The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts’ Gallery Opening Reception on Monday, August 2, from 5-7 p.m., features artists Julie Barnes Smith, “Form, Function and Flights of Fancy” and the Withlacoochee Quilters Guild Bi-annual exhibition. The reception will be held at the Turner Center main galleries, located at 527 N. Patterson St., and is free to the public.

Julie Barnes Smith has a B.A. in Art with a concentration in ceramics and textiles and a minor in Anthropology from Georgia Southern College and an M.A. in Anthropology, specializing in Historical Archaeology, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She spent much of her career as an archaeologist, cartographer, illustrator, researcher, curator, and exhibit designer; her maps and illustrations are published in numerous books and journals. Her current work blends utilitarian forms like those used in early America with the intricacy included in her illustrations with whimsy and details using birds, artifacts, and natural elements.

Withlacoochee Quilters Guild will have more than 50 handmade quilts on display for this exhibit. The Guild is made up of more than 80 members who meet regularly to create quilted works of art. In addition to participating in art shows, the group also donates projects to community needs.

In addition, the opening reception will include an “Empty Bowls” fundraiser featuring handmade ceramic bowls crafted by Turner Center pottery studio artists. Each bowl purchased at the reception will include a scoop of ice cream! Proceeds will benefit Second Harvest of South Georgia.

All exhibits will remain open in the galleries for the public’s enjoyment through Wednesday, September 15. Patrons who need special assistance may contact the Center to make arrangements. For more information, call 229-247-2787 or visit www.turnercenter.org.