Steal It! Pop Up Art Festival is Thursday at The Art Place

Steal It! Pop Up Art Festival

Last call to RSVP for Thursday’s Steal It! Pop Up Art Festival event from 7-9:30 p.m. at The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road), which will feature the work of more than 30 local artists.

Admission is free, but drink tickets are $5 each, or two for $10 (and you’ll need to show your ID).

Like other similar events at The Art Place, this one is being presented by the Mountain View Arts Alliance, which supports the center’s work. It’s also the opening reception for an ongoing art sale, with items hanging in the hallway, gallery and lobby space in The Art Place.

All art on display will be under $50.

On Thursday, there will be 10 “pop up” booths featuring art for sale, live music from the Americana duo of Buttered Bourbon on the patio, previews for CenterStage North Theatre‘s upcoming show “Sylvia,” service dogs from Canine Assistants and light appetizers.

 

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East Cobb author meets Tams singer at Marietta book signing

East Cobb author, Atlanta Pop book
Co-authors Andy Lee White of East Cobb (left) and John Williams flank Robert Lee Smith, the last surviving member of the original Tams. (author photo)

Following up a post from a couple weeks ago, about a July 26 book signing and Marietta Square concert with The Tams, and a book that includes the 1960s singing group, here’s a report from co-author Andy Lee White, an East Cobb resident, after the event:

Atlanta Pop book cover
Robert Lee Smith (circled in red) appeared at a Tams concert on the Marietta Square July 26.

The book signing for east Cobb author Andy Lee White’s, Atlanta Pop in the ‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s: The Magic of Bill Lowery, held at The Local Exchange on the Marietta Square before The Tams concert in Glover Park, saw a very special guest make an appearance.

Robert Lee Smith, the last living original member of The Tams, stopped by for a visit with authors Andy Lee White and John M. Williams.

Robert and the other original members of The Tams are featured in a photograph on the cover of the new book and in a chapter dedicated to The Tams.

Robert even performed a couple of songs with the current Tams lineup (the first time together in 25 years) at the concert.

Estimates put the Friday night concert crowd on the Marietta Square at almost 10,000 people.

The book was published April 1 is available through The History Press.

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Book clubs and other activities resume at East Cobb library branches

East Cobb library book clubs

Submitted information:

Book discussion groups meeting at Cobb County Public Libraries cover a range of topics and interests. Adult book clubs are fun social gatherings and a good way to meet your neighbors and gather with friends.

Expand your knowledge about the world and literature. New clubs have been added to expand your options.

Upcoming Book Club sessions include:

  • Page Turners Book Club at Mountain View Regional Library meets on Wednesday, August 7 for sessions at 10:30 am – noon and 1 pm – 2:30 pm.  The August selection is The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. 770-509-2725
  • Men’s Book Club at East Cobb Library on Saturday, August 10 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. We’ll be discussing A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman. Although called Men’s Book Club, women are certainly welcome. 770-509-2730.
  • Gritters Tuesday Afternoon Book Group at Gritters Library on August 13 from 2 pm – 3 pm. We’ll be discussingLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. 770-528-2524
  • Story to Screen at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center on Wednesday, August 14 from 6 pm – 9 pm. In this book club with a twist, we discuss what’s better: Book or Movie. We’ll be discussing “Super-Toys Last All Summer Long” by Bryan Aldiss and then watching Steven Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Rated PG-13. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 770-509-2711
  • East Cobb Book Club at East Cobb Library meets for sessions on Thursday, August 15 from 11 am – 12:30 pm and 2 pm – 3:30 pm. The selection for both sessions is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. Please call 770-509-2730. to confirm the title.
  • Read. Think. Talk at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center will meet on Wednesday, August 21 from 10:30 am – noon to discuss The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith. 770-509-2711
  • Cobb Cooks the Books at Mountain View Regional Library on Monday, August 26 from 7 pm – 8 pm. Select a recipe from the cooksbooks on display at the library, find your own recipe or use one you already have and join us for a potluck meal and discuss the recipes of the theme for the month. The August theme is vegetarian. To register click here.  770-509-2725

Are you interested in launching your own book club, but you’re not sure where to start? Join us at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center at Help! I Want to Start a Book Club! on Tuesday, August 27 from 7 pm – 8:30 pm. We’ll offer tips on how to organize a group and how to go about getting the best resources to start your own book club. 770-509-2711

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2nd annual MiniCon returns to Sewell Mill Library on Saturday

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con

Last summer the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) staged the inaugural “Minicon,” a day-long celebration of the arts and crafts of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime and gaming. On Saturday, it’s coming back for its second year, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The schedule is similar, including a costume contest (as seen above last year), along with gaming and other demos, cosplay and other workshops, face painting, food, vendors and many other activities.

What follows below more detailed list of what’s being featured. Anyone in the public is welcome to attend, and there is no admission:

Artists and Vendors:
BUTTON GIRL
CAIN 9 SEWING DESIGNS
DORIAN DARKSTAR
DOUBLE PRIMER
EK STUDIO
FELT NERDY
FLINT & FEATHER
GEMINI AND THE WOLF CANDLES
GENE MARKEY
GIGA-BITES CAFE
GOTHBOT
THE HAPPY KAT
JEWELRY BY JACK COLLINS
KNITS BY CAREY
LEGACY A.D.
MARK’S MUGS
MARLENA FRANK
MEGANEBII
MORBID SMILE
P.C. HESTER
SHINY TURTLE STUDIOS
WE THE DREAMING DESIGNS

Food:
COOL BEANS COFFEE
DADDY O’BRIEN’S ICE CREAM
GOOD FOOD
TOM + CHEE
ZAXBY’S

Featured Panel:
THE GREAT JAWA BUILD WITH GEORGIA 501ST

Workshops:
COSPLAY Q&A
FX MAKEUP FOR BEGINNERS
MINIATURES PAINTING* (Limited Space. First come first served)
WEB COMICS
ZINE MAKING

Featured Activities:
COSPLAY CONTEST (ADULTS AND TEENS)
CHILDREN’S COSTUME PARADE
CRAFTS
DEMOS BY THE MAKER STATION
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
FACE PAINTING
FANDOM MEETUPS
PALM READINGS BY HANDFUL OF STARS ($20)
PATHFINDER
TABLETOP GAMING WITH GIGA-BITES CAFE
TRIVIA

For information contact the Sewell Mill Library at 770-509-2711.

 

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East Cobb author to have Marietta Square signing for ‘Atlanta Pop’ book

Atlanta Pop co-authors

Andy Lee White, at left, an East Cobb resident and author of the newly published “Atlanta Pop in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s” writes in to say that he and his co-author, John Williams, at right, will be having a signing event July 26 on the Marietta Square.

Their book, published in April by Arcadia Publishing and the History Press, focuses on Bill Lowery, an Atlanta music talent scout and promoter who discovered and developed homegrown Cobb County talent that includes Billy Joe Royal, Joe South and Ray Stevens.

Lowery also launched the careers of Atlanta natives Tommy Roe and Jerry Reed and managed and recorded The Tams. The emergence of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Atlanta Rhythm Section and Classics IV also are included in this book, which covers a critical period in the history of Southern rock and popular music. Atlanta Pop

White and his wife Trisha operate the Your Extra Attic storage business on Lower Roswell Road near Johnson Ferry Road, but he’s also a singer, songwriter and musician who’s played live music and released two solo albums.

His most recent album, he says, is being completed with Rodney Mills, the noted Atlanta-area music producer and engineer.

This is White’s first book (he’s working on another, he says, that will include “some local Cobb County names and personalities and centers around a story that, for the most part, takes place in Marietta.” Williams, who has taught English at LaGrange college, is a published author, essayist, playwright and novelist.

The book signing event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 26 at The Local Exchange (130 S. Park Square), and books can be purchased on-site.

The event takes place right before an 8 p.m. concert at Glover Park featuring The Tams, an Atlanta-based vocal group that had several hit records in the 1960s, including “What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)” and “Be Young Be Foolish and Be Happy.”

“Atlanta Pop” features a chapter on the Tams, who also are included on the book’s cover, and who are scheduled to appear at the book signing.

The authors have created a Facebook page with more information about the book and related events.

 

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Apollo 11 50th anniversary events slated for East Cobb library branches

With the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission coming up on July 16, a special PBS miniseries will be airing to commemorate the event. On Friday, the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) will be screening a portion of that series, entitled “Chasing the Moon.” Chasing the Moon Apollo 11

The screening is free and will be held from 6-7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre and unlike other film screenings there, no food or drink will be allowed.

Here’s more about the PBS “American Experience” miniseries, which airs on July 8-10, and what’s in store during Friday’s screening:

Chasing the Moon, a film by Robert Stone, re-imagines the race to the moon for a new generation, upending much of the conventional mythology surrounding the effort. The series recasts the Space Age as a fascinating stew of scientific innovation, political calculation, media spectacle, visionary impulses, and personal drama.

Our selection is taken from “Part Three: Magnificent Desolation.” It takes a look back at the tension and excitement surrounding the launch of Apollo 11 on July 16, 1969, all the way up until the lunar module finally lands on the moon.

For more information, visit:

On Monday, July 16, a celebration of the Apollo 11 event will take place from 7-8 p.m. at the Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road), featuring  NASA Ambassador Chris Thompson. Here’s on tap for that free event for those age 18 and above:

Mountain View patrons will join the history books by being able to touch space rocks just like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Lunar and space meteorites and other NASA memorabilia will be on display for patrons to look at and touch. Mr. Thompson will also discuss the history of the Apollo missions and the future of NASA and space exploration.

Chris Thompson is a human resource professional who also shares his love of Astronomy and Space in his role as a NASA Ambassador. Mr. Thompson conducts workshops and lectures to adults and children. He is also the president of the Meteorite Association of Georgia and a member of theInternational Meteorite Collectors Association, (NASA, 2019).

For more information, call the Mountain View Regional Library at 770-509-2725, or visit the Adult Reference Desk.

 

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ArtsBridge Foundation earns regional Emmy for high school musical theatre awards

Sarah Clay Lindvall, ArtsBridge Foundation Emmy award

Submitted information and photo:

They did it again! ArtsBridge Foundation and Georgia Public Broadcasting earned their second-straight Emmy Award for their production of the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Shuler Awards.

The two nonprofit partners picked up their latest Emmy Award hardware at a ceremony held June 15.

Presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter, the regional Emmy Award for Special Event Live Coverage went to ArtsBridge Foundation and GPB for the live broadcast and production of The 2018 Shuler Awards held in April of last year.

The team previously won an Emmy Award in the same category for The 2017 Shuler Awards, and in both years, the live broadcast earned back-to-back Emmy Awards for GPB’s Anthony Marshall in the category of Director–Live or Recorded Live broadcast.

Presented as the Shuler Hensley Awards—also known as the “Shuler Awards” or “The Shulers” and named for the Atlanta-born star of the stage and screen—during the event, Georgia high school student recipients are recognized as the best of the state’s musical theatre students and schools for grades nine through 12. Two students are currently in New York preparing for the national 2019 Jimmy Awards taking place June 24 on Broadway after winning in the most recent competitions for best actress and best actor at The 2019 Shuler Awards.

“The back-to-back Southeast Emmy Awards for The Shulers are indicative of the superb quality and high production value Georgia students bring at show time,” said Jennifer Dobbs, executive director of ArtsBridge Foundation. “Producing this live event takes a team of dedicated staff and volunteers at ArtsBridge Foundation, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, many sponsors and our partners at GPB, and it is so rewarding to share this honor with so many contributors.”

Fashioned after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Shuler Awards competition includes 17 categories with entrants from nearly 60 public and private schools from across the Peach State.

In photo above: Sarah Clay Lindvall of ArtsBridge Foundation.

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Big Chicken Chorus to hold tribute show this weekend

Big Chicken Chorus tribute show

Submitted information and photos:

Marietta’s Big Chicken Chorus is producing a major Tribute Show on June 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. The “Celebrating the Gentlemen” Show will pay homage to an iconic barbershop quartet, Gentlemen’s Agreement, the 1971 Barbershop Harmony Society international gold medal winner. The performance also will honor the group’s sole surviving member, Drayton Justus, a former member of the Big Chicken Chorus who has served in a variety of leader and mentor roles in the Society for 60 years and who will be a treasured guest at the Show.

Three local barbershop choruses — the Big Chicken Chorus, the Atlanta Vocal Project and the Stone Mountain Chorus — will be joined by four outstanding quartets in presenting a wide variety of selections from the Gentlemen’s Agreement repertoire. Be ready for a “big finish” when all of the singers combine for a familiar finale.

A gala “Afterglow” will be held following the show with a catered meal and more singing. Tickets for the Show and Afterglow are available at wwww.bigchickenchorus.org or www.citysprings.com.

Big Chicken Chorus tribute show

 

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East Cobb quilter’s winning Prince design part of Mable House exhibit

East Cobb quilter, Devon Pfeiff

The image you see above is actually a photo of a quilt of the late pop star Prince that was designed by Devon Pfeif, a member of the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

She was recently named the winner of a competition, the Prince Cherrywood Challenge, that will culminate with an exhibit sponsored by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild next month at the Mable House.

The challenge is sponsored by the Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics and requires artists to create a unique quilt, with a specific theme, measuring 20 by 20 inches, utilizing only the few fabrics selected by the company.

Some background on Devon before explaining her prize-winning entry:East Cobb quilter, Devon Pfeiff

She grew up in New Jersey, surrounding by artistry, not just via nearby New York City, but also having an artistic grandfather. Her background in graphic arts included regular work with fabric as a medium, in designing, batiking, quilting, or sewing.

After moving to the Marietta area, she got a recommendation to join East Cobb Quilters’ Guild from a friend and found an active community that shared her love of fabrics.

Here’s what happened after Devon heard about the challenge a couple of years ago at an art show, according to information submitted by the guild:

On her 2016 & 2017 entries, she received special recognitions. On this 2018 Challenge, Devon triumphed over the competition, placing first out of 380 entries, with her beautiful design detailing Prince’s face and signature “Love Symbol” dangling from his necklace.

Her design continued to evolve throughout its creation. “It’s a process. I never know what the final piece is going to look like,” she said. With the small quilt size and limited fabrics to incorporate into the design, the contests are very challenging. But, for Devon the challenge is what intrigues her.

Devon said, “to me, the process of figuring it out, the puzzling and solving, is the most exciting part.”

Devon’s prize-winning art quilt, “New Beginnings,” is part of the 75-piece traveling Cherrywood Tribute Tour. Here’s more about that, from the Cobb Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs:

The Prince Cherrywood Challenge Tribute Tour exhibit featuring 75 quilts is presented by East Cobb Quilters’ Guild in collaboration with Cobb County Parks and will be held at the Mable House Arts Center, Friday, July 5 through Thursday, July 11.

The most recent competition in 2018 challenged participants to create a design with the theme of Prince, calling for the use of rich purple hues to embody the sensational artist and his work.

The Prince challenge received 380 entries, and 75 of the most noteworthy designs will be featured at the exhibit at Mable House Arts Center, including two from additional East Cobb Quilters’ Guild members, Ben Hollingsworth and Gail Oliver.

On Friday, July 5, 2019 experience a night entirely dedicated to Prince with the opening reception at the Mable House Arts Center taking place from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., featuring the 75 fabric art designs from finalists of the international competition, each honoring the musical legend.

The event at the Mable House Amphitheater beginning at 7 p.m., also includes a Prince Tribute, with a free live concert headlined by Hero The Band, followed by a screening of “Purple Rain” at 8:30 p.m.

The Prince Cherrywood Challenge Tribute Tour exhibit admission is free and will be held at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.

For more information visit the Mable House events listings and the Cherrywood Fabrics Prince Challenge page.

 

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Children’s author Laurel Snyder to appear at Sewell Mill Library

Children's author Laurel Snyder

Thanks to Thomas Books at the Cobb Library System for the following information and photo about Saturday’s special event at the Sewell Mill Library with noted children’s author Laurel Snyder:

North Georgia Kids Read 2019 presents author Laurel Snyder at the Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center on Saturday, June 15th at noon to 1 pm.

Laurel Snyder is the author of six bestselling novels for children, including “Orphan Island” and “Seven Stories Up,” and several award-winning picture books, including “Charlie & Mouse” and “The King of Too Many Things”. Snyder has published work in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Chicago Sun-Times and is an occasional commentator for NPR’s All Things Considered.

The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

North Georgia Reads was created to promote collaboration between neighboring library systems and to bring bestselling authors to a community of 46 libraries in the region.

Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center is located at 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068. 770-509-2711.

For more information, visit www.cobbcat.org.

 

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Cobb library summer reading program kicks off Saturday

The Cobb library system’s summer reading program begins Saturday with a kickoff event on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. at the Cobb County Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Parkway). Here’s more on “A Universe of Stories,” the theme for this summer’s program:A Universe of Stories, Cobb library summer reading program

Calling all Earthlings, astronauts, space adventurers and explorers, Jedi, Doctors, future Mission to Mars scientists, martians, and space robots –

🌟 Suit up in your favorite outer space gear and blast off on our Summer Space Jam dance floor.
🌟 Explore official Cobb County Police vehicles and a Cobb County Fire truck.
🌟 Meet and read to our favorite 4-legged friends from CAREing Paws.
🌟 Get creative with out-of-this-world arts, crafts, and activities.
🌟 Enjoy spaced-theme storytimes.
🌟 We come in peace! Meet our community partners from Communities in Schools, Cobb County School District, Marietta City School, and Cobb PARKS.
🌟 Be on the lookout for stellar special guests including the KSU iTeach Maker Bus and Fernbank Science Center and their portable planetarium!

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Bring all your friends – from our galaxy and beyond!

Find more information about Summer Reading at cobbcat.org/srp.

Here are a couple of other events taking place on Saturday at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road):

World Lindy Hop Day Swing-Up Dance, from 1-5 p.m. in the art gallery:

We’ll be joined by the KSU Swing Dance Association who will teach a beginner lesson at 1:00 PM.

There is no dress code – wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. No partner nor prior experience are necessary. Everyone welcome!

And from 3-5 in the community room is a session about the Modern Quilt Movement:

Grandmothers might still be quilting, but their grandchildren have taken this art form in a whole new direction. Learn about how millennials connected online, established their own quilting aesthetic and organized an international movement that brings tens of thousands of quilters together annually for QuiltCon.

 

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PHOTOS: 29th Marietta Greek Festival continues through Sunday

Marietta Greek Festival

The 29th Marietta Greek Festival continues through Sunday at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church (3431 Trickum Road), and we got there not long after it opened on Friday to take in what’s become one of the most popular community festivals in East Cobb.

Grade-school children danced to folk tunes from the Greek islands and mainland, part of the featured entertainment that’s a custom at the festival.

Marietta Greek Festival

Marietta Greek Festival
The festival also includes tours of the church, which are from 10-5:30 & 7:30-9 Saturday & 12-5 Sunday. This year’s theme is “Holy Icons: Windows Into Heaven.” 
Marietta Greek Festival
The history of the Orthodox church, as well as many Greek cultural achievements, are spelled out for visitors in the fellowship hall.
Marietta Greek Festival
A full menu of Greek food items for purchase includes the classic Gyro. Cooking demonstrations will be held at 1, 3, 5 & 7 Saturday and 12:30, 2:30 & 3:30 Sunday.
Marietta Greek Festival
The outdoor marketplace includes more food, children’s activities and crafts.

Marietta Greek Festival

Marietta Greek Festival

Marietta Greek Festival

Marietta Greek Festival

The Marietta Greek Festival continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

Admission is $5, and free shuttle bus service is available at the Church of Latter-Day Saints (3340 Trickum Road, Saturday only), Simpson Middle School (3340 Trickum Road) and Mountain View Elementary School (3151 Sandy Plains Road).

The festival proceeds will benefit the Northwest Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor), a charity of the Greek Orthodox Ladies of the Atlanta Archdiocese.

 

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Lassiter students named winners of 2019 Congressional art competition

Lassiter students Congressional art competition
Left to right: 2nd place winner Sophia Maier, 1st place winner Holly Mostyn, Rep. Lucy McBath, 3rd place winner Emily Marie Phillips.

Submitted information and photos from the office of U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath:

This week, Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Marietta) hosted her first Congressional Art Competition Reception at the Roswell Visual Arts Center for student artists and their parents and teachers. During the exhibit, McBath announced that Holly Mostyn’s photograph, “Splatter” won first place and will be on display in the halls of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for one year as a part of the nationwide Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery exhibit. Her artwork will be on display alongside winners from other Congressional Districts across the nation. Holly is a senior at Lassiter High School in Marietta.

Additionally, Sophia Maier’s colored pencil, marker and acrylic piece “BusBOY” won second place and will be on display in McBath’s Washington, D.C. office. Sophia is also a senior at Lassiter High School in Marietta. McBath announced that Emily Marie Phillips won third place for her ink and marker on paper piece, “Silence.” Emily is 16 and attends Cambridge High School in Milton. Her artwork will be displayed in Rep. McBath’s Sandy Springs District Office.

“It was a delight to see all of the art on display from talented young artists in Georgia’s Sixth,” said Rep. McBath. “Congratulations to this year’s winners – Holly, Sophia, and Emily! I look forward to seeing their art on display as I walk through the U.S. Capitol building and in my Sandy Springs and Washington offices.”

This year, the judges serving on the panel to decide the winners included Althea Foster, Laurianne Love, Craig Ford, and Nancy Fairchild.  Ms. Foster is the Curator and Program Director at the Johns Creek Art Center. Ms. Love is the Visual Arts Coordinator for the City of Roswell Department of Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs. Mr. Ford is a painter, graphic artist, and teaches at the Roswell Visual Arts Center. Ms. Fairchild teaches art classes at the Roswell Visual Arts Center.

Each student participant in attendance received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Rep. Lucy McBath. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.

Below, Rep. McBath and Lassiter student Sophia Maier with her artwork, “BusBOY.”

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, LAssiter student Sophia Maier, Congressional art competition

 

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Cobb library system Summer Reading Program starts May 20

Cobb library system summer reading program

The school year is almost over and the Cobb library system is getting its summer reading program underway just as the last classes dismiss.

The dates are May 20-July 27, and the system notes that the program is for adults too, and not just kids:

The Early Literacy Program is about young children building reading and language skills. Reading to young children, even infants, increases word recognition and vocabulary.

The Children’s Program engages kids in language skills development for success. Students are at risk of losing 2-3 months of reading and math over the summer. The Summer Reading Program is a fun way to keep students learning!

The Teen Program motivates teens to read and talk about literature. Teens who participate in Summer Reading tend to perform better academically and achieve greater academic gains than those who don’t

The Adult Program is about experiencing the joy of reading. Reading relieves stress, strengthens the brain, and builds empathy.

The library supports family bonding time and shared learning experiences. Each program includes activities which have been designed to encourage participation by the whole family because learning doesn’t stop when you leave school.

There’s a kickoff event on Saturday, May 25, from 5-7 p.m. at the Cobb County Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Parkway). Here’s more on “A Universe of Stories,” the theme for this summer’s program:

Calling all Earthlings, astronauts, space adventurers and explorers, Jedi, Doctors, future Mission to Mars scientists, martians, and space robots –

🌟 Suit up in your favorite outer space gear and blast off on our Summer Space Jam dance floor.
🌟 Explore official Cobb County Police vehicles and a Cobb County Fire truck.
🌟 Meet and read to our favorite 4-legged friends from CAREing Paws.
🌟 Get creative with out-of-this-world arts, crafts, and activities.
🌟 Enjoy spaced-theme storytimes.
🌟 We come in peace! Meet our community partners from Communities in Schools, Cobb County School District, Marietta City School, and Cobb PARKS.
🌟 Be on the lookout for stellar special guests including the KSU iTeach Maker Bus and Fernbank Science Center and their portable planetarium!

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Bring all your friends – from our galaxy and beyond!

Find more information about Summer Reading at cobbcat.org/srp.

 

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Sewell Mill Library to hold Cobb Library Foundation fundraiser

Kim Michele Richardson, Cobb Library Foundation fundraiser

Submitted information and photo:

Get your tickets now for the Cobb Library Foundation’s Booked for Lunch event with Kim Michele Richardson noon-2 p.m., Friday, May 3, at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center. The author’s work includes “Liar’s Bench,” “GodPretty in the Tobacco Field” and “The Sisters of Glass Ferry.” “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” will be her fourth novel.

This fundraising event will help support the Cobb County Public Library. Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center is located at 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by clicking here. For more on the author, visit kimmichelerichardson.com.

 

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East Cobb high school spring theater performances conclude at Lassiter, Wheeler

We posted recently about an upcoming dinner theater performance of “Annie” by Wheeler High School students to benefit the Wheeler Fresh Collaborative food pantry.

“Annie” also will be performed four other times toward the end of the month, as noted below.

We’ve had requests to round up school theater productions, and while most have wrapped up their 2018-19 seasons, there are still some shows to take in, including this weekend at Lassiter High School.Wheeler Theatre Annie, East Cobb high school spring theater

Lassiter Theatre Troupe
“Little Shop of Horrors”
April 12 & 13, 7 p.m.
April 14 2 p.m.
LHS Theatre
Tickets: $9 (Order here)

Wheeler Theatre
“Annie”
April 26 & 27, 7 p.m.
April 27 & 28, 2 p.m.
Wheeler Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $7, $10, $15 (Order Here)

 

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Cobb Wind Symphony performs free concert Sunday at Lassiter HS

This weekend’s going to be absolutely dreary, but the Cobb Wind Symphony is offering up an ideal get-out-the-house respite: a free concert for the public on Sunday afternoon at the Lassiter Concert Hall.Cobb Wind Symphony

The Season 20 Winter Concert features symphonic selections from George Gershwin, as well as excerpts from the Candide Suite.

No ticket is required, and the music begins at 3 p.m. Donations are accepted.

The Lassiter Concert Hall is located on the Lassiter HS campus, 2601 Shallowford Road.

Related story

 

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ArtsBridge Foundation gala to benefit Georgia arts education programs

Kristen Chenoweth, ArtsBridge Foundation gala

Thanks to Nicholas Wolaver for the information and photo of Kristin Chenoweth (yes, that one!) about the ArtsBridge Foundation Overture Gala on March 29 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale for the fundraiser, with proceeds going to arts programs for K-12 students in Georgia:

The benefit is an evening of philanthropy and fun including a cocktail reception, dinner created by the venue’s Executive Chef Nicholas Walker, a “Bid-to-Give” Auction, and live musical theater performances capped by a performance by Emmy- and Tony-Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth.

Co-chaired by Barbarella and René Diaz and Teena and Rob Garcia of Diaz Foods and Synovus, respectively, the gala also features performances by students of Milton High School, winner in the Overall Production category of the 2018 Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards. This prestigious program, also known as The Shuler Awards, recognized Georgia students as the state’s official entrants into the National High School Musical Theatre Awards—The Jimmy Nederlander Awards.

The Overture Gala’s honorary chair is local philanthropist Valery Voyles, CEO and chair of Ed Voyles Automotive Group and former board of directors of ArtsBridge Foundation.

ArtsBridge Foundation hosts the Overture Gala—the organization’s major annual fundraiser—to gather community support for the upcoming program season, which will serve more than 30,000 K-12 students from nearly 60 Georgia counties and five neighboring states.

Funds raised through the gala’s Bid-to-Give segment will go towards the ArtsBridge Adopt-A-School Program benefiting schools and students with specific financial assistance needs.

Individual gala tickets are $350 with sponsorship packages available in the $1,000 to $25,000 range. Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Synovus, Georgia Power, Ed Voyles Automotive, Sylvia and Bruce Dick, Scicom Infrastructure Services, Terry Chandler, and Jimmy and Helen S. Carlos. For sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ArtsBridgeGA.org/special-events or contact Lizzy Rhodes at 770-916-2817.

 

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Dancing with the Stars of Marietta takes place Saturday

Dancing with the Stars of Marietta

Submitted information and photo:

The most fun and exciting night of the year is right around the corner! Dancing with the Stars of Marietta. Ten celebrities from Marietta have been paired up with GMDT choreographers to perform high-energy dance numbers on-stage in this thrilling competition. The teams will compete for votes received by way of donations hoping to win the coveted mirror ball trophy as the People’s Choice winners. A panel of judges will decide a winning couple for the Judge’s Choice Trophy.

GMDT’s Dancing with the Stars of Marietta 2019 cast of celebrity dancers are:

  • Team 1: Stephanie Clemmons, Co-Founder of the Superheroes Foundation and Mel Clemmons, Owner of the Mel C. Clemmons Agency and Co-Founder of the Superheroes Foundation

  • Kayce Grogan-Wallace, Theatre teacher for Marietta City Schools, Award Winning Actress and Vocal Producer and Brandon Hancock, Director of Operations for Little Italia

  • Team 3: Melanie Kagan, Northwest Regional Director for the United Way of Greater Atlanta and Michelle WerBell Tillis, Director, WellStar Health System

  • Team 4: Stace Huff, Licensed Counselor at Tapestry Psychological Associates and Greg Jackson, Personal Trainer and Owner of Train 2 Live Great

  • Team 5: Hannah Rambo, Rambo Nursery and Sam Rambo, Co-Founder of Glover Park Brewery and Owner of Rambo Nursery

Complete bios of each dancer can be found on the event website at http://gmdtdwts.com.

You can help by purchasing a ticket, voting online, and by making a donation. To vote for your favorite dancers with a donation to GMDT, please visit the event website at http://gmdtdwts.com.

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 7 pm

Venue: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on Historic Marietta Square

Tickets: $20-$55 www.georgiametrodance.tix.com

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Local art sale raises funds for Emory ALS research

Janice Overbeck, Emory ALS research

Submitted information and photo:

On Friday, January 25th, the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team held an art show at their office benefiting ALS research. Each participating artist generously donated 15% of their sales toward the fundraiser.

The exhibit included works from a variety of local artists including: Popi Marden, Katherine Knowles, Kent Knowles, Travis Carr, Matt Phillips, Jeff Pickard, Stacie Jean Albano, Rachel Silva, Danielle Rose, Naomi Garcia, Sara Farmer, and Mandy Grant. Hors d’oeuvres were sponsored by Perrie & Associates and premium cocktails were provided by Belle Isle.

The art show raised just over $800 for ALS, bringing the total raised for Emory ALS Center by Janice’s non-profit, JO Gives, to $190,962. 

 

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