THOMASVILLE- Pines & Palms Art Association hosted its opening night of a week-long art exhibition, “Transcendence — The Power of Contemporary Expression,” on Friday evening at the Covey Nest. The event was well attended, with more than 100 visitors.

The exhibition highlights the work of emerging Georgia and Florida contemporary artists, who express themselves with unique styles and unusual themes.

Visitors to The Covey Nest enjoyed appetizers and wine, while taking in the surprisingly broad range of art. Ceramic pieces, masks, collage, fabric art and paintings made for an eclectic display of artistry.

Artist Kristine Jones spoke about the event, stating that, “It was an honor to curate this show. The artworks seem to have a unique synergy, as if each artist contributed to a larger, cohesive narrative. Remarkably, many of the participating artists had never met, or seen each other’s work, prior to this show.”

“Observing the artists’ enthusiasm as they prepared to showcase their creations, and hearing their personal stories—what drove them, their sources of inspiration, the emotions that guided their brushstrokes, their joys and their pains—has been a privilege,” Jones continued. “It’s not just about providing support; it’s about walking alongside these talented individuals on their artistic journeys.”

Jones not only curated the exhibition, but also displayed five of her own works. Several of her paintings, powerful artistic statements of human rights, stood out.

Mixed-media artist Margo Ruffin was awarded first place for her western themed “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.” A collage of 19th Century cowboys and cowgirls, embellished with rusted metal pieces, was created as an homage to a part of America’s history that is rapidly disappearing.

Featured artist and Tallahassee native Earl Washington showed three ceramic pieces, winning second place for a raku vase with two spouts. A mixed media artist, Washington also works in macramé, wood, photography and collage.

Third place winner was fabric artist Emily McKenna for a delicate, translucent quilted piece titled “Waking up 3AM.” She explained the piece, stating, “It’s the moment I wake up with intrusive thoughts that slowly bring me out of sleep completely. The first portion is sleep, like a fragile blanket, which is why it’s transparent. It’s meant to be very delicate. I quilted and patchworked the blankets and the quilt squares like quick dreams. The sheer ribbons are thoughts. They start hazy, and then become more substantial and chaotic.”

Artist and Pines & Palms founder Sandi Shaw received honorable mention for her contemporary representation of trees, titled “At the Beach.”

Fabric artist Sarah Simmons displayed a quilted and colorful wall hanging called “Freak Flag.” The piece was purchased by Thomasville Mayor Jay Flowers, who planned to hang it in his office. Numerous other works of art were sold during the lively evening event.

Shaw spoke enthusiastically about the evening.

“We appreciate the space here at The Covey Nest. It’s the perfect venue for an installation like this,” she said. “Having access to a gallery of this caliber to display modern art is a welcome addition to Thomasville’s downtown. It offers the public a chance to see fresh, unique art in a progressive environment.”

Jones promised that “This is just the beginning. We hope to do more of these exhibitions in the coming year.”

The gallery, at 210 W. Jackson St. in Thomasville, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 22, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday the 23rd.