Rebecca Gallagher

The Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) along with local government, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority, the Turner Center for the Arts and the Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission board members unveiled the first major piece of public art at the Valdosta Regional Airport on Thursday, Feb. 21. The mural, featuring various iconic events and people within each letter of the word “Valdosta” will warmly welcome visitors and returning community members to the area when they retrieve their luggage. The mural also features the hashtag #ArtsValdosta in hopes that people will be inspired to take a photo of themselves in front of the airport mural, as well as any other art locations in the community, and then post them to the social media site. For more information regarding public art or the PAAC, call 229-247-2787 or visit www.turnercenter.org.

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts is honored and excited to host internationally renowned pianist Julian Gargiulo on Saturday, January 26. Gargiulo will perform twice on Saturday with a free student concert at 10:30 a.m. (recommended for ages 8-14) and the evening performance for adults at 7:30 p.m.

Steinway Artist Gargiulo is a pianist, composer, and recording artist who has performed in the United States, Canada, England, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Russia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, China, and Australia, with regular performances at Carnegie Hall (US), United Nations’ Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium (US), Moscow Conservatory Hall (Russia) and many more.

Huffington Post once stated that those interested in Gargiulo’s performances may need to “revise any preconceived notions you have about classical music concerts,” and prepare for “”…a marvelous non-stop flow of pure Woody Allen-ish wit.” (Kathimerini)

Reserved ($30) and general admission ($20) seating is available on-site, over the phone or online at 527 N. Patterson Street, 229-247-2787 or turnercenter.org.

For more information, call 229-247-2787.

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The Turner Center for the Arts hosted an art-learning opportunity for 20 clients from Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Turner County, on Nov. 14. The department is broken down into six regions; and Lowndes and Turner Counties, among others, fall into Region 4. Art Education Administrator Debi Davis (pictured above) planned and led the group in a holiday-themed painting workshop. “I always try to make sure the students are introduced to at least one art concept per workshop. We have students from Valdosta that have been coming for almost a year that have picked up on a variety of art concepts and are really learning to apply them well,” said Davis. For more information on regional opportunities or local classes and workshops, please contact our offices at 229-247-2787 or visit turnercenter.org.

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts hosted a Gallery Opening Reception recently for Florida-based artists Jill Cannady and Tim Ludwig. Ronald Zaccari enjoyed conversation with Cannady (both pictured above) at the Nov. 5 event, which followed the successful six-week exhibit of Zaccari’s 50-year collection titled, “Faces-Vases-Places.” Turner Center donors, supporters and patrons were able to interact with the two new exhibiting artists at Monday’s event, while learning more about the art and the artists. The selected art works of Cannady and Ludwig will be on display until January 9, 2019. All galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about the Turner Center for the Arts’ current and upcoming exhibitions, please call 229-247-2787 or visit them at turnercenter.org.

The 2018-19 Presenter Series season kicks off tonight, Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Mathis City Auditorium.

In light of recent weather conditions, the Turner Center is offering FREE admission to tonight’s show for all Valdosta and Lowndes County police officers, fire rescue and EMT first responders.

Admittance will be granted to those in uniform and those who present a valid employee I.D. or badge. Tickets for additional guests will be admitted at the regular admission price of $50.

Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m. prior to the show.

For more information, call the Turner Center for the Arts at 229-247-2787 or visit turnercenter.org