ABOUT

In 2016, Stratford Academy embarked on hosting an event that would give our community an opportunity to quite simply “Celebrate the Arts”. In planning, the school realized that this must be accomplished by lifting up and recognizing the organizations in Middle Georgia which were already providing leadership in the art world. Community partnerships were formed with the Macon Arts Alliance, Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, Museum of Arts and Sciences, and Wesleyan College, for a week-long event focused on the visual arts. The idea was to bring these local leaders in our art community to one event which would promote each of these organizations contributions to the arts and expose participants to new artists, experiences, and opportunities for learning.

Highlights from Previous Years:

2022

-Over 600 pumpkins were sold in our Glass Pumpkin Patch

-“Ranch Chic” Arty Party Preview Celebration featured music by Shane Bridges, catering by FOJ, glassblowing demonstrations, and celebrity bartenders

-Artist-in-residence Hot Glass Academy provided glassblowing workshops to the public

-Four media partners, two community partners and 16 business/individual sponsors

2021

-Over 600 pumpkins were sold in our Glass Pumpkin Patch

-Nearly 200 people helped us kick off our event with our “Night in Tuscany” themed Arty Party

-TV personality and floral designer, Canaan Marshall, entertained guests at our Lunch and Learn

-Artist-in-residence Hot Glass Academy provided glassblowing workshops to the public

-Four media partners, two community partners and 16 business/individual sponsors

2020

-Recipient of the Macon Arts Alliance Cultural Award, which recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made significant contributions to the cultural life of Central Georgia.

-Over 600 pumpkins were on display in our Glass Pumpkin Patch, and all were sold within the first 4 days of the event.

2019

– Hundreds of visitors came through the pop-up shop during the week, which featured hundreds of pieces of original art by 50 artists from across the country.

– 95 pieces of original artwork were sold during the event.

– The second annual Arty Party Preview Celebration SOLD OUT (for the second year) prior to the event. Over 250 people attended this kick-off party for the week’s events.

– Over 500 glass pumpkins made by eight glassblowers were on display in our Glass Pumpkin Patch and more than 400 pumpkins were sold during the course of the event.

– Hundreds in attendance at Artistically Speaking Lunch & Learn featuring Alex Hitz’s presentation of “Art of the Host”

– Artist Bradley Gordon led the Corks & Canvas painting master class for 48 attendees

– Forty-eight individuals and businesses generously supported our event with sponsorships and in-kind contributions.

2018

– Hundreds of visitors came through the pop-up shop which featured hundreds of pieces of original art by 50 artists from across the country

– 85 pieces of original artwork sold

-First-ever Arty Party Preview Celebration SOLD OUT five days prior to the event

– 200 guests enjoyed the expertise and services of our visiting experts in glassblowing and sidewalk chalk art

– Over 500 glass pumpkins were on display in our Glass Pumpkin Patch and more than 400 pumpkins were sold

– 45 individuals and businesses generously supported our event with sponsorships and in-kind contributions

– Middle Georgia State University came on board as our fifth community partner

2017

· In partnership with the One City Arts Festival hosted by Macon Arts Alliance and other arts organizations in Middle Georgia

· Hundreds of visitors to Stratford Connections exhibit which featured hundreds of pieces of original art by 50 artists from across the country

· Over 80 pieces of original artwork sold

· Nearly 200 guests participated with three visiting experts – Hot Glass Academy, Broadway.com caricature artist Justin “Squigs” Robertson and art appraiser Rod Hardy.

· Hundreds in attendance at the two lectures – “Artistically Speaking” by art appraiser Rod Hardy and the ADAC-sponsored breakfast featuring “At Home with Art” by architect and Macon native William H. Harrison.

· 21 businesses and individuals sponsored this event through gifts and in-kind donations

· Four community partners and six media partners

· 120 volunteers

2016

· Hundreds of visitors came through the Stratford Connections exhibit which featured over 500 pieces of original art by more than 100 artists

· Almost 80 pieces of artwork/glass were sold

· Nearly 200 guests enjoyed the expertise and services of our three visiting artists – silhouette artist, encaustic painter and glassblower

· More than 150 people were in attendance at the “Artistically Speaking” lecture presented by Columbus, GA native Bo Bartlett

· 140 people heard the “Lunch & Learn” presentation by James Farmer

· Private gallery reception held for ADAC and their clients with James Farmer

· 28 businesses and individuals who sponsored this event through gifts and in-kind donations

· Four community partners