Colquitt County Arts Center

By Jeff Ophime, Arts Center Director.  Courtesy of The Moultrie Observer.

A couple of months ago I wrote a story about the needed repairs to cupola. I wrote/suggested that it would be nice if, for example, the class of ‘62 would like to challenge the class of ‘63 to match a monetary gift to help with the cupola renovation. By sheer coincidence (I just used class of ‘63 off the top of my head) I received a call from a class of ‘63 graduate named Lynn Baell Wilson. She informed me that her class accepted the challenge and to date they have raised $1,235. She was the MHS Class of 1963 president.

“Our MHS Class of 1963 is committed to giving back to our community. We have strong ties to the present Arts Center building. Most of our parents went to high school here, and it was our junior high building under Ike Aultman, principal. Several of our parents, mostly mothers, either taught in this building or were substitute teachers here. Here, in 8th grade, is where our full class came together for the first time from various elementary schools across the city and county. We have remained close since, keeping in touch via e-mail and celebrating reunions every five years beginning with the 10th. Last year was our 45th! We could think of no better way to give back to a community that nurtured us so well than to help restore the cupola on this grand structure that holds so many good memories,” she said.

The Arts Center has also received donations from the class of 1954 and a number of incredibly generous individuals in our community.

We have recently started work on the windows of the office. Yet another great member of our community has donated the funds needed to add insulated windows for the office area of the Arts Center. There are more than one hundred exterior doors and windows in this building. It’s about $400 per window to repair, paint and insulate each window. The end result will make this old building more “green” and also lower the monthly utility bill. A portion of the mission statement of the Arts Center reads “…and maintains a landmark facility that enriches the whole community.” We have our work cut out for us! And as always, your help is needed also.

I want to acknowledge my appreciation once again for all of the “giving” that continues to make it possible for the Colquitt County Arts Center to serve our community and to maintain a landmark facility. Without this kindness, the Arts Center would not be moving in the positive direction that I feel it is heading.

The deadline for entering quilts into the fall quilt exhibition, “Fascinating Designs,” is Aug. 10. Quilts that you made, family heirloom quilts or quilts that you have collected are appropriate for this exhibition. Please contact the Arts Center at 985-1922 for additional registration details and please consider including your favorite quilt in this exhibition that will surely be a huge hit with our community.