Thomasville Center for the Arts to host events

THOMASVILLE — A new energy abounds at Thomasville Center for the Arts this spring with a collection of programs and events designed to inspire the community and make lives brighter through the arts.

On Friday, visitors are invited to a free closing reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for local artist John Gleason. Gleason’s exhibition "Florida Landscapes" has been on view in the center’s Main Gallery since February. Featuring oil and acrylic paintings that boast views from the Red Hills region to Florida’s forgotten coast, this exhibition depicts life in our local slice of the South — a timeless yet ever-evolving region. Light bites and refreshments will be served, and Gleason’s work will be available for purchase.

While at the center, guests may also visit the Orchestra Gallery for the final day of "Funtastical Adventure into Art," a youth exhibition created by children with different abilities under the direction of nonprofit organization Friends & Stars Inc. and in collaboration with Thomasville City Schools.

On Saturday, friends of all ages are invited to a candlelit paella dinner celebrating community and connection. “A Seat at the Table” includes dinner and wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages served under the oaks at the Center for the Arts. Community conversation starters will be provided with each course. Guests can expect to enjoy a vibrant alfresco dinner, make authentic connections, and engage in intentional conversation. Seating is limited and tickets start at $65 per person.

On May 16, the Center’s annual THOM Collective member exhibition will open with a reception and awards in the Main Gallery from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Showcasing works of art created by emerging artists throughout the region, this exhibition gives patrons an opportunity to purchase original art, as well as support a community of creative professionals in the development of their artistic careers. This year, Richard Curtis of Thomas University will be the juror, with cash prizes and awards sponsored by BLICK.COM. The opening is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. THOM Collective will be on view through July 26. Center galleries are open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and admission is always free.

Also on the evening of May 16, the Center’s Art in the Afternoon students will showcase their spring semester work. At 5 p.m., guests may explore the work of visual art students from grades K-6 in the Center’s Orchestra Gallery. At 7 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy a live theater production by performing arts students in grades 2-6. The Art in the Afternoon program is presented by Thomasville National Bank.

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Thomasville Center for the Arts makes lives brighter through the arts. The Center imagines a flourishing community where the arts are alive, creativity thrives, and we work together to create a sense of belonging for all.

IMAGES:

Gleason1 – A closing reception for Thomasville artist John Gleason will be held at the Center for the Arts on Friday, May 10.

Gleason2 – Gleason’s collection of work entitled Florida Landscapes is currently on view and available for purchase.

Collective – The opening reception for the Center’s annual THOM Collective Exhibition is Thursday, May 16. This installation showcases regional emerging artists. (Photo: George Alexander)