Sementha Mathews

Concert pays tribute to the late Jim Sineath and The Hot Grease Band

The Turner Center for the Arts will host The Hot Grease Band for a Music in the Park Summer Concert, on Friday, July 10, from 7-9 p.m., in the Art Park located at 605 N. Patterson Street.

Sponsored by Mackey Lumber, the live concert pays tribute to the late Jim Sineath by bringing together the band he created and performed with from 2008-2014. Band members Jerry Newman, Chip Tanner, David Rodock and Bill Vendemo will perform several originals from their earlier days, as well as a mix of local favorites and all-time classic party music.

Community members are invited to bring their picnics, blankets or chairs to this free community concert, and relax in the park while safely distancing and enjoying the music. On site vendors are Rico’s Taco Truck and Jessie’s Catering (beverages), or patrons may choose to carry out from several downtown restaurants or bring their own culinary favorites.

The Music in the Park concerts will continue on the second Friday of every month through November, from 7-9 p.m., and feature local favorite musicians. The concerts are free to the public, thanks to local business sponsorships.

On Friday, August 14—same time, same place—The Dabbit Trio, sponsored by IPG Incorporated, will perform for the community.

For more information about attending the concert series or sponsoring one of the future concert events, contact the Turner Center at 229-247-2787, visit www.turnercenter.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Turner Center invites community to help paint murals in Art Park

Acceptance. Compassion. Humanity. Love. Respect. Five basic values that build community.

The general public is invited to participate in a mural painting event at the Turner Center Art Park, on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, where these words will be artistically expressed onto five 4’ x 8’ panels that will be affixed to the Art Park fence. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and all supplies will be on site for individuals to assist in creating the art work.

VSU Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Evelyn Davis-Walker and artist Steven S. Walker have intentionally designed the murals for community engagement. The images will be outlined on the panels by the Walkers, and volunteers will paint within the lines with the provided paint and brushes.

“Given the current climate (pandemic, social injustices, lack of physical and emotional connection), there is an overwhelming need for harmony now more than ever,” said Davis-Walker. “What better way to express the community’s desire to unite than by rallying together in a safe and meaningful way to reconnect with our neighbors…and paint.”

The event, approved by the Turner Center Board and funded by the Valdosta Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC), will expand the number of public art pieces available in the Art Park located at 605 N. Patterson Street.

The Art Park, created in 2019, spans nearly an acre of landscaped greenspace in the heart of the city. Currently, the park houses two metal sculptures by local artist Wilby Coleman and a fence mural created by former Artist-in-Residence Kristy Hughes. The five murals designed by the Walkers will be installed to the right of the park’s pavilion and will each be separated by 4’ x 4’ chalkboards for additional community engagement.

“The Turner Center for the Arts board and staff are extremely grateful to the City of Valdosta, the PAAC and the Walkers for making this community mural event possible,” said Executive Director Sementha Mathews. “The arts serve to inspire all people; and the Turner Center serves all people with the arts. The values represented on these murals are like open arms to our community, and the completed project will serve as a long-lasting reminder of these basic values that unite us.”

Earlier in the year, the Turner Center Board and PAAC approved plans for an Art Park Mural Contest that was canceled due to COVID-19. In an effort to reschedule the event, the Walkers came up with the design and event that results in a collaboration of community. VSU art instructors and art students will also assist in completing the project.

Volunteers for the event may sign up by emailing emdaviswalker@valdosta.edu or by calling the Turner Center at 229-247-2787.

A new program at the Turner Center for the Arts is giving regional artists the opportunity to explore their creativity outside their typical environments through an Artist-in-Residence program.

The residency is typically a six-month commitment, takes place in a Turner Center studio provided rent free, and results in at least one original art work for the Center. The artist-in-residence is only responsible for utility costs and other maintenance of the studio for the duration of the commitment. Read More