THOMASVILLE — Staff report



Thomasville Center for the Arts in partnership with Downtown Thomasville Main Street is pleased to announce the finalists in the FLAUNT: 25 regional art competition and exhibition.

Artists of all art mediums throughout Thomasville, Tallahassee, Valdosta and surrounding areas submitted their best pieces to be juried by an esteemed panel of judges.  In the end, only 25 talented artists were chosen to be part of the exhibition.

The artists selected to be in FLAUNT: 25 are:  Natalia Andreeva, Carrie Ann Baade, Debra A. Brienen, Randy Brienen, Alice Cappa, Kay Cromartie, Rich Curtis, Tracy Foutz-Hunt, Marguerite Foxon, Daniel Hanifan, Maureen Egan Harrer, Lindajo Haythorn, Tracee Fortner Hodges, Cindy Inman, Nan Liu, Darlene Crosby Mathis, Roxane McGinniss, Audrey Peaty, Donato Pietrodangelo, donalee pond-Koenig, Lori Rask, Cheryl Sattler, Sandi Shaw, Suzanna Winton and Kati Yates.

“The jurors had a tough job choosing only 25 artists.  We received an overwhelming number of wonderful art,” said Natalie Lacey, programs director.  “It ranged from fine art oil paintings to woven wearables to fanciful metal chairs made from scrap materials. We are very excited to present this group to the public this fall.”

To commemorate 25 years of elevating the arts in our community, Thomasville Center for the Arts is excited to present FLAUNT: 25, a juried art competition designed to elevate the works of 25 talented artists, in 25 downtown Thomasville locations for 25 days, beginning Sept. 23 and running through Oct. 17.

Supporting these artists are 25 downtown merchants who are providing exhibit space for the FLAUNT artists, creating a downtown art-walk.  Kicking off the event on Sept. 23 is a members-only opening night reception followed by a Saturday morning public opening, Sept. 24, providing all 25 artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell pieces of their art from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“Our downtown merchants and Karen Smith at the Downtown Main Street office have all been exceptionally welcoming to the FLAUNT exhibition and enthusiastic about taking part of this event,” says Lacey.  “It’s such a great feeling knowing our community is supporting these wonderful artists and their work.”

Everyone can enjoy viewing the exhibiting FLAUNT artwork on display and purchase pieces for their own collection.  These artists are looking forward to cultivating young enthusiasts, new collectors and patrons.

Thomasville Center for the Arts, formerly the Thomasville Cultural Center, has been the landmark location supporting arts and culture in our community. With a new name, new look and renewed sense of energy, the Center is even more committed to inspiring and enriching artists residing in our area by providing increased exposure to the public, enhanced programs, and creative classes. 

This fall, TCA is planning an Artist Collective designed to bring artists together and promote their work at the Center and online.  It will provide an outlet for these artists to build on their creativity, connect with one another, as well as provide a means for the public to experience and purchase their art.  More information about TCA’s artist Collective will be forthcoming.

FLAUNT: 25 and the artist Collective are only two examples of the many programs and events taking place at the Center this fall.  TCA invites the community to “Fall for the Arts” by taking part in the various art classes, creative workshops, music lessons designed for children and adults.  The Center encourages the public to explore what arts can do to elevate their everyday life.

The Center and its board members wish to congratulate the exceptional artists selected for FLAUNT: 25 and give a heart-felt thank you to all who submitted their work for the competition. 

A full listing of the FLAUNT: 25 artists and their bios will be posted on the Center’s website in the coming weeks as will a complete list of exhibiting downtown merchant locations.

For more information, visit www.thomasvillearts.org or call 226-0588.