Fayette County, GA February 2023

Love Local

Wins National Diversity Award

Some business owners may consider it a hardship to try to have a sales force that reflects the diversity of the community it serves.

One of two people in the country selected to receive Buick GMC’s first-ever Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award in 2022, Howell recognizes how her unique background has equipped her to operate as a female leader in a male-dominated profession that included her father.

“My dad did not have any sons and he was always proud of that fact,” she said. “He used to joke that the dealers with sons seemed to be more concerned with their sons’ golf game, and he wasn’t worried about my focus.”

Growing up with expectations to excel regardless of gender and also developing

a solid work ethic, Howell attended Sweet Briar, an all-women’s college, in an environment she believes was best for the development of her leadership skills.

“As you go along, you become even more cognizant of the differences and that the expectations are higher for you,” she said. “Obviously, if there is one female dealer or one minority dealer in a room with 10 or 12 white males, you are going to stand out more either for good or bad. More is expected and that is fine with me. I’ve always accepted that I need to work harder and smarter.”

Minorities average 30 percent of the management team at all of Cronic’s three dealerships, and Howell goes a step further to make sure her overall staff is

representative of the surrounding area. That has led to a great deal of positive community feedback and more foot traffic from a wide-ranging customer base.

At the end of the day, she still has to sell cars and make a profit. Fairness and diversity guide much of Howell’s daily decisions but she is mindful to fit those aspects into the constraints of a successful business.

“I think I am more comfortable working with diverse styles and more accepting of cultural differences, but that is a strength and helps me to be successful,” she said. “I think people often will not take on things they are afraid of. I have found that I do work well with the cultural differences and I do realize that, for my success, a stronger team is going to be a more diverse team.”

Wanda Cronic Howell, President and Dealer at Cronic Automotive Group in Griffin

Elicia Threatt, ABWA scholarship winner with scholarship chair, Wanda Cronic Howell.

The Languages of Love

Several years ago I read a book called The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Lots of people read it, you may be one of them. I found it extremely interesting that people had different ways of giving and receiving love, and having it spelled out on paper was enlightening. According to Gary, the 5 languages are Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. I just took the quiz again and the order of importance that I receive love is the order written above. For me, spending quality time with my husband is the most significant way I feel loved by him. When I have something important to say and Byron stops what he's doing, turns the TV off, turns his head toward me, and listens, fully engaged, that's when I feel most cared for by the man I am married to. It makes me love him even more.

Byron's #1 love language is physical touch. Sadly for him, it's last on my list... like, by far. However, we don't just receive love languages, we give them as well. In almost 13 years of marriage, there have been very few days that I haven't "told him" I love him through touch. Just because touch isn't my preferred love language on the receiver end, doesn't mean I can't give it. Incidentally, the photo above is from our wedding day. We will celebrate our 13th Anniversary on February 20th and I love him more now than I did that day. He's my favorite guy on the planet.

Want to find out your love language for yourself if you don't know it already? Take the quiz at 5lovelanguages.com.

February is our Love Local issue and I'm excited for you to read about some of Fayette County's own who are making a difference and creating new things in and for our community. And, as always, I appreciate all of our local advertising partners who make it possible to bring you these stories.

Enjoy and Love Local!

JENNIFER CONFORTI, PUBLISHER @FAYETTECOUNTYLIFESTYLE

February 2023

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Conforti | jennifer.conforti@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Byron Pugh | byron.pugh@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Emily Flournoy | emily.flournoy@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Susan Walworth, Pam Reid, Jennifer Conforti

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

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Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: The Avenue Peachtree City kicked off 2023 with a NOON Year's Eve celebration. 2: NOON Year's Eve offers a unique way for families to ring in the New Year. 3: Much celebrating was had ringing in 2023, even if it was a little early! 4: Jason Hunter Design team celebrates winning Fayette Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. 5: Fayette Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2022 Annual Awards at Southside Center. 6: The Fayette County High School Tiger Band led the Annual Fayetteville Christmas Parade. 7: Following the Christmas Parade, Main Street Fayetteville hosted a Christmas Market.

MICHELE HOLMES

MICHELE HOLMES

GOBI PHOTOGRAPHY

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Announcing the Me&ENZO Club!

The Me&Enzo Club at ENZO Steakhouse & Bar celebrates the power of food and its ability to bring together the community. We will offer monthly events where members can come together to enjoy fantastic food including holiday bashes, music, art exhibitions, and priority access to the chef's table and private dining room. Also included are premiere pricing for catering, giving back to our community, and even travel opportunities! For more information and to join go to Enzo-itl.com.

Brew-tiful Difference Coffee Bar

Brew-tiful Difference Coffee Bar is a family-owned and operated Fayette County, GA mobile coffee cart business that exists to bring café-quality coffee and beverages to various events; festivals & fairs, farmer markets, office/corporate events, holiday parties, weddings, realtor open houses, movie sets and more!

Brew-tiful Difference was established in 2022 with love and passion for Vickie’s son Parker. Parker Butler is a 23-year-old differently-abled adult on the Autism Spectrum, and he is co-owner of the business.

Customized Banners for Any Event!

Planning an event or party?

Personalized For You can create a beautiful, completely customized banner to celebrate the special people in your life. Choose your banner design and we will personalize it with the name and photos of your choice! We are creating banners for all occasions, so if you don't see what you need, call us and we can custom-design a banner for you. For more information go to personalizedforyou.net or call 770-990-7639.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty

An Event benefitting Coweta Community Foundation, Healing Bridge Clinic, i58 Mission, Pathway Home, and Two Sparrows Village

Thursday, March 23, 2023 • 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Southwest 201 Aberdeen Parkway

Peachtree City, GA 30269

Silent & Live Auction, Entertainment, Dancing, Games, Dinner and Drinks are Included

Early Bird Tickets, 2 for $250 – Available Now!

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Feeling a Magnetic Lean

Local artist shares her story about moving to Fayette County and leaning in to new inspiration.

ARTICLE

BY SHARON SWEENEY KEECH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

"Pomegranate" was recently on display at Enzo restaurant in Trilith. Photo by Jon Miksanek

If you ever find yourself in Toledo, Ohio, it’s highly likely that somewhere you’ll see the work Peachtree City resident Vanessa Snyder has left behind there. It’s everywhere… a highway overpass, zoo exhibits, murals in public buildings, and some of the exhibits and interior design of the city’s science center, Imagination Station, in the downtown area.

One would think that after retiring twice as Creative Director from two different Toledo cultural institutions, suffering a mild stroke, and the rehabilitation that followed, Vanessa would settle for setting up her easel in the park or just staying at home doodling in a sketchpad, but no. She and her psychologist husband were both aware of neuroplasticity and the need for new experiences to rewire the brain and protect against cognitive decline. New adventures in life and art were beckoning and Vanessa wanted to confront them head-on.

As much as Vanessa loves her hometown, a visit to Peachtree City where her

daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren settled, convinced her to leave the city of her birth and move to Georgia. A new climate, a new neighborhood, a new house, and exposure to new cultural centers could all provide the new experiences she and her husband were craving. After touring several communities, the couple initially decided on a home in Trillith, attracted by the energy generated by this community of makers. She soon grew out of the 100 square-foot studio in her home at Trillith and moved to Peachtree City, where the entire third floor of her new house gives her the expansive space and beautiful light she needs to stimulate her work.

While looking forward to having the time to paint, post-retirement, Vanessa found herself missing the socialization that came from working with the teams she created as an Art Director back in Toledo. “Making art is a solo endeavor,” she states, “but in this area, there’s so

many resources and amenities for artists. I’ve loved my visits to the High Museum, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Cyclorama. Not to mention the wonderful private galleries, such as Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone, and Chatt Hills in Serenbe.”

Craving even more inspiration and a creativity reboot, Vanessa applied to the MFA program at SCAD’s Atlanta campus and was both delighted and anxious when she found out she had been accepted. It has been more than 40 years since she graduated from college…could a baby boomer keep up with the digital natives who would become her classmates? “It’s been a challenge,” Vanessa admits. “I’d be totally lost if I hadn’t had the experience of working as an artist using art production software.” She had plenty of experience prepping art for reproduction and working with the Adobe Suite software, most commonly used by professionals. Her experience designing 3-D exhibit spaces was thrilling but gave her no expertise to deal with the hurdles of library database

Vanessa Snyder poses in front of one of her paintings. Photo by Jon Miksanek "Bleacher Girls". Photo by Jon Miksanek

"Giraffe Philadelphia".

Photo by Jon Miksanek

Vanessa's Studio.

Photo by Vanessa Snyder

"Koi". Photo by Jon Miksanek

"THE GREY OVERCAST DAYS ON THE OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE LINE COULDN’T COMPETE WITH THE BLUE SKIES AND FLUFFY, CUMULUS CLOUDS OF GEORGIA."

VANESSA SNYDER

searches, required for her classwork. What she did know was that these challenges offered yet another opportunity to grow and reorganize.

“Thank God for SCAD’s librarians,” she says. “They are frequently consulted!”

So, what’s it like being the artist whose distinguished career is in the rear-view mirror working with classmates who are just starting out in the field? Does she give them advice? Does she counsel them about future career choices?

“Absolutely not,” she laughs. “When I told my son that I was heading back to school, he said, ‘Mom, don’t be that old person in the class who thinks they know everything.’”

Besides, she is finding that she is learning more from her Gen Z artist peers than she could ever teach them. “I am fascinated with the fearlessness of youth in this evolving art culture. And the professors have been so supportive in helping me learn and adapt to a constantly changing art world.”

Vanessa’s style as an artist is varied. As the Art Director for museums, while simultaneously freelancing from her private studio, she had to use many different styles in her work. “I was a work-for-hire artist,” she explains. This led to experimentation in many different genres. While one series of paintings is of oversized fruit and vegetables rendered so realistically, you would think they might be photos, another group of paintings is totally abstract. A different collection is figurative. When asked about her varied style Vanessa says, “I haven’t decided what I want to be when I grow up yet.”

But that’s what attracted Greg Blair, owner of Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone, to Snyder’s work. “Her range,” he said. “She can do figurative, hyper-realistic, abstracts...she does it all!” He agrees that her style is varied and suspects at some point she will settle on a single expression of creative skill but until then, “There’s a cool tension in her work. Her still lifes are modern, contemporary and fresh. Even her abstract works have a molecular feel. The viewers’ eyes bounce around and make her paintings very believable. Her art has great movement. Style is not what you paint,” he insists, “It’s about brush strokes and the composition of the canvas.”

Her experiences at SCAD have her looking in a new direction. “I’ve been feeling a magnetic lean towards a hybrid of abstraction and representational subjects,” she claims. Is this new focus proof that the drive to keep those neurons and synapses humming is paying off? A look at her latest works tells you it surely is. What does the future hold? “More paintings, new ideas, and continuing to learn from my professors and fellow students,” predicts Vanessa.

Leo Tolstoy wrote, “True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” It makes one wonder where the big changes lead.

Locally, Vanessa’s work is displayed at Enzo Steakhouse in Trillith, the Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone, and has been included in the Magnolia Festival. To see her full portfolio, go to vasnyder.myportfolio.com .

Colin Martin the Chamber Cornhole Tournament.

Photo by Gobi Photography

Colin Martin at the coffee bar at Roam

Costas Soulakos 2022 Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

Photo by Gobi Photography

Chamber staff at Roam in the Town at Trilith

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTH ATLANTA PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED

LIVE

work stay PLAY

You’re getting old, Fayette County.  With an average age of about 46, our county has the oldest residents in metro Atlanta, beating other counties by about 10 years. It’s a concern for Fayette County Chamber of Commerce President Colin Martin. “If I could wave a magic wand and say this is what I want to do, it would be creating an environment that young families want to come to and raise their kids and be a part of.”

Part of creating this environment would require adding starter homes. “We have these beautiful homes, but we need some for young families to move into so that they can then trade up to the really nice houses,” Martin said. Believing that Fayette County is a great place to live, work, and play, Martin said it’s also important to continue to cultivate what is already here.  “We are rightfully proud of our school system in Fayette County and that’s a huge draw but having starter homes and unique retail and restaurant concepts all come together in creating a place where people want to move to and live and spend their dollars.”

Why do things such as starter homes concern Martin and the Chamber of Commerce?  The Chamber’s focus is serving businesses and business interests, and the county’s need for starter homes affects a pressing need for area business owners— an available workforce.

Contrary to popular belief, the Chamber, formed in 1967, has nothing to do with the government. “Our focus is totally on serving our members, which are businesses,” Martin said, “but hopefully the residents here get a thriving business community that’s interested in contributing to the well-being of the community. We are here to serve businesses, but businesses want to serve the community, so we are the conduit for that.”

Not only does the Chamber offer members an opportunity to network with potential customers and learn from other business owners, but it also informs and advocates on behalf of local businesses. For example, the Chamber keeps local education partners including the Fayette County Board of Education and area universities and technical colleges informed of needed skills so they can produce students who are ready to fill available jobs.

Martin, who became chamber president in 2018, said he and the chamber board are proud to have had Governor Brian Kemp speak to chamber members twice in the last four years as well as several other state officials. “That’s pretty remarkable,” Martin said, adding that the visits “show the importance of Fayette County in not only the metro region but also in the state. We may be the only chamber in the entire state to say that we had the head of each of the three branches of government come and speak.”

“Any time our members can get direct contact with statewide elected officials that’s positive for them and they can not only hear what that statewide official wants to accomplish while in office but also share concerns with that official.”

The chamber wants to be the voice of business on government issues such as advocating to keep the film tax credits in Georgia since a lot of businesses here are doing business with the movie industry at Trilith and other studios. “We want to support that and make sure that our local elected officials and our state elected officials know that that the film tax credit is a big part of our business fabric here in Fayette County.” The chamber board has also endorsed and will campaign for the passage of the 2023 SPLOST, which includes infrastructure projects as well quality-of-life projects such as a new recreation center at Kiwanis Park on Redwine road. The Chamber also supports a feasibility study for a performing arts center.

Another thing Martin is proud of is the chamber’s annual diversity and inclusion summit, which addresses topics such as racial disparity and growing women leaders.  “We’ve tried to be innovative in that area and have gotten great support from our chamber members and the community every year.”

Leadership Fayette is another way the Chamber grows new leaders.  The eight-month program sharpens participants’ leadership skills as they learn how their community works and how to serve it.

Martin is quick to commend the Chamber staff, board of directors, and volunteer ambassadors. “We have a fantastic staff who shows up every day doing great work and really are the ones who make this chamber work,” he said. “Secondly, we have a great board of directors who are local business owners or local executives who really want to see Fayette County be a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. They give their time and talent to us.” Martin said ambassadors are critically important to the Chamber’s success. “I’m grateful for those folks who are serving on our ambassador team,” he said. For more information about the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.fayettechamber.org .

“I’m grateful for those folks who are serving on our ambassador team.”

Cornhole tourny fun

Chamber staff member Cereto Bean hands out prizes at the Chamber Golf Tournament.

Photo by Gobi Photography

Pictured: King Crab Claw and Gulf Oysters

ARTICLE BY SUSAN WALWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED

A MISSION to inspire

Within the studios, instructors call out words and phrases—plié, relevé, passé, elevé—all foreign to the untrained ear. But each command pulls learning limbs into position like the strings of a marionette yearning to dance.

It’s a never-ending cycle at Georgia Academy of Dance & The Performing Arts where for the past 33 years many beginners have discovered their passion for dance and have eventually grown into artists. Although hundreds of different dancers have studied at GAD, the mission has remained the same—to educate, nurture and inspire the potential artist.

From tots in pink leotards dancing to Disney tunes, to dedicated teens en pointe dreaming of performing, to adult dancers returning to or just discovering dance, all are taught by top professionals and allowed to thrive in a positive atmosphere. From classical to contemporary, GAD offers a wide variety of classes for beginners to advanced students in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, tap and hip hop. GAD also offers music lessons.

The largest performing arts school south of the Atlanta Ballet, GAD is consistently commended by the Georgia Council of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Arts and is recognized as one of the Southeast’s premier schools for performing arts education. GAD students have received fine arts scholarships and acceptances to professional performing companies and colleges throughout the United States and abroad.

To give students an opportunity for intensive study and performance and a path for pursuing a professional dance career, GAD Founder and Artistic Director Sherri Davis established the non-profit, civic organization Georgia Dance Theatre, in 1990.

CONTINUED >

Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts continues to provide opportunities in the arts.

Member, Laura Hart

Georgia Dance Theatre Professional Company was added in 1996 and continues to gain recognition while entertaining thousands with professional performances, including its annual production of The Nutcracker and The Nutcracker Tea, which have become a yearly Christmas tradition for the community.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Masterworks: On March 11th, GDT in conjunction with GAD will present an inspiring evening of classical and contemporary works with guest choreographers and guest performing companies.

And to continue to inspire potential artists, Ms. Davis is implementing a choreographers’ workshop to allow students to develop works for the stage. “I believe in providing a non-competitive atmosphere for future choreographers where they can feel free to expand their artistic abilities,” Davis said.

Cinderella:  Sunday, June 4th - This fairy tale classic adapted for ballet and set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev, is a must-see performance that will feature Georgia Dance Theatre, GAD students and guest artists.

A Celebration of Contemporary Dance: Saturday, June 3rdExplosive, athletic, and lyrical movements highlight the genres of contemporary dance. GAD contemporary performances present exciting new choreography in a broad, contemporary format.

The Growing up of Annabelle Potts: Saturday, June 3rd – An original story written and choreographed by Sherri Davis and set to the music of Rogers and Hammerstein, George Gershwin and more will be reimagined to showcase Early Childhood dancers of GAD and GDT.

ARTS COUNCIL

Davis, who discovered dance as an 8-year-old, has devoted most of her life to dance, arts education and arts advocacy.  “The arts can bring courage, perseverance, and self-esteem to any child,” she said.

Davis established the Arts Council of Fayette County in 2019 to provide an additional platform for local artists to “connect and become a bigger voice” in Fayette County, which she said is a creative county filled with talent.

With support from the Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony, High Museum and the Alliance Theatre, the Arts Council of Fayette County hosted a gala in 2020 to introduce new artists to the community.  A second gala in partnership with local arts organizations is planned for 2023 with the date to be announced.

Davis has a passion for seeing the development of a venue for all artists—whether fine arts or performing arts—to have a place to show their works to the Fayette County community. A feasibility and impact study are now in the works. “We are excited to be a leading voice in providing additional opportunities of presentation, support and growth of our artistic community,” she said.

For more information about GAD, GDT or ACFC, visit www.gadance.com or www.artscouncilfayette.com

Sherri Davis Director of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts Founder/Artistic Director of Georgia Dance Theatre Founder/President - The Arts Council

Arts Alive Gala Vivant - An Arts Extravaganza

A Place to Create

Known in the craft industry as Ms. Creative CEO, Karen Baxter is passionate about encouraging others and changing the face of what a crafter looks like. If you’re looking for something new to do in Fayette County or looking to experience some muchneeded “woosah” moments, make your way to Artistic Fusion, her new craft studio and event venue in Fayetteville.

Artistic Fusion is a place where creativity, confidence and community collide. Forget all you thought you knew about crafting — macaroni necklaces, construction paper, or perhaps grandma knitting in her rocker.

Artistic Fusion offers opportunities to learn, create and experience crafting at a whole new level. A place for creatives, and for those who don’t believe they are creative, Karen is a master at evoking the creative spirit in all of us.

Born in West Africa to missionaries Joseph and Lillie Hines, Karen moved with her family to the United States. Raised primarily in Montgomery, Alabama, Karen graduated from high school in 1988. “My parents love people and wanted to help as many as they could.” Clearly, that desire was passed on to Mr. & Mrs. Hines’s only daughter.

ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

THE DREAM OF OWNING HER OWN, LOCAL CRAFT STUDIO HAS BECOME REALITY FOR KAREN BAXTER.

Karen Baxter, aka Ms. Creative CEO, is the owner of Artistic Fusion.

In her early 20’s, Karen and her best friend Janeen Cousin would dream about businesses; not just any business … something creative. Their first launch was the ever-popular balloon basket business, teddy bears and all. Karen was always in the business of starting a business. “I’ve done it all — Mary Kay, Avon, Body Magic, health insurance, life insurance. I’m still a licensed real estate agent. When I say I’ve done it, I’ve done it. I am a chronic entrepreneur. I’ve run a tax agency. I’ve owned a tax agency. I’m a coach. I’m an empowerment speaker. I’ve done all these things and I’ve evolved into this.” What patrons experience today is a fearless, fun-loving, fun-making Karen.

Karen uses her creative gifts as a means of service and self-sufficiency, not just as a hobby. “Crafting saved my life, outside of God and lots of prayer.” After a particularly hard, stressful season, Karen picked up a crochet hook and went crazy making things. “It calmed me down and allowed me to focus. Little did I know it would be a pathway into crafting. It sparked something in me that was always there.”

Karen started sewing and paint pouring on FB live at different times of the day. She held paint marathons where 600-700 people joined online just to watch her pour paint. During those sessions, Karen encouraged people to have confidence when they create. Her inbox grew rapidly as she coached people to extend themselves beyond their comfort level and without fear. People began asking her to coach and mentor them.  “It took me a long time to call myself a coach because of my mindset. I didn’t think I deserved it. I didn’t think I was smart enough.”

Things took off for Karen in what she would consider unbelievable ways. “The big thing happened when I started making African maxi skirts. I made one and posted it. My daughter loved it, and I thought I was doing something when she wanted to wear it. Someone asked how much I would charge to make them one. That started a spark. You mean I can get paid to make stuff?”

The more Karen delved into the craft industry, the more people she saw making real money using their gifts — a new world of opportunity opened for her. “I worked hard and got better and better and better.” Karen started Nikai Designs — named after her two children, Niya and Kyle. Karen could support herself while doing the things she loves to do. “I didn’t understand what was happening to me in this process. I also didn’t understand that my corporate skills were transferrable to my creative business.” For way too long Karen believed that crafting and all the ways she could create, was not something a person could make a living from. “I was conditioned to believe you need a 9-5 to be able to survive in real life.” Karen’s journey included a period of learning, growing, and persevering. While she wasn’t always in an environment that supported creativity, her desire to create and want more for herself grew stronger, and in 2016, Karen found herself, her self-confidence, and her ability to bring Artistic Fusion into reality.

While July 23rd was the soft opening for Artistic Fusion, October 15, 2022 was the grand opening and ribbon cutting. It was also the third anniversary of Karen’s father passing. He would most definitely be proud of his only daughter.

The vision for the studio came to Karen years ago, but she didn’t have the confidence to trust the vision. “I am very transparent. You can’t be a change-maker or a change-creator without being honest about the change that you had to make to begin with. There are so many people out here ‘perpetrating the fraud’ for whatever reason . . . no judgement, but when you’re not being honest about your journey, it confuses the people who are following you. You haven’t shown them the real path to where you are now. So when things don’t happen for them, they get frustrated, discouraged, depressed and they just quit. No one has taught them that there is a process to get here. It is a process to stay here as well.”

"God and his son are creators. If we're made in His image, then there's creativity in all of us."

The Artistic Fusion studio space lends itself to a “letting go” and creating something many people would not typically believe they could do — paint pouring, bath and body creations, jewelry making, you name it. The studio also offers a host of different creative workshops and virtual classes. Drop in during open studio hours — Wednesday thru Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm and create something special. Choose from a variety of projects to scratch your creative itch. Beautiful handmade items are available for purchase, including wonderfully created aromatic oils.

Karen speaks from the heart. “Crafting can be a lifesaver and a life-giver.” Research shows that crafting, regardless of the medium you use, can bolster mood,

improve self-confidence, and reduce stress overall. Crafting has also been shown to improve mental agility, gross and fine motor movements, and a decrease in cognitive decline. Crafting additionally has been shown to be a natural anti-depressant. Research studies have shown that those suffering from PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia and any level of chronic pain have achieved a reduction in symptoms by incorporating crafting into their lives.

Artistic Fusion is located at 397 Glynn Street S in Fayetteville. The studio is a great place for milestone celebrations, Girl’s Night Out, book clubs, staff appreciation, business launches and business luncheons. You don’t need a reservation to drop in during open

"Crafting can be a life-saver and a life-giver."

The beauty and unpredictability of paint pouring.

studio hours. People have been known to visit the studio during their lunch hour just to have a break from the work day.

Karen has a wonderful vision for Artistic Fusion in Fayette County. A place where friends, new and old, come together to create and experience the beauty of creating. Karen wants to be the pebble that creates a ripple in a person’s life that extends far beyond what they can see as possible for themselves today. She believes that “God and his son are creators. If we’re made in His image, then there’s creativity in all of us.”

Visit artisticfusioncraftstudio.com to register for classes and workshops, and to reserve the studio space for a private party or special event. You can follow Artistic Fusion on Instagram @ artisticfusioncraftstudo and Facebook @thecreativebosscollective . “When I can show people, even in the smallest way, that they can create something fabulous, it does something for their self-esteem. It does something for their self-confidence. Once this happens, it can unlock other things they didn’t think they could do.”

Arnie and Susan Walworth make masterpieces.

Artistic Fusion craft studio and event venue.

ROMANTIC BREAKFAST FOR TWO

NOTHING SAYS ROMANCE MORE THAN THIS BANANAS FOSTER FRENCH TOAST SERVED FOR BREAKFAST IN BED!

ARTICLE BY GOCHA HAWKINS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Bananas Foster French Toast

INGREDIENTS

• 4 pieces of Texas toast

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/4 cups heavy cream - divided

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup bourbon (Woodford Reserve preferred) - optional

• 1 stick butter, divided

• 2 bananas - not too ripe or underripe

• Whipped cream for topping - optional

• Pure maple syrup - optional

• Powdered sugar

• Lighter

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together eggs, 2 cups heavy cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

2. Cut bananas 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and set aside.

3. In a large frying pan on medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

4. Dip bread in egg mixture, two at a time. Make sure all sides and ends of the bread are coated fully. Let soak for about 30 seconds. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side. Melt 2 more tablespoons of butter and repeat with the remaining slices. Set in a warm oven.

5. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved. Add bananas and 1/4 cup heavy cream and let cook for about 2-3 minutes. Add bourbon (if using) and light the bourbon while in the saucepan to help caramelize and burn off the alcohol.

6. Cut the french toast on an angle and plate. Pour bananas foster mixture on top. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

7. Prepare for your tastebuds to be delighted and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

Recipe by Gocha Hawkins, owner of Gocha’s Breakfast Bar in Fayetteville.

Walton Fayetteville

Where

WaltonFayetteville.com

470-288-1591

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

Peachtree City Farmers Market

ABERDEEN VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER, 215 NORTHLAKE

DRIVE PTC | 9:00 AM

Food, Fun, Gifts, and Music! Saturday’s market brings approximately 60 vendors offering a variety of fresh produce, poultry, beef and pork, bread, sweet treats, honey, eggs, prepared foods, and so much more. Whether you’re looking to create a feast or simply don’t want to cook at all, we have you covered.

9 AM - 1 PM.

EVERY 1ST AND 3RD TUESDAY Rotary Club of Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE CITY HALL, 210

STONEWALL AVE WEST | 11:00 AM

Join our regular club meetings at the new Fayetteville City Hall. Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. We'd love to meet you! Info at rotary6900.org

1ST, 3RD AND 5TH MONDAY

Peachtree City

Toastmasters Club

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY AND VIRTUAL ON ZOOM | 7:00 PM

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills. Our meetings are now Hybrid with the in-person meeting being held at Keller Wil-

liams Realty at 1200 Commerce Dr. and Virtually on Zoom. Please visit our website for updates and details: peachtreecity.toastmastersclubs.org or call 770-823-5786.

FEBRUARY 2ND

New Neighbors League

CHRIST OUR SHEPHERD

LUTHERAN CHURCH, 101 N PEACHTREE PKWY, PTC | 9:30 AM

NEW NEIGHBORS LEAGUE CLUB meets on the 1st Thursday of each month at 9:30 am. Visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Carol Jensen-Linton at 770-4869116 or email CarolJL@bellsouth.net

FEBRUARY 3RD

7th Annual

Southside Symposium

CROWN PLAZA - PTC, 201

ABERDEEN PARKWAY | 8:30 AM

Join Southside Support to hear from a panel of experts in mental health and learning differences covering topics related to quality evaluation, advocacy, mitigating learning differences, managing stress, support assistance, preparing for life transition, and much more! Keynote Speaker - Suvrat J. Bhargave, M.D. a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. Lunch provided. For more info visit southsidesupport.org

FEBRUARY 11TH

Galentine’s Day Market

COURTHOUSE LAWN, DOWNTOWN

FAYETTEVILLE | 10:00 AM

Ladies celebrating ladies. Support women owned or young women leaders at our vendor market featuring a brunch themed picnic on the lawn. Visit downtownfayetteville.org/events for more information.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty

Love and Smiles Go Together Beautifully

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our three tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love.

A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care.

When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory. No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

1. USE REAL ESTATE WISELY

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

2. ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

3. UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner! Here’s a few of our favorite elevated hangers:

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS |

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

3 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE