Christopher Brazelton

BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

At Woodstock Arts, we let our audience’s imagination travel everywhere. So far this year, we’ve explored a pirate’s journey, Greek heroes and gods, global inspiration through paintings and mixed media work, concerts from halfway around the world — it’s all been fun! But, this month is something special. We get to commemorate home, look inward and celebrate our great state of Georgia.

As a multidisciplinary art center, we really can leverage all of the art forms to emphasize and celebrate the arts. And, what better way to wrap up the 2021-22 season than by celebrating our home state? Here's a look into what we have planned:

First, the Lantern Series season wraps up with Georgia native Kyshona Armstrong on July 16. She began her career as a music therapist, writing her first songs with her patients — the students and inmates under her care. She soon felt the need to write independently and find her own voice. Since then, she has learned how to balance her music career with her passion to heal the hurting. Audiences will discover a common thread of empowerment, overcoming adversity and finding hope in her work.

In visual arts, the Reeves House team has been working with artists across the state to produce a juried show. A juried show is adjudicated, and this exhibit had judges from other galleries, as well as the Atlanta Contemporary and Kennesaw State University visual art professors. While nearly 200 pieces from 75 different artists were submitted, only 42 pieces were accepted. The exhibit, “Home Grown: Artists from the Peach State” takes a look at explorations made by artists born or actively living in Georgia.

Finally, Woodstock Arts Theatre is taking a journey with our young audiences, celebrating our state’s official fruit: the peach. In this case, a giant peach! Families, get ready to see the inspiring classic tale of “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl, July 13-27. The timeless children’s classic is presented as a musical on our stage, unfolding imagination and wonder, as the exploration of a lifetime inspires families to keep journeying and seeking adventure.

There are so many things to celebrate, and we can’t wait to see you throughout the month at these shows, plus a few more fun opportunities. For the full list of activities, visit www.woodstockarts.org.

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Woodstock Arts.