Art Trails

by Anne Jenkins with Art Ramble logo for title designed by Diana Smith

Wendy Wiggins demonstrates creating glass beads at The Point of Art. Jack Hebrank from Kennesaw and his dog Winston look on.

Four women artist entrepreneurs got together to start a creative art tour about halfway between Atlanta and Augusta with easy access from the I-20. All members of the bigger Heritage Art Loop (see previous story in archives) - Genuine Georgia, Hampton Fine Art Gallery, Historic Mill Studio and The Point of Art Gallery - clustered their businesses for a weekend event called the Art Ramble 3 years ago.

They are located within a seven-mile stretch and are all working studios. The general idea was you can watch art being created, not just see the finished product and four businesses doing publicity together was more effective and cost efficient than individually. An added bonus for clients - all the galleries are a feast for the eyes and not too hard on the wallet.

Anne Jenkins of The Point of Art and star guest artist, Henry Barnes, discuss painting

"Rather than viewing each other as competition, we try hard to work together," Anne Jenkins, owner of The Point of Art Gallery, said. "Apart from our annual big art tour, we can also offer a fabulous day for special events, or we can open specially for your group. It's an fun tour for groups or an individual."

Last year they decided to always hold the main annual event on the weekend before Thanksgiving in November and expanded the tour to include two other art galleries in Greene County, Art of Oconee and Magnolia Gallery, both in the Lake Oconee Village area. That Art Ramble weekend was deemed a great success as hundreds of new visitors poured through the area.

Henry Barnes demonstrates his techniques at The Point of Ar Gallery as Sam Traina, among others, watches enthralled.

The tour can be started at any point but for the purposes of this article, we'll start in Union Point and assume you're on the I-20. Take Exit 138 and go north on Hwy 77 about 5 miles to little Union Point and it's funky little gallery, The Point of Art Gallery & Studio, in a historic business district dating from 1895. It offers an eclectic mix of fine art and folk art and is run by artist Anne Jenkins, who lives in the loft above the gallery with her studio below. Jenkins' colorful and powerful work, mostly acrylic applied impasto style by palette knife, anchors the gallery. They also feature the work of six diverse artists from Georgia, such as Margaret Warfield and Peter Muzyka. A fascinating tour of the whole building, including the loft and studio is a must!

Family browses the exhibits at the Art Ramble

Just seven miles to the West along Hwy 278 is Greensboro, a thriving town and gateway to the Lake Oconee communities. The bustling historic business district boasts retailers and restaurants and the town is working on a big project to build and open a performing arts festival hall of the highest quality. Three of the galleries on the Ramble are within walking distance of each other in the center of town.

Cameron Hampton of Hampton Gallery sculpture of goat

The Hampton Fine Art Gallery features the work of the talented Hampton family - Cameron, Raindance and Lisa. Cameron is a renown pastel painter, winner of umpteen awards, and who also works with unique wax and hay sculptures. Raindance paints mystical pieces with a focus on her American Indian heritage and is an expert on local herbs and medicine. Lisa is the talented photographer in the family.

Metal sculpture at Genuine Georgia

 

Genuine Georgia features over 65 heritage and traditional Georgian artists and authors, including owner, Cynthia Smith. Smith recently published a book with 3 local co-authors, "Do Tell! Tales told on Southern Porches," loaded with lots of fun local lore from Greene County. One of Genuine Georgia's claims to fame is they have artists from every county in Georgia - and it's a wonderfully rich mix of pottery, wood work, paintings, weaving and much more.

Historic Mill Studio in Greensboro painting by Nan McGarity

The Historic Mill Studio is a retreat for artists located on the property of a 100-year old cotton mill. Owner Nan McGarity conducts workshops and hosts invited artists to teach. This is the only non-retail business on the tour but it is opened for the Ramble and special occasions.

Head down the Hwy 44 traveling over the I-20 about 12 miles to Lake Oconee Village, a newly built business mall close to the Ritz Carlton Lodge resort and the Reynolds Plantation gated communities.

Magnolia Art gallery at a travelling Art Ramble show

 

The well established, Magnolia Art Gallery, the first art gallery opened in the area about 7 years ago, is run by watercolor artist Lynn Blair and she carries a large selection of well known artists. They also contact painting workshops on a regular basis and now do custom framing as well.

Art of Oconee is the most recent addition to the art world in the region. It is run by a group of 14 local artists - painters, wood turners, photographer, authors and jewelers. They often host book signings and also conduct painting workshops on the premises.

Raindance Hampton shows two of Cameron Hampton's pastels

During the annual Holiday Art Ramble, this year the weekend of 19 & 20 November, each business has artist demonstrations, book signings, culinary offerings, door prizes and more. It's a fun filled and educational weekend to sooth your hidden artistic soul. For up to date information go to their website - with full information on each business - address, telephone number, website, etc., plus directions:

http://artramble.com

www.bywaterartmarket.com

www.facebook.com/pages/drunk-monkey-studio

www.louisiana-artists.com

Click to learn about Anne Jenkins