Photo by Kevin LambRally goers enjoying a crisp morning.

For more than three decades, Thomasville Center for the Arts has kept a promise to encourage and cultivate a unique and artistic identity for the Thomasville community. This year, the Center celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Wildlife Arts Festival designed to celebrate and preserve fine art and the distinct sporting culture of the Red Hills.

Over time the festival has become one of the most impactful and anticipated events of the fall season. The 25th will look very different from years past, but the spirit will remain. 

“Over the last few months we have worked alongside our presenting partner, Synovus, to design a celebration to honor what the people of our community have created together over the last 25 years,” said Center Director Michele Arwood. “It has been an inspiring and heartwarming process to work with a group so dedicated to carrying on the spirit of the show while ensuring the well-being of artists and festival goers. We are more determined than ever to move forward with a show that has brought so much joy to our community and has become part of our city’s distinct identity.”

This year, the festival will celebrate the regional flora and fauna of the Red Hills in a wildly different way. 

“We’ll set aside long-time favorite events like Afternoon in the Field, the Fine Art Show, and the Bird Dog Bash to take a Walk on the Wild Side!” said Mariam Mirabzadeh, festival director.

From November 6-21, locals and visitors alike will enjoy wild outdoor encounters with larger-than-life murals, festive floral window installations, and plein air painting throughout downtown Thomasville. Traditionally held on the Center grounds, the Scouts Artisan Market will pop-up in the creative district through December and feature twenty-five of the region’s premier artisans.

As for the much-loved Red Hills Rover Rally and artist-led workshops, guests can count on those being better than ever, but with limited tickets.

”Historically, festival artists among the best in their field have come from far and wide to share their wildlife and sporting art at a three-day fine art show in the Center’s historic building,” said Kate Scovil, festival chair. “Rather than staging a weekend show, we will open a two-month exhibition and sale which will allow us to safely invite patrons to continue to experience the work of world-class artists.” 

This year the festival features celebrated painter, Tom Swanston, whose Migration Exhibition honors the majesty of nature by mixing organic imagery with opulent color in large scale splendor. Joining Swanston for this extended exhibition are featured artists from past festivals including Thomas Brooks, C.D. Clarke, Michelle Decker, Vivian Jendzio, David Lanier, Walt Matia, Paul Rhymer, Lyn St. Clair and Chris Wilson.

“The Wildlife Arts Festival is far more than a fine art show and a weekend of exciting events,” Scovil said. “Through the years, the festival has brought together thousands of people who have shaped the Thomasville community with their hospitality and generosity.” 

As the single largest fundraiser of the year for the Center for the Arts, everyone who is a part of the show – artists, volunteers, sponsors and attendees — are supporting programs designed to encourage artistic expression and creativity to connect people to one another. 

“During these unique times, we have all learned first-hand how important this is to everyone, and maybe most importantly, to the children who are our future,” Arwood said.

For festival details and information on how to become an Underwriter visit thomasvillearts.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram @thomasvillearts, #followthequail.

About Thomasville Center for the Arts:

Thomasville Center for the Arts’ education and outreach programs serve over 9,000 students annually, with young creatives coming to the Center daily to receive an arts education that broadens their minds, builds confidence, and boosts their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills aid our children in all aspects of life, propelling them toward bright futures. Learn more about the Center online at www.thomasvillearts.org.