Southern Byways

“I wanted to create something that would actually put the viewer inside the paintings in a symbolic and real way,” says New Orleans, La.,-born native George Rodrigue. “As a result, the art acts like an ambassador for the city and the people, and as a thank you to various areas in the country that have helped New Orleans with its recovery.”
He is perhaps best known for his Blue Dog series, but through January 18, 2009, at the Sheraton New Orleans, you have the opportunity to view poignant artwork by Rodrigue. His new and never-before-seen “Reflections of New Orleans” was …read more

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At first glance, the two-year old Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia in Sautee Nacoochee (near Helen) doesn’t look like your typical museum. It definitely takes advantage of its surrounding, the Sautee Nacoochee Valley, with lots of glass, natural light and open spaces. So it would only make sense that the museum would be recognized for its architecture. The museum, designed by Robert M. Cain, architect in Atlanta,Ga., was recently awarded American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture. This was one of only two honor awards given out this year. The award is the highest design award …read more

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Clifton Childree, a 37-year old local filmmaker and artist, has a unique ability of turning crap into a sought after artistic expression. He admits to taking his truck out for a drive through his neighborhood to sift through old wood and other items in people’s bulk trash, but all in good cause. He is currently in the process of transforming the Locust Gardens Artspace into his most recent exhibition “DREAM-CUM-TRU” which is set to open on Saturday night. During the opening, 2 live performances by Childree are scheduled at 8:00 and 10:00 pm.  This exhibit will have taken an …read more

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Okay, so I’m a bad planner. I really didn’t think everything would be closed in downtown Northport on a Sunday afternoon, especially a Sunday afternoon after a home football game. By alas, it was. Oh well, I still had a good time walking around and taking photos.
Downtown Northport is a must-do for any visitor in the area, and it’s even more fun when the shops and galleries are open. Trust me on this one.
A couple of things to be aware of when you are here:

Some of the businesses, such as Northport Old Fashion 5 & 10, have been around …read more

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There are some hotels in the South that make you say, “wow, what a great place,” and then there are others that make you say, “wow… just wow,” and you haven’t even left the lobby yet. 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Ky., falls into the later category.
The 91-room hotel, which opened in 2006, defies the definition of a traditional hotel. The moment you step into 21c Museum Hotel, you’ll feel as if you are in a contemporary art museum with bedrooms, a spa/fitness center, and according to Cintas Corp., a nominee for  America’s best bathrooms.
“The concept …read more

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If Senoia, Ga., looks a little familiar to you its because the town’s streets were used as the settings for such films as “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Fried Green Tomatoes.”
What may be considered as one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Senoia is home to quaint shops, eateries and over 100 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When you visit here, you feel as if you have step back in time. You come to Senoia to unwind and experience life at a slower pace.
The Veranda Historic B&B Inn, located one block from Main Street, has an interesting …read more

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One way to beat the heat this summer in the South is by taking in an exhibit at one of the various museums across the region. MutualArt.com has provided a list of top museum exhibitions to see this summer. How did these particular ones make it on a list? According to  MutualArt.com CEO and Founder Moti Shniberg, “These are all world-class exhibitions in quality museums, and most of them are on only over this summer – so we are encouraging museum-goers to make sure they include them in their vacation itineraries.” 
 

Making It New: The Art and Style …read more

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Art is everywhere you look in the Southeast. In some place, it is more than an attraction or a reason to visit; it’s a way of life.
An art town with a football problem perhaps can best describe Athens, Ga. While football is a big deal, so is the art scene. Create your own art gallery crawl in downtown Athens. Explore exhibits by local and regional artists at Mercury Gallery, ATHICA and Flat Penny Folk Art Gallery which houses works by Georgia folk artists.
No visit to the Classic City is complete without a visit to the Georgia Museum …read more

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