Athens State Art Students Take Top Prized in State Contest

For Further Information

Guy McClure

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
April 3, 2015
www.athens.edu

Athens State Art Students Take Top Prized in State Contest

Decatur, ALA. – Winners have been announced in a statewide 2015 Ability Counts Poster Competition sponsored by The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. For the second year in a row the top three awards in the Postsecondary Division will be presented to Athens State University art department students.

Receiving 1st Place in the Postsecondary Division was Allen Meeks. 2nd Place was awarded to Patricia Jones. 3rd Place went to Drew Davidson. All three students will receive cash prizes, are juniors, and are Art majors with a graphic design track.

The purpose of this competition is to reward artistic ability and to promote awareness of the talents that people with disabilities bring to the job market.  This year's theme was: Expect. Employ. Empower.

"Every student enrolled in the course completed an entry to the competition as part of the course lessons, " said Pamela Keller, Professor of Art at Athens State who taught the students in her  Adobe Illustrator Design course. "These are three outstanding examples of poster design and reflect the overall high quality of every member of the class."

The Athens State University art department is housed in the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, Alabama.

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Attached picture:  Winning poster by Allen Meeks.

CALHOUN TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL “SAMPLE A DAY AT THE ACA” EVENT

February 9, 2015

CALHOUN TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL “SAMPLE A DAY AT THE ACA” EVENT

The Fine Arts Department at Calhoun Community College will host the 2nd Annual "Sample a Day at the ACA," on Thursday, March 12, 2015, beginning at 9:00 am.  The event is designed to showcase the Alabama Center for the Arts as well as Calhoun’s numerous programs housed at the Center.

The free event is open to all students, potential students and the community and will be held at the Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Avenue, NE in downtown Decatur.  Planned activities will include art and graphic design classes, tours of the facility and downtown Decatur, and opportunities to meet members of the Calhoun Fine Arts faculty, academic advisors, and college administration.  

For more information, call 256-306-2699.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II Facility

July 7, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II Facility

Addition will house the Center’s Theater and Music Departments

 

Decatur, AL – A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) is planned for this Thursday, July 10 at 10:00 at the arts center, located at 133 Second Avenue in downtown Decatur. The new addition will house the theater and music departments of the collaborative academic effort between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University, and is enhanced by support from the City of Decatur and the Morgan County Commission.

LIVE Design Group from Birmingham has been selected as the architect for the project. The $13.5M Phase II building will be adjacent to but separate from the Phase I portion of the ACA and will encompass approximately 44,000 square foot.

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Alabama Center for the Arts Presents Photography Exhibition

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
June 26, 2014
www.athens.edu
 

Alabama Center for the Arts Presents Photography Exhibition

 

ATHENS, Ala. - The Alabama Center for the Arts will present Soloman’s House, a photography exhibit by Alabama artist Sarah Cusimano Miles. The show will open on July 10 and run until August 28 and be held in the Center’s main gallery located at 133 2^nd Avenue in Decatur. A reception is planned for Thursday, Aug. 21 beginning at 5:30 and with an artist lecture at 6pm. It is open and free to the public.

Miles is a native of Gadsden, Alabama where she is an exhibiting artist, photographer, and educator. Her work has been published and exhibited in venues both national and international, from the Alabama Museum of Natural History to the Borges Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as being in a number of private and corporate collections. Miles has also received awards from the National Society for Photographic Education, the Center for Fine Art Photography, the Worldwide Photography Gala, and PhotoNOLA. In 2012 she was named to the Top 50 in Critical Mass from Photolucida.

Miles teaches at Jacksonville State University where she has contributed to the transition of the traditional film-based photography program to a digital-based curriculum. She has a BFA from Jacksonville State University, and a BS in Psychology and an MFA in Photography from the University of Alabama.

The photographs in the body of work, Solomon’s House, explore the collections repository of the Anniston Museum of Natural History in Anniston, Alabama. The specimens are taken from the dark storage where they reside, on shelves, in bottles, and in drawers, and bathed with light to illuminate the often disturbing and exquisite elegance of the accumulated and warehoused organisms. By portraying these objects through the tradition of the still life, the artist explores ideas of cultural decadence and beauty in stasis.

The title, Solomon’s House, references a work by Francis Bacon published in 1627 called The New Atlantis. In it, he wrote of a fictitious utopian science facility he called “Solomon’s House” that embodied the growing scientific ideals of the 17th century.

The Alabama Center for the Arts is a collaborative project between Athens State University and Calhoun Community College. The Center opened in 2012 and combines the two institution’s art programs. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 8:30 pm, and Friday from 8:00 to noon.

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Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II

For Further Information

Janet Kincherlow-Martin or Guy McClure

256-306-2561 or 256-233-8296

JKM@Calhoun.edu Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
June 30, 2014
www.athens.edu
 

Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II  

Addition will house the Center’s Theater and Music Departments

 

Decatur, ALA. – A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) is planned for Thursday, July 10 at 10:00 at the fine arts institution located at 133 Second Avenue in downtown Decatur. The new addition will house the theater and music departments of the collaborative academic effort between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University, and is enhanced by support from the City of Decatur and the Morgan County Commission.

“This phase of the total project has been in the planning stages since we initially broke ground in 2010,” remarks Athens State President Bob Glenn. “We are pleased with the community’s reception for Phase I and we look forward to working with Calhoun to further enhance the study of theater and music in the area.”

“We are extremely excited that we are seeing this next phase of the ACA now coming to fruition” commented Dr. Marilyn Beck, Calhoun president. “This partnership with our sister institution Athens State is allowing us to continue to work together in meeting the needs of our community,” Beck added.

LIVE Design Group from Birmingham has been selected as the architect for the project. The $13.5M Phase II building will be adjacent to but separate from the Phase I portion of the ACA and will encompass approximately 44,000 square foot.

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Photo: Artist rendering of Phase II of the Alabama Center for the Arts.

Jennifer Dean Bunnell Named as Alabama Center for the Arts Coordinator

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

October 29, 2013

www.athens.edu

Jennifer Dean Bunnell Named as Alabama Center for the Arts Coordinator

Jennifer Dean Bunnell

                DECATUR, Ala. - Athens State University President Robert Glenn and Calhoun Community College President Marilyn Beck have recently announced that Jennifer Dean Bunnell has been named Building Coordinator for the Alabama Center for the Arts, the inter-institutional collegiate center for art instruction, community education, and cultural events. Bunnell will assume her duties on November 4.

                Previously, Bunnell worked in an administrative capacity at the Regional In-Service Center and Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) at Athens State.  Prior to joining the staff of Athens State, she worked with Computer Sciences Corporation (formerly The Pinnacle Group, Inc.) and Intergraph Corporation.

                The position of Building Coordinator for the Alabama Center for the Arts ensures that day-to-day operations are efficiently organized, that facilities are maintained safely and that activities are scheduled appropriately. Bunnell is charged with working jointly with Calhoun and Athens State in a collaborative effort to help expand their efforts in areas of art and drama and promote the facility in the North Alabama region. 

            The Alabama Center for the Arts has been heralded as a model for institutional cooperation in the state.   The 44,000 sq. ft. facility is located at 133 Second Avenue in downtown Decatur across from the Princess Theater.  College courses taught at the facility will lead to Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with class offerings that include art appreciation, painting, drawing, computer graphics, sculpture, ceramics, pottery and a teaching major leading to licensure for art instructors.

                Phase II construction for the Alabama Center for the Arts is expected to begin in 2014 and will include classroom, theater and lab spaces specified for coursework for both Theater and Music programs.

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Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning Offering Summer Courses in Decatur

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

May 15, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning Offering Summer Courses in Decatur

                ATHENS, Ala. -  Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning will be offering classes at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur starting this summer.  The classes offered will be some of the most popular courses that have been previously taught at the Center’s downtown Athens facility.

                For youth the classes include Adventures in the Hundred Acre Woods, a drama course that introduces students to character creation from classic literature; Discovering Violin, a course for beginners with less than three months experience; Private Violin and Cello Lessons for students 8 and up; and Painting Fun, a camp where students will create a painting in acrylic.

                For adults the classes include Painting with Acrylics, a fun and interesting way to learn how to paint with acrylics; Swing Dancing Lessons that will get you up and moving; Introduction to Photoshop Elements 9 for novices and a separate class for beginners; and Computers for Seniors, one-on-one sessions to help set up email, learn to search the web, and research ideas and interests.

                Classes start as early as June 3.  The Alabama Center for the Arts is located at 133 2^nd Avenue NE in Decatur.  Visit www.athens.edu/CLL or call 256-233-8260 for registration or information.  

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Athens State Art Students to participate in National "Athens" Exhibition

For Further Information

Guy McClure

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

May 13, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State Art Students to participate in 

National “Athens” Exhibition

ATHENS, Alabama - Athens Voices USA ’13, an Athens, Ohio biennial event by The Dairy Barn Arts Center, is an all media, juried art exhibition that aims to feature the diverse styles and visions of artists residing within 30 miles of a city named Athens in the United States.  Athens Voices USA 2013 will be the fourth juried art exhibition celebrating “Athens” from all over the Nation. 

Athens Voices USA ’13 Exhibition opens locally on June 6 at the Alabama Center for the Arts located at 133 2^nd Avenue in Decatur, Alabama.  Exhibit hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday from 8:00 to noon.   The show will close on August 20.

359 submitted works from artists living in or near a city named “Athens” were considered in December by Jurors who met at the Dairy Barn in Ohio. 76 pieces were chosen to compose the Athens Voices USA ’13 Exhibition.  Seven of these 76 pieces are from five Athens State University students who attend classes at the Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur;  Katelin Harris, Robyn Locke, Eric Murphy, Heather Snow and Adriana Stephens.

                To kick off the show’s opening on June 6, a lecture by one of the show’s jurors, Gary Kirksey, will be offered at the Center. Kirksey serves as an associate professor, School of Visual Communication, Ohio University.  A few of his works will be included in the display at the Center alongside the Voices show.  His exhibition record includes: Actors Theatre of Louisville, KY, African-American Art Museum, Dallas, TX, Appalachian Corridors, Charleston, WV, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Brooklyn, NY, Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington, WV, National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA, and his art work is included in over 40 public, private and corporate collections.

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Alabama Center for the Art Announces Call to Artists

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

April 26, 2013

www.athens.edu

 Alabama Center for the Art Announces Call to Artists

                DECATUR, Ala. - The Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur announces a call to artists for a show of works following the theme, CIVILITY.

            In light of a seemingly increasing violent culture, as evidenced by recent public bombings, campus shootings, and virulent school bullying from the elementary grades through higher education, many public figures call for Americans to pledge to a new civility. The collaborative Calhoun and Athens State art center plans to follow that lead with an innovative showing of works of local artists.

            “We ask that artists explore the meaning of civility and express their findings through art,” explains Center Director Dr. Mary Beth Johns.  “They need to ask themselves what civility means to them, what role can art play in it, what the relationship is between civility and civilization, how can civility be measured, and so on.”

           The CIVILITY show will feature a collection of images that reflect on, perpetuate, and inspire a new cultural dialogue in the spirit of cooperation and sense of community.  Submissions can represent diverse mediums and styles. The show is an exhibition only and none of the art pieces will be available for purchase during its exhibition. 

            Johns adds, “The purpose of the exhibit is to create an intelligent and compassionate dialogue about the issues outlined in the original call.”

            The show is limited to works in 5” x 7” dimensions.  They must be ready to hang and no work that might be deemed in offence of Athens State University Policy will be included.  In the case of mixed media or relief work; No art should protrude from the 5" x 7" surface more than 2 inches and any work may not weigh more than 2 pounds.   Artwork must have the name of the artist, title of the work, medium, contact phone and email secured to the back of the art.   

            Artwork should be received no later than June 30th at the Alabama Center for the Arts, either by mail or hand delivery.   The show will remain on exhibit until September 30. The dates and times of the show will be announced after the artwork is received. 

            There will be no pick-up of art from the Alabama Center for the Arts when the show is over, but art may be mailed back to the artist should they wish by including a self-addressed stamped mailer.

            Mailed artwork should be mailed to Dr. Mary Beth Johns, Athens State University, 300 N. Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611.  For more information  call 256-260-4291.

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Artist’s Journey Exhibit Going on Now at the Alabama Center for the Arts

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

April 16, 2013

www.athens.edu

Artist’s Journey Exhibit Going on Now at the Alabama Center for the Arts

DECATUR, Ala. - The Artist’s Journey, an exhibit of the works of a group of seasoned regional artists, will be held at the Alabama Center for the Arts now through May 23, 2013.  This is a juried exhibit.

The Jurors for the show consisted of professional artists and art instructors, Johanna Littleton, David Edwards, and Blu Smith.  The artists’ works displayed include different mediums, such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, pencil and charcoal. 

This is the 4^th annual show for Artist’s Journey members and the first to be held at the Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur.

A reception will be held on April 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.   This event is free and open to the public.

The Alabama Center for the Arts is located at 133 2^nd Avenue in Decatur, Alabama.  Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm, and Friday from 8:00 to noon.   

For more information about the event please call 256-444-0222.

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Athens State Senior Art Students Present Exhibition of their Works

For Further Information 

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
March 28, 2013
www.athens.edu


 

Athens State Senior Art Students Present Exhibition of their Works

ATHENS, Ala. - The senior art students of Athens State University will present their senior exhibition titled
“Hanging the Artists.” The exhibition will hang in the Alabama Center for the Arts’ main gallery beginning April 1 through April 11.

The Alabama Center for the Arts is located at 133 2nd Avenue in Decatur, Alabama. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm, and Friday from 8:00 to noon.

An Artist Reception will be hosted by the artists in the main gallery of the Center on April 5 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Featured artists for this show include Timothy Robertson, Adrianna Stephens, Heather Snow, Ashley Castillo, Nathan Stout, Katelin Harris, Sarah Heidtmann, Robyn Locke, Sandra Casteel, and Richard Roberts.

For more information visit www.athens.edu/ACA or call 256-233-8296.

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Athens State Representatives to Speak at Bank Street Bash

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

March 19, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State Representatives to Speak at Bank Street Bash

ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University President Bob Glenn and Adjunct Professor Deanna Knox are scheduled to speak at the Second Annual Bank Street Bash held at the Princess Theatre in Decatur, Alabama, Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 pm. The event will include a preview of the Bank Street Players production of The King and I, which will be performed April 4, 5, and 6 at the Princess. 

Glenn will speak about the upcoming additional phase planned for the Alabama Center for the Arts which will include a theater curriculum.  Knox will speak about the importance of theater within the community and its impact on children.

              Tickets for the Bash may be purchased at the door and are $35 each or $60 for a couple. All proceeds will go toward helping Bank Street Players to continue developing local talent, and to bring more of the performing arts to the Princess stage.

The Princess Theater is located at 112 2^nd Avenue in Decatur, Alabama.  For more information visit www.bankstreetplayers.org.

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