Turner Center for the Arts is Sparkling Like Diamonds

In this week’s podcast, Sementha Mathews, executive director for the Turner Center for the Arts, provides a broad-stroke description of the programs and events and a glimpse into the center’s future growth. 

Presenter Series
The 2022-23 Presenter Series opens on November 15, 2022, at Mathis Auditorium with Neil Berg’s “60 Years of Rock N Roll,” featuring a slight twist from the popular 50-year show. 

Mathews said the show honors Lowndes-Valdosta Arts Commission's diamond anniversary while giving the audience an extra decade of music to enjoy. 

“Legally Blonde: The Musical,” which features everyone’s favorite lawyer, Elle Woods, is coming to the Valdosta stage on January 10, 2023, at Mathis Auditorium.  

The season wraps up with “Purple xPeRIeNCE,” a tribute to Prince, on March 7, 2023, at the Performing Arts Center (PAC), 3101 Barack Obama Blvd., Valdosta.

All shows start at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available at a discounted price through early September. In addition, each performance has an optional pre-show dinner; advanced reservations are required. 

Music in the Art Park:
If you’re ready for a bit of rock-n-roll, country, or some blues, bring your lawn chair or blankets and sit under the canopy of trees at the Turner Center Art Park. Musical guests provide free entertainment from 7- 9 p.m., the second Friday of each month from March through November.  

South Georgia Entertainers
For local musicians wanting to network and be a part of a supportive community of like-minded performers, the Turner Center is hosting the newly formed South Georgia Entertainers. 

Open for musicians of all genres on the second Tuesday of each month, from 6-8 p.m. 

Richard Hill Glass Studio
One of the TCA’s newest program offerings includes glass-blowing, stained glass, fused glass, and torch. Mathews said the glass art studio not only meets the needs and interests of people in the community, but visitors can experience this unique art form. 

The Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Art Museum
Featuring 10,000 square feet of creative space, the children’s museum will include interactive areas highlighting local history and venues.

“When you walk in, you’re not just learning about what you can become through all these different interactions, but you’re also learning about where you live,” she said. “Everything in the building relates to something we have right here.”

ARToberfest
The 5th annual ARToberfest is Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Turner Center Art Park. The free event celebrates the talent of local and regional artists and will include live performances, food trucks, and plenty of activities to celebrate artists. 

 For more information, call the TCA at 229. 247.2787, or online at turnercenter.org.

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