The Brookhaven Art Scene Soars this Summer

As the school year comes to a close and summer approaches, resist the urge to go to the pool and check out the exciting summer art events in the neighborhood. This year’s 2011 schedule is full of fun art activities, festivals, and shows for the whole family - and they're local.

First, if you missed the Oglethorpe Museum of Art (OUMA) exhibit, Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priest: Modern & Contemporary Indian Art, do not worry. The popular exhibition has been extended to Sept. 4. In addition to the exhibition, OUMA will also offer art education lectures and programs for adults and children this summer. Some of these events include visiting art lecturers, family art days, as well as photography camp and Indian art camp for the kids.

For the up-and-coming artists, The Brookhaven Arts Alliance (BAA) is now accepting artist applications for the 2011 Brookhaven Arts Festival held in the fall. The festival is a two-day event that features various styles of art from painting and photography to furniture, jewelry, and metal work. For those interested, the artist’s application must be mailed and postmarked no later than June 10. BAA is also looking for volunteers for the event. Contact Gretchen Roberts for details.

For the beer lovers, BAA is also preparing for the Brookhaven Beer Festival scheduled for June 11 on Apple Valley Road from 3 p.m.  to  8 p.m. Along with 100 different types of beer, there will be a 50/50 raffle and silent art auction. The proceeds of the benefit will help support the Taste of Brookhaven and Brookhaven Arts Festival.

For the performing art gurus, Georgia Shakespeare stays busy preparing for its annual 2011 Summer Festival, which begins June 8 and runs through mid-August. The lineup includes the classic productions of The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, Noises Off, and The Jungle Book which will be performed at Oglethorpe University. Georgia Shakespeare will also offer Camp Shakespeare for young actors between the ages of 7-10, 11-13, and 14-18. The camps are offered in June, July, and August and are two-week sessions. These camps are open to all and do not require auditions.

For the inner artist, local business Creatively Yours is featuring an Abstract Nude Painting Class to support Susan G. Komen’s 3 Day 60 Mile Walk for a Cure. Go paint and have fun for a good cause. The event will be held 7-10 p.m. at the Brookhaven location on Dresden Drive on June 17.

For the tiny artist, art summer camps run at The Little House of Art from May 30  thorugh Aug. 15. Each art camp runs for one full week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camps range from Princess Art Camp, Adventure Art Camp, Special Needs Art Camp and Arts & Crafts Vacation Camp, and Create your own World Camp. If you haven’t registered for classes, it’s not too late. Call the studio for details at 404-814-1910.

After talking with my favorite spots in the area, I was surprised and excited to learn about all the wonderful things in store this summer. Hopefully, this variety of events will give all art-lovers in Brookhaven something worth checking out this season.If you have the chance to visit any of these events, post your comments and pictures to Patch. We would love to hear your feedback.

Happy Summer, Brookhaven!