THOMASVILLE- With the ringing in of a new year, many people also usher in a fresh version of themselves by setting personal goals in the form of resolutions. Thomasville Center for the Arts has set the stage to make it easy for adults at all artistic skill levels to nurture their creativity in 2025.

“There are 100s of studies that connect making art with personal growth,” said Center for the Arts executive director Erin Wolfe-Bell. “Art stimulates inner peace, healing, critical thinking, coordination, healthy cognitive function, social interaction – the list goes on and on.”

According to Psychology Today, “Through cognitive enhancement, stress reduction, memory improvement, and social connectivity, art appreciation emerges as a valuable tool for fostering mental well-being and cognitive resilience.”

This month, Thomasville Center for the Arts will introduce five artist / instructors who will lead seven class series over the next five months designed specifically for the adult learner.

Hillery Allen Barrow will teach three classes: oil painting, acrylic sip and paint, and watercolor for 55 and better. Barrow graduated with both fine arts and business degrees from Colorado State University and has been a working artist locally in Thomasville for nearly a decade.

“Talent, in my opinion, is achieved not by being born but by learning, trying, making (many) mistakes, and passionately never giving up,” said Barrow. “I love to teach art classes to make art as accessible and fun to everyone as it was for me. Even if you can’t draw a stick figure, I can show you how to paint and have a good time with art.”

Ross Everett will lead a beginning painting series with hopes of inspiring students to find joy, humor, and playfulness through art. Everett comes to Thomasville by way of Colorado, Florida, and Wyoming, where he lived in Grand Teton National Park and graduated with a degree in fine arts from the University of Wyoming.

For those seeking a wildly creative art experience, “Wacky & Wonderful Art with Cindy” might just be the place. Local artist Cindy Inman has been a regular ‘can’t-miss’ presence on the Thomasville arts scene for many years. Students in her class can expect the unexpected.

“I’m best known for my bright, vibrant colors,” said Inman. “Watercolors and acrylics are my main mediums, but I’m interested in a variety of artistic endeavors that I’ll offer in my upcoming classes.”

Tallahassee artist Kat Chudy utilizes fiber art, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking in art and instruction. Chudy has a BFA in art history and printmaking from The University of Texas at El Paso and an MFA in studio art from Florida State University. Her work often utilizes thrift or used materials, with a printmaking practice which heavily relies on green processes and a DIY ethic. Chudy will teach an adult printmaking class series at the Center.

Laura Patrick will lead an intro to acrylics class. Patrick was born and raised in Tallahassee. At an early age, she was drawn to art and was always creating. She studied fine art in college and spent ten years honing her craft in New York City, becoming the first female art director for an award-winning Manhattan design firm, where she partnered with some of the world’s top brands. Today, Patrick is drawn to coastal pieces and abstracts, often seeking inspiration from gulls overhead, a spoonbill in flight, sunsets over marshlands, oyster patterns and colors, swaying palms, and bright lines in the sky over crashing waves.

Adult art classes began the week of January 6 and recur monthly through May. Each class is a stand-alone session, so students may register for one class, a few classes, or all classes in a series. Each session is $40 for Center members or $50 for non-members.

In addition to the Center’s robust schedule of classes, several other sought-after art experiences for adults will continue in the new year.

One Friday each month from January through June, adults 21 and up can celebrate the start to the weekend with Art Night Out, an evening at the Center created especially for adults. Art Night Out provides open gallery space for curious minds to explore exhibitions, exercise their creativity, and make social connections. Admission is free, and the first Art Night Out of 2025 will be held on January 17 from 6-8 p.m. with cocktails, conversation and mini-performances by South Georgia Ballet.

On the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., Ink Portal convenes. This monthly literary circle welcomes and encourages all writers and literature lovers. Participants examine a poem, short story or essay, then a facilitator guides the group through individual writing on an exploratory prompt. Writing time is followed by reading and community time. Ink Portal is free, with a suggested donation of $5-$25.

A Seat at the Table is the Center’s quarterly community dinner celebrating the art of intentional gathering. Recently highlighted in Georgia Trend magazine, this event encourages thoughtful conversation over curated food and drink as participants build a community around one big table. The cost is $45 for Center members, $55 for non-members. The next dinners will be held on January 25 and May 24.

On April 5, Thomasville Center for the Arts presents Due South in the Ritz Amphitheater, featuring Rebirth Brass Band and Cha Wa. This annual art, food and music festival weaves together show-stopping talent across performing, visual and culinary arts. Since its debut in 2011, Due South has been a place where friends can come together to celebrate a love for music and art in Thomasville’s ever-growing Creative District. This year, experience the sounds of New Orleans. For almost four decades, the Grammy award-winning Rebirth Brass Band has been stunning fans with a fiery live show and a rich musical catalog, and Mardi Gras Indian outfit Cha Wa radiates the energy of the city’s street culture – a show-stopping pair. Advance tickets are $40, and tickets at the door are $50. Kids 12 and under are free.

Event tickets and class registration information can all be found on the Center’s website at www.thomasvillearts.org, or by calling (229) 225-6461.