Come Together: Each artist in ATHICA’s upcoming exhibit, “Center”—locals Pete Dugas, Jennifer Hartley (see her art on the cover), Justin Plakas, Kevin Sims, Vernon Thornsberry and Todd Upchurch and national artists Keliy Anderson-Staley, Nestor Armando Gil and Katie Hargrave— visually explores concepts of community and place identity. By grouping scenes of neighborhoods, landmarks and familiar faces with heirloom items and traditions, the exhibit encapsulates the complex relationship between modernity and heritage and its influence on the development of communities.

“Center” marks the first exhibition since founding Director Lizzie Zucker-Saltz handed the reigns over to Hope Hilton after a full decade of leadership, and the exhibit couldn’t come at a more appropriate time, as the current board re-evaluates ATHICA’s role in continuing to build the local arts community.

Katherine McQueen, ATHICA's board president, says, “The board and Hope see ATHICA as an arts hub for the community. A place that is more than a gallery space, where artists and those interested in the  arts can congregate, share ideas and engage in a community-wide dialogue. ATHICA already presents all types of art—poetry, literature, music, film and, of course, visual art—which makes it a center for art in Athens, and we will continue this, but we would also like to create a meeting place where people just stop by to talk and hang out even when there isn't an event taking place.”

To foster discussion about community and art’s function within it, ATHICA is presenting a series of affiliated events: “Talking Community: An Evening of Poetry, Storytelling & Song” on Wednesday, Oct. 10, satellite screenings of "The Creative Time Summit, NYC" on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 & 13 and a “Center” panel discussion on Sunday, Nov. 4.

There are also several chances to simply socialize in an engaging setting: a spirit and dessert tasting called “Kindred Spirits” on Friday, Oct. 5; a community garage sale on Saturday, Oct. 20; a collaborative kids’ event called “Come Together,” featuring teaching artists from GMOA, Arrow and Treehouse Kid and Craft on Sunday, Oct. 21; and a potluck dinner consisting of food from local restaurants served on locally made pottery on Sunday, Nov. 11. 

A portion of the exhibition’s proceeds will benefit Citizen Advocacy Athens-Clarke (CAAC), who first approached ATHICA about collaborating on a community-themed show. CAAC is a private nonprofit devoted to empowering local people living with disabilities who are at risk of neglect, abuse or social isolation by fostering relationships with advocates.

An opening reception for “Center” will be held Friday, Sept. 28, 7–9 p.m., and the exhibit will be on display through Nov. 16.

Can’t Throw a Stone: If you’re somehow unconvinced of just how saturated Athens truly is with artists, lace up your walking shoes and stroll along with the second annual Pulaski Street Art Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 6. Beginning at Pints and Paints at 5 p.m., where you’ll be able to grab a route map, and culminating at ARTini’s with an after party and viewing of the Georgia Sculptors’ Society’s juried exhibition at 9 p.m., the crawl winds its way through a dozen downtown displays, as well as to several personal studios of local artists—including Mary Engel, Marie Dondero, Chatham Murray, Margo Rosenbaum and Ouida Williams—that are all within walking distance of each other. Live music by Hawkproof Rooster, a theatrical performance by Circle Ensemble Theatre Company and complimentary snacks by The National, The Grit and Pulaski Heights BBQ will round the evening out.

After Hours Art Fix: Six of Athens’ most well-established art venues—the Georgia Museum of Art, Lamar Dodd School of Art, Lyndon House Arts Center, ATHICA, the Gallery@Hotel Indigo and Ciné—have begun a new collaborative effort called Third Thursday. Initiated by Michael Lachowski (of the GMOA's public relations), the series, held every third Thursday of the month from 6–9 p.m., ultimately seeks to promote Athens as a strong center for visual arts by increasing interest and participation in the arts among local community members, as well as by garnering more attention and tourism from outside of town. For the galleries, it’s a step towards supportively promoting each other’s exhibitions while making visits more accessible to the public through extended hours. This past week’s first installment of the series included opening receptions for “Dominos” at Ciné, which includes works by Didi Dunphy, Carol John and Lou Kregel; “Duologues" featuring Las Hermana Iglesias, Jihn Moon, Rachel Hayes and Satan’s Camaro, and “Colour as a Medium" graphic design by Raw Color at Lamar Dodd; an experimental ambient music performance by JT Brimgardner at ATHICA and three film screenings at GMOA. Be sure to keep www.3thurs.org on your radar for a complete calendar of the galleries’ exhibitions, receptions, lectures and other special events.

A Handmade Happening: After a successful five years under the mouthful-of-a-moniker Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa, the bi-annual artisan event has officially changed its name to Indie South Fair. While the fair has for a while now incorporated live music and locally made food into its festivities, it’s been re-envisioned to better connect artists and patrons through more hands-on demonstrations, workshops and kids’ activities. The next Indie South Fair’s holiday market will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., at Ben’s Bikes. Applications to be a vendor, entertainer or demonstrator are due Nov. 5. For more information, visit www.indiesouthfair.com.