Colquitt County Arts Center

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



It’s clear to me why I work at an arts center when I witness the magic that is created by artists. I just finished looking at the photographs taken by Carrie Viohl of the young actors that performed in “Children of Eden.”

I think that Connie Fritz put it best when she said “God has truly given her a gift and we are truly blessed as the recipients of the fruits of her labors.”

I have taken many photographs in my lifetime (maybe better described as snapshots) and not one has looked anything like the images that Carrie is able to capture. Why is that? I’m pointing the camera at the subject, carefully making sure that everything is centered and no heads are being left out. The results of my concentrated efforts are usually ordinary at best and even dreadful at times. I guess that it’s similar to how Picasso could scribble a couple lines on a page to create a dove that looks as if it could fly off the page. Or when a talented musician blows into a flute; sounds are created that could beckon angels from heaven to hear the music. My attempt would most likely beckon dogs to howl.

The magic that I refer to in Carrie’s photographs is the ability to capture the personality of the children in these pictures. You can see the joy in their eyes and one can almost imagine what they are thinking. It’s a picture of a child and also a picture of what it is to be a child, carefree and living in the moment. If you would like to look at the photographs I am referring to, you can go colquittcountyarts.com and click on the link to Carrie Viohl’s “Arts Center Animals.”

We have scheduled a photography exhibit of Carrie’s work for next year and I am certain that it will be incredible.

So many gifts have been bestowed upon mankind by artists around the world. Great museums, symphony halls, ballet houses and theaters have been created for the sole purpose of housing the creative genius of artists. The same can be said for the Colquitt County Arts Center. It was created to stimulate participation in and enjoyment of the arts among the county’s citizens. Not much as changed since 1982 when the school board deeded the old vacated Moultrie High School to the Arts Council. The Arts Center continues to provide artistic opportunities and culture that enriches our personal lives.

I want to remind everyone that next Friday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m., the Tams will be performing at Withers Auditorium. This is a benefit for the Colquitt County Arts Center and tickets are $15 each. They can be purchased at Lazarus on the Square or the Colquitt County Arts Center.

This talented group of musicians had their first “Top Ten Hit” with, “What Kind of Fool.” Other hits included “Untie Me,” “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Hey Girl.” The Tams have released over 15 albums and have been honored with one platinum and two gold records.

As an added bonus for the Tams event, for $20, you can have dinner with the band at My Personal Touch at 6 p.m., on the night of the concert. Please call the Arts Center by Wednesday to make reservations. This is a very unique opportunity and I know that I am looking forward to it and I hope that you will join in on the fun.

The fall program schedule has been sent out to Arts Center patrons. It’s filled with art classes, programs and events. Please come by and pick up a copy if you are not an Arts Center patron (I can fix that for you, too!) or you can go to the above mentioned website.