Stratford celebrates arts, creativity with annual event
"I hope they leave feeling a little happier, a little lighter. They say art is great therapy... and maybe they see something they want to take home, and they can take a piece of what we find so beautiful and enjoyable with them. That would be wonderful."
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A celebration of creativity is underway at Stratford Academy, where students and professional artists are coming together for a weeklong showcase featuring more than 400 works of art from 50 artists ranging from Georgia to New York.
Katy Carr, interim head of advancement at Stratford, says this week is all about celebrating arts and creativity.
New this year is a student art gallery, giving young artists the chance to showcase their talents alongside professionals. Carr says art is a powerful outlet for students to express their personalities.
“We just really believe here at the school in developing the potential of the children who are students here, and part of that is their creative potential,” Carr said. “And that starts very early on, and we want to celebrate fine arts, we want to celebrate creative arts, whether that’s drawing, painting, glass blowing. But really just understanding that’s what makes us who we are, and celebrating the people who do this for a living.”
She hopes guests will leave feeling inspired.
“I hope they leave feeling a little happier, a little lighter,” she said. “They say art is great therapy, and maybe they see something they want to take home, and they can take a piece of what we find so beautiful and enjoyable with them. That would be wonderful.”
One of the featured artists is Mary Pinson, who shared her love for floristry art and her connection to the school.
“I love it,” she said. “Both of my children graduated from Stratford, and celebrating art is one of the great events they have. There’s fabulous art from all sorts of artists, as well as art from the students. I can’t wait to look around and shop.”
Pinson believes teaching art is a great motivation, no matter your age.
“I think it will give them so much confidence, because I think people are so worried and get nervous about art,” she said. “And they see their beautiful things framed and people loving it, I think will give them so much confidence.”
Carr adds this highly anticipated annual event will showcase the beauty and diversity of artistic expression, offering a lineup of exhibits, workshops and interactive experiences.
