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Debo Groover "Flora and Fauna"

Born in Savannah, Georgia, Debo Groover has been an artist her entire life. Prior to moving to Tallahassee, where she has lived for the past 20 years, she received a Master’s degree in Fine Arts (MFA) in Ceramics from the University of Georgia, Athens. She had a successful career as a potter and an itinerate teacher traveling throughout the United States. That is until she settled in Monticello, where she met long time partner and new wife, Tina Torrance. Tina is from the beautiful town of Stuart, Florida and holds a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Florida State University. As a past program director for federal programs, she has a background in advocating for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in both work and community life. In 2008, after a long sabbatical from working as a professional artist, Debo created a new technique using polymer clay as a painting and collage material. This technique was formulated and fine-tuned for several years until it was perfected. The public response was so unexpected and overwhelmingly positive, that they joined forces and formed Debortina Studio.

Withlacoochee Quilters Guild

The Withlacoochee Quilters Guild was formed in 1986 to promote the art of quilting in southern Georgia, specifically, Lowndes County. We meet monthly to share/show our creations and currently have about 70 members with a wide range of skill levels, from novice to experts. Quilters with more experience love to teach those who want to learn so we welcome beginners as well as veterans and everyone in between. Our members work mostly with cotton fabrics and use techniques such as piecing, applique and embroidery. A variety of tools are used including sewing and quilting machines and a whole host of hand tools to create beautiful quilts for our families, friends and sometimes for ourselves. We also make quilts and other needlework items each year that are donated to various groups and organizations in our community. I guess you could say, “Quilting is our passion.”

Jerry Tillman African Artifacts Collection

Jerry Tillman African Artifacts Collection. The Tillman Gallery houses a spectacular display of more than 100 artifacts, donated to the Center in 2003, by Jerry Tillman, a Lowndes County native. Tillman spent over a decade living in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Somalia and most of the artifacts in his collection were made by the Makonde Tribe in Tanzania. Major museums, including The Smithsonian, wanted to display the collection in their galleries but Tillman elected to keep the artifacts local. The collection represents the creative side that exists in part of the myriads of cultures.

Exhibits will remain open in the galleries for the public’s enjoyment through Wednesday, September 17, 2025. For more information, call 229.247.2787 or visit turnercenter.org. Patrons who need special assistance may contact the Center to make those arrangements.