May 8, 2009

Art On The Square is happy to announce that they are soon to occupy a space in downtown Athens. The expansive upstairs space at 201 W. Washington Ave has been offered to the organization on behalf of Athens Pharmacy and Westside Jiffy Pharmacy. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to keep art growing in the downtown Athens community, said Lisa Milby, Vice President of Art On The Square. These businesses have met the call to have a comprehensive arts center and gallery that can provide on-going classes, projects, and shows in Athens. We are currently discussing a potential film project with Spirit of Athens in order to incorporate the art education piece with downtown revitalization.”

Art On the Square (AOTS) came together as a non-profit entity four years ago and was the concept of local artist MaCherie Kerr after she moved to the area with her family. The organization began its journey by offering an art festival on the grounds around the Courthouse and children’s art camps in the summer.

AOTS recognizes the importance of art education to the youth and incorporates art experiences for children attending the annual festival in September. As part of their education of local children, AOTS always made certain that there were interactive art experiences for youth available during the festival. This year the Kid's Zone, organized by Jennifer Rosso, AOTS Board member and Athens Middle school art teacher, will have over 20 mini art camps for children and young people. All these experiences are free to children during the festival. This year AOTS is sponsoring a teen art camp in film that will be organized by Alissa Rose Clark and taught by Don Tingle who is in his sixth year as Workshop Director of the Huntsville based Alabama Film Cooperative.

The group is planning more events throughout the year and has expanded their Board in preparation for the new challenges and opportunities that come with the upward growth of art in Athens. “We are working hand in hand with several organizations in Athens and are planning to continue this effort as we move forward,” Milby said. The plans include classes in ceramics, multi-media, metalwork, theatrical set design, singer/songwriter workshops, as well as concerts and gallery shows. “We have many artists who also have the hearts of teachers and will provide a variety of these classes. AOTS is also thrilled to provide artists a way to exhibit their works for the community to enjoy.” The donated space serves to highlight the local interest of longstanding Athens’ citizens who wish to maintain an art presence in the downtown area. By providing this space to Art On The Square, local businesses have put their stamp on the success of Athens’ downtown. As has been exhibited time and time again, arts keep communities interesting and vibrant. This has been demonstrated by cities like Oxford Mississippi, and Savannah Georgia.

Art On The Square is proud to work with all people in the community who recognize the value of art and cultural offerings to a growing city. As BRAC happens, it is the hope of groups like Spirit of Athens and Art OnThe Square, Inc., that Athens will be ready with the opportunities for everyone to enjoy a variety of entertainment and educational venues. The Chamber of Commerce recently named Carole Foret the Athens Business Person of the Year. Ms. Foret has been at the center of promoting art in Athens for many years. She is working with Art On The Square this year as a Major Sponsor of the September festival and as hostess of their Silent Auction in her gallery, on August 8, 2009.

Art On The Square is ecstatic about the new space provided for on going art classes, a potential film collaborative and a substantial gallery that will be able to showcase the artistic talents of many artists in the private sector as well as the art of students at Calhoun Community College and Athens State University.