Brazilian Color/Form and Flavor - two man show - The Art Place - Marietta, GA - 2006
Seis Visiones Latino Americanas - Roswell Visual Arts Center - Roswell, GA - 2004
National Teapot Exhibition and Sale Teapots-A-Go-Go 2 - Atlanta, GA - 2004
Expressions 2000 - Spruill Center for the Arts - Atlanta, GA - 2000

Juried Shows & Awards:
Sundestin ArtQuest / Received Best of Show Award - Sandestin, FL - May 2008
Destin Arts Festival / Receive a Jury's Recognition's Award - Destin, FL - October 2007

Amanda Foss Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Amanda Foss. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Painting is a very personal experience for me because it's my way of expressing and sharing the stories that I tend to keep hidden in the deepest parts of my mind. As a child I would lose myself for hours in this or that Fantasy novel, pouring over tales like "Watership Down", "The Jungle Book" or "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". When I wasn't reading, I was making up stories of my own... writing them down, or drawing them out on paper... dreaming up what the places and characters looked like and how they made me feel. Some haunt me still, and beg to be released even as new images form in my mind.

Some of my paintings come from dreams (sometimes even nightmares), but many begin by unlocking that dusty vault in my mind and unwrapping a story, once imagined by a child. I think of my paintings as pages from a storybook. If you open the book to the middle and begin reading, without knowing the beginning or end, this would be where you are... a snapshot in time. I want my work to evoke a curious sense of wonder and strange familiarity in the viewer... the notion that there is a wondrous story behind it all, and the anticipation of more yet to come.”

Demone Phelps Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Demone Phelps. His art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Demone Phelps is originally from Buffalo, New York but spent the real growing years in Dayton, Ohio. Now Atlanta has been his home for the past 26 years. Since his early childhood, drawing, crafting and building has always intrigued him. Demone's ability to draw was evident well before attending structured art classes in grade school and college. "I come from a very musical and creative family. My father, brother and I are musicians, as well as several cousins and uncles. I was exposed to music and art early on, but by my early 20's, art began to dominate." His appreciation for aart - in all forms - has exploded in recent years. Trips to New York, Paris and Rome are filled with visits in and out of museums and galleries. Demone has spent extended time in Paris and Moscow, which he says has been an unparalleled experience. Among the artists that catches his eye are Mark Lague, Liz Gribin, Sidney Carter, Harry Ally, and Maxwell Parrish. "Art, like jazz, allows you to be free. When the sky's the limit, you can express your heart's desires. That's what art does for me."

Enjoy his art before the festival at: http://demonephelps.com/

Joan Friedman Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Joan Friedman. Her art will be on exhibit and sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Local Smyrna artist Joan Friedman painted in her head long before putting paint to canvas, longing for the nudge that would make it a reality. A dozen years of making colorful jewelry was a natural segue to painting, and it was a "love at first sight" type of experience. An appreciation for various styles grew over the past twenty plus years as she and husband Lee collected original works by local and national artists. After a career in Nursing and raising two sons, Joan and Lee are now raising a Collie and a cat, and she continues to find time to also make jewelry, teach classes in jewelry making, garden, sew and volunteer year round for her favorite charity, Operation Christmas Child.

Corinne Mitchell Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Corinne Mitchell. Her art will be on exhibit and for sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Corinne Mitchell is a Georgia native and momma of two precious elementary-aged children, who thrives on a love of nature, landscapes, and all things that the good Lord made beautiful. Her acrylic painting techniques include a love of mixed media, textures, and layering. Each painting is inspired by a beloved poem or Bible verse. She is excited to see where God takes her in this artistic journey! Follow her on Instagram and on Facebook at @artbycorinnemitchell. She is available for commissions or sales by contacting her directly via email: artbycorinnemitchell@gmail.com.

Sue Pezely Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Sue Pezely! Her art will be on exhibit and for sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Sue Pezely has been a resident of Smyrna, Georgia resident for 18 years. During the past 2 years, she has developed a popular print portfolio of watercolors of local Smyrna historic sites, as well as landscapes of travels from both her friends and herself.

Sue has maintained a passion for art throughout her life especially in the areas of drawing, painting and photography – while also maintaining a career in IT (Information Technology) as a Program Manager. She studied at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC and participated in several printmaking shows there. She enjoys creating images that invoke a warm, emotional connection for the viewer. Her pastel work has won awards in Foley, Alabama and Covington, Georgia. Several of Sue’s pastel and watercolor prints are featured at The Nest Home and Garden Gallery in Smyrna, and are also on display at the Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood Restaurant.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pezelystudio

Amanda Mohs Selected to Exhibit at Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival

Meet artist Amanda Mohs! Her art will be on exhibit and for sale at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council's "Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival" on October 28/29, 2017.

Artist Statement:

Amanda is a local artist from Smyrna. She has a BFA from the University of Georgia and is an award-winning professional graphic designer.

Her paintings are created using liquid acrylic paint and mixed mediums on canvas or panels. She has an abstract modern aesthetic and describes her process as a controlled chaos. She often works with metallics and bright bold colors.

https://www.amandamohs.com/about/

SACC Announces #SmyrnaGaRocks Donation Drive

SACC Board Member Leah Pringle Barnes founded #SmyrnaGaRocks, a group with a simple goal: to spread art, joy, fun and kindness around Smyrna by painting and hiding rocks for others to find. Based on the national Kindness Rocks Project, she launched #SmyrnaGaRocks in June of this year, and it has already grown to over 1,000 local members. 

The idea is simple. Paint rocks bright colors or with short messages on them and tag the rock with #SmyrnaGARocks and hide them – preferably in plain sight – so that people find them. The person who finds the rock can take a photo of it or a selfie with the rock and post it to the Facebook #SmyrnaGARocks page. Then replace the rock with one you’ve painted or re-hide the rock you found.

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council is now sponsoring this fun art program for kids, families and adults alike. We plan on year round activities that your donation will fund to ensure the program remains FREE.

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council is an IRS 501(c)(3) approved, nonprofit Georgia corporation. Donations are tax-deductible. All work is performed by volunteers and we have no paid management staff.

Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SmyrnaGARocks/

Donate Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smyrna-ga-rocks-donation-registration-38478548374

Thank you for your donation and support!

SACC Board Member Kathleen Trella-Newland Exhibits in "Seeing Differently" Photography Show

Congratulations to SACC board member Kathleen Trella-Newland for being selected to exhibit in the "Seeing Differently" photography show sponsored by The South Cobb Arts Alliance in conjunction with Atlanta Celebrates Photography. The opening reception was held last night and Kathleen was joined by SACC board members Tricia Meyer and Shaun Martin. The show runs though October 30, 2017. It is being held at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, GA 30126. Admission is free.

About the Artist:

Kathleen Trella-Newland is an artist who works in painting, photography, mixed media and printmaking. The graphic design training she received early in her career influences her current work, as can be seen in her composition and color harmony. Kathleen has exhibited locally and at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo New York, winning an award for both her documentary film on grain elevators and her silk screen prints. Subjects she explores are both the natural and industrial landscapes. Kathleen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design and has worked in the field of graphic design and photography for more than twenty years. She currently works out of her studio in Smyrna Georgia, where she has been a resident for over twenty years. Kathleen is a founding member and currently serves on the board of the Smyrna Arts and Cultural Council.

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council Salutes Retiring Keep Smyrna Beautiful Director Ann Kirk

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council sincerely thanks retiring Keep Smyrna Beautiful Director Ann Kirk for her enthusiastic support of FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART! at the Smyrna Fresh Produce Market this year and last. The weekly summer market is one of the many great programs managed by the nationally acclaimed Keep Smyrna Beautiful program that Ann built and led for many years. Other KSB initiatives include our wonderful Recycling Center, Great American Cleanups and Annual Garden Tour to name a few. Smyrna is a better place to live because of all of Ann’s smart planning, hard work and contributions over the years and she leaves a great legacy of public service. Enjoy your retirement and we look forward to volunteering with you in the future!

Little Perks in Paradise and Gene & Ann Ledbetter Featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART!

Little Perks in Paradise and Gene & Ann Ledbetter were featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART! on September 30, 2017 as the season finale performers and artists.  Click the links to enjoy the PHOTOS and MUSIC VIDEOS.

Musician Statement:

Atlanta native and songwriting local legend Scott Perkins (The Donuts, Silver Lining Band, The Shoo-Ins) teamed up with the all-star phenomenons Joe Little on bass and jazz percussionist Mark Paradiso to form Little Perks in Paradise, an acoustic pop/jazz/rock/soul group performing awesome originals and unusual, unexpected covers of sublime favorites from the past fifty years. The fabulous Michele Huber blends her vocal talents on leads and harmonies for an engagingly entertaining mix of expert musicality and fun.

​Click here to enjoy their music! 

Artist Statement:

Gene Ledbetter is a Smyrna fine artist who recently celebrated his 90th birthday.  His daughter Anne is an accomplished professional photographer.  Join them as they celebrate over 100 years artistic excellence. 

Leah Pringle Barnes Elected to SACC Board of Directors

CONGRATULATIONS, Leah Pringle Barnes for being elected to the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council Board of Directors!

Leah, a transplant from Columbus, Ga., has been a Smyrna, Ga., resident for nearly two years.

Leah is the founder of #SmyrnaGaRocks, a group with a simple goal: to spread art, joy, fun and kindness around Smyrna by painting and hiding rocks for others to find. Based on the national Kindness Rocks Project, she launched #SmyrnaGaRocks in June of this year, and it has already grown to over 1,000 local members (if you’re not a member yet – check it out!).

She is a Customer Experience Manager in Marketing at Aflac insurance company. She enjoys spending time with her family: husband, Ryan, and 9-month-old son, Lawson.

With years of volunteer experience, she’ll be a great asset to the team. We’re excited to have Leah on board, and excited to continue to support #SmyrnaGaRocks as a great way to get involved in the Arts and support your local Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council.

Kelsey Bentley Elected to SACC Board of Directors

CONGRATULATIONS, Kelsey Bentley for being elected to the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council Board of Directors! 

Kelsey is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Atlanta after graduating from Virginia Tech. During her youth and at Virginia Tech, Kelsey was involved in theater and dance. Specifically, she was on the Varsity dance team at Virginia Tech. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Kelsey moved to Atlanta to begin her Teach For America commitment. Shortly after, she met her husband, Matt, who is an Atlanta native. 

Kelsey & Matt love spending time with her two dogs, Lilly and Molly. You can find them either hiking or spending time at one of Atlanta’s many parks. They also spend their free time volunteering in local community projects including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Best Friends of Atlanta, Kids in Need and Keep Smyrna Beautiful. Kelsey works full-time at the Coca-Cola Company as a Workplace Strategy Analyst. Kelsey also teaches Pure Barre in Vinings which is a low-impact, full body work-out.

Carrie Tankersley Elected to SACC Board of Directors

CONGRATULATIONS, Carrie Tankersley for being elected to the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council Board of Directors for a 2017-2020 term!

Carrie recently moved to Smyrna with her husband after spending the past two decades in Gwinnett County where they raised their daughter, now a student at UNG. Originally from California, Carrie had a childhood immersed in the arts. Serving eight years in the Army provided additional exposure to art in Europe and all around the U.S not only in museums but within communities. Although Carrie works in the telecom industry her passion remains with the arts, stating, “I look forward to contributing to the Arts in a variety of ways within Smyrna”.

Carrie organized the SACC Community Art project at the Spring Smyrna Jonquil Festival, a mural of Smyrna inviting kids of all ages to contributing by painting a portion of the picture. The mural is now permanently displayed in the Community Center. A complimentary mural will be created at the Fall Jonquil Festival next month. In addition to serving on the SACC board, Carrie is the co-chairperson of the Visual & Fine Arts Committee.

Ricky and Bambi, Sue Pezely and #SmyrnaGARocks Featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART!

Ricky and Bambi, Ballad Brian, Sue Pezely and #SmyrnaGARocks were featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART! on September 23, 2017.  Click the links to enjoy the PHOTOS and MUSIC VIDEOS.

Musician Statement:

Ricky and Bambi are an acoustic duo based out of Atlanta, GA.  In the years that they have been working together, they have performed over 1,000 shows from California to Europe including festivals, conventions, local music venues as well as the CBS Morning Show and several other television appearances.  

The duo plays a wide range of music from classic rock to 80s pop to country to bluegrass to children's music and they have released numerous CDs over the years in a variety of styles.  But perhaps more importantly than their long list of achievements is the fact that even after years of touring, they still love what they do.  As a result, they always bring along something to every show that can't be bought at a store: FUN!
​
​Click here to enjoy their music!

Artist Statement

Sue has been a resident of Smyrna, Georgia for 18 years. In the past few years, she has developed a popular portfolio of watercolors of local Smyrna historic sites, as well as landscapes of travels from both her friends and herself. These images are available in prints - as well as decorative household items such as coffee mugs, trivets, and coasters.

Sue has maintained a passion for art and music throughout her life - she has focused in the areas of drawing, painting and photography, as well as being an avid piano player. She studied part-time at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC and participated in several printmaking shows there. She enjoys creating images that invoke a warm, emotional connection for the viewer. Her pastel work has won awards in Foley, Alabama, and Covington, Georgia. Sue's work is on display at Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood Restaurant, as well as available for sale at The Nest Home and Garden - both of which are in Smyrna, Georgia.

​Click here to enjoy her art!

About #SmyrnaGARocks:

The idea is simple. Paint rocks bright colors or with short messages on them and tag the rock with #SmyrnaGARocks and hide them – preferably in plain sight – so that people find them. The person who finds the rock can take a photo of it or a selfie with the rock and post it to this Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/groups/SmyrnaGARocks). Then replace the rock with one you’ve painted or re-hide the rock you found.

Katie Martin and Patricia Young Featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART!

Katie Martin and Patricia Young were featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART! on September 16, 2017.  Click the links to enjoy the PHOTOS and MUSIC VIDEOS.

Musician Statement:

Performing across the Southeast since 2006, Katie Martin's unique blend of blues, folk, and soul mesmerizes audiences in a way that has to be seen to understand. Her agelessly soulful vocals soar effortlessly above a rich propulsion of acoustic blues guitar reminiscent of Muddy Waters combined with the beautiful folk guitar of James Taylor, all performed with the honest intensity of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Seeing Katie Martin perform is an experience like no other, and her refreshing individuality is one that leaves a lasting impression long after the stage has grown silent. She released her acoustic EP " Away From Here" with Haney Records in 2011. In 2015 she released "Katie Martin : Live From the Chocolate Room" ft. Tony Brook on slide guitar, and her debut album, "Purpose" both recorded, produced, and engineered by Larry Mitchell at The Chocolate Room.

​Click here to enjoy her music!

Artist Statement:

Who doesn’t marvel at the germination of a seed as it transforms into a living thing?  My abstract work conveys the mystery and energy that is inherent in this magical process.  This encompasses the raw power of nature’s cycles, from new beginnings to decay and diminishment.  It refers then to not only the plant life cycle but also geological processes associated with earth’s formation and destruction. This focus translates into recurring themes of germination, gestation, genesis, and erosion and corrosion

​Click here to enjoy her art!

Ricky & Bambi and Sue Pezely Featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART!

Ricky & Bambi, Ballad Brian and Sue Pezely were featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART! on September 9, 2017.  Click the links to enjoy the PHOTOS and MUSIC VIDEOS.

Musician Statement:

Ricky and Bambi are an acoustic duo based out of Atlanta, GA.  In the years that they have been working together, they have performed over 1,000 shows from California to Europe including festivals, conventions, local music venues as well as the CBS Morning Show and several other television appearances.  

The duo plays a wide range of music from classic rock to 80s pop to country to bluegrass to children's music and they have released numerous CDs over the years in a variety of styles.  But perhaps more importantly than their long list of achievements is the fact that even after years of touring, they still love what they do.  As a result, they always bring along something to every show that can't be bought at a store: FUN!
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​Click here to enjoy their music!

Artist Statement:

Sue has been a resident of Smyrna, Georgia for 18 years. In the past few years, she has developed a popular portfolio of watercolors of local Smyrna historic sites, as well as landscapes of travels from both her friends and herself. These images are available in prints - as well as decorative household items such as coffee mugs, trivets, and coasters.

Sue has maintained a passion for art and music throughout her life - she has focused in the areas of drawing, painting and photography, as well as being an avid piano player. She studied part-time at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC and participated in several printmaking shows there. She enjoys creating images that invoke a warm, emotional connection for the viewer. Her pastel work has won awards in Foley, Alabama, and Covington, Georgia. Sue's work is on display at Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood Restaurant, as well as available for sale at The Nest Home and Garden - both of which are in Smyrna, Georgia.

​Click here to enjoy her art!

Circle of Fine Art at the Jonquil Festival Announced

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council is thrilled to announce a fine art attraction named CIRCLE OF FINE ART at the upcoming fall Jonquil Festival in Smyrna on October 28 and 29, 2017.  Financial support is being provided by Jonquil Festival organizers, JRM Management. The two-day event will showcase local fine artists representing acrylic, pastel, oil and watercolor painting, ceramics and photography. The CIRCLE OF FINE ART will be held in the circular plaza in front of the Smyrna Community Center and Smyrna Library in the heart of the festival.

CIRCLE OF FINE ART will also feature several community art projects for kids, families and adults to enjoy!  Stay tuned for more details on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our website at www.SmyrnaACC.org. 

SPECIAL THANKS go to SACC volunteer ls for designing the beautiful event logo.

Julian K. Smith, Jr. and #SmyrnaGARocks Featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART!

Julian K. Smith, Jr. and #SmyrnaGARocks were featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART! on September 2, 2017.  Click the links to enjoy the PHOTOS and MUSIC VIDEOS.

Musician Statement:

Julian K. Smith, Jr. is a Musician, Educator and Entrepreneur. The Trumpet is his Instrument, History is his subject and Musical Entertainment is his Industry. As Founder & CEO of Groove Master Enterprise LLC, his life’s work is Empowering Community Youth through Musicianship, Scholarship and Entrepreneurship. A native of Decatur, GA he graduated from Southwest Dekalb High School (2003) and Bethune Cookman University earning his Bachelors of Accounting (2008).

Since graduation Julian has worked in Corporate America, Performed Internationally, Classroom Educator and earned membership into Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Inc (2010). He currently teaches History at Light of the World Christian Academy in East Atlanta and provides Professional Music Services (special events – trumpet lessons – studio recording) to the Metro-Atlanta Area. As Founder & CEO of Groove Master Enterprise, LLC Julian K. Smith, Jr. advocates Manhood Development is the Crisis of our Time and strongly believes TeamWork makes the DreamWork.

​Click here to enjoy his music! 

About #SmyrnaGARocks:

The idea is simple. Paint rocks bright colors or with short messages on them and tag the rock with #SmyrnaGARocks and hide them – preferably in plain sight – so that people find them. The person who finds the rock can take a photo of it or a selfie with the rock and post it to this Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/groups/SmyrnaGARocks). Then replace the rock with one you’ve painted or re-hide the rock you found.

The Loose Shoes Band and Amanda Foss Featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART!

The Loose Shoes Band and Amanda Foss were featured at FRESH MARKET MUSIC & ART! on August 26, 2017.  Click the links to enjoy the PHOTOS and MUSIC VIDEOS.

Musician Statement:

The LooSe ShoEs Band has been playing live Blues and Rock 'n Roll together since 2001. Band members Ric and Pam Cushenan will perform as a duet for this concert. The LooSe ShoEs Band plays at clubs and nightclubs throughout the metro Atlanta area as well as across the state of Georgia. They also play private parties, weddings, family celebrations, neighborhood parties, conventions, business and corporate events, and much more!

​Click here to enjoy their music! 

Artist Statement:

Painting is a very personal experience for me because it's my way of expressing and sharing the stories that I tend to keep hidden in the deepest parts of my mind. As a child I would lose myself for hours in this or that Fantasy novel, pouring over tales like "Watership Down", "The Jungle Book" or "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". When I wasn't reading, I was making up stories of my own... writing them down, or drawing them out on paper... dreaming up what the places and characters looked like and how they made me feel. Some haunt me still, and beg to be released even as new images form in my mind.

  Some of my paintings come from dreams (sometimes even nightmares), but many begin by unlocking that dusty vault in my mind and unwrapping a story, once imagined by a child. I think of my paintings as pages from a storybook. If you open the book to the middle and begin reading, without knowing the beginning or end, this would be where you are... a snapshot in time. I want my work to evoke a curious sense of wonder and strange familiarity in the viewer... the notion that there is a wondrous story behind it all, and the anticipation of more yet to come.”

​Click here to enjoy her art!