Augusta to be host for state arts day

Although the 2001 celebration will be in Atlanta, the Garden City will pick judges and accept entries

Web posted February 15, 2000

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By John Bankston
Staff Writer

It's official -- Augusta is the host city for the 2001 Georgia Arts Day.

The announcement was made Monday in Atlanta, where Brenda Durant, executive director for Greater Augusta Arts Council, joined other art enthusiasts from across the state at the 2000 Georgia Arts Day celebration.

The day opened with a legislative update meeting, in which activists discussed the possibility of increased state funding for the arts. Later, during a luncheon, the Georgia Citizens' Artist of the Year was crowned.

This year's winner was Douglas County resident Danny Alexander. His watercolor painting will be displayed in the governor's mansion; prints were presented to state legislators.

As the host city, Augusta will be in charge of accepting and soliciting submissions from local artists and appointing a judging committee to choose an Artist of the Year.

Though Augusta is host city, the actual celebration will be in Atlanta, as it is every year.

Gloria Engelke, executive director for Georgia Citizens for the Arts, said part of the purpose of Georgia Arts Day is to raise awareness of the arts within the state Legislature -- that's why Georgia Arts Day takes place while the General Assembly is in session.

``It's an opportunity to focus attention on the arts,'' Ms. Engelke said. ``There is a lot of talent and interest in this state, and Arts Day is just us seizing the opportunity to celebrate and expose it.''

Reach John Bankston at 724-0851or newsroom@augustachronicle.com.