Meeting will promote work of local artists

The annual Columbia County Arts Inc. meeting on Monday will feature several speakers and performances.

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"This meeting, more than anything else, is an informative meeting to show people what Columbia County Arts is about, but also to promote the artists," said Robert Thurman, the organization's president.

After an introductory speech by Thurman, speeches will be made by Columbia County News-Times Publisher Barry Paschal, Greater Augusta Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Durant and Symphony Orchestra Augusta Music Director Shizou "Z" Kuwahara.

The Columbia County Choral Society and Columbia County Ballet will perform during the event. Art, jewelry and other items will be for sale.

Thurman said guests will learn about the arts group and can sign up as members or volunteers.

The meeting is open to the public and will take place from 6-8 p.m. in the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center at the Columbia County Library in Evans.

Columbia County Arts Inc. was reestablished in 2008 after three years of inactivity. Its goal is to support and promote county arts, artists and arts groups.

"The biggest problem that we have in Columbia County when it comes to art is exposure," Thurman said. "There are a lot of good artists in Columbia County, and they don't know how to get their medium heard or seen."

He said he hopes the group eventually can find a venue within the county to provide a place for artists and their works.

"There's so much happening in Columbia County," he said. "The problem is we don't have a real good venue. Our end goal is to promote the arts as much as we can."

For information about the group, visit www.columbiacountyarts.org.