Wednesday, May 5, 2010

2010 Love Affair

The 2010 Love Affair has come and gone, but we've captured it on film (so to speak!) so you can enjoy it all year long! We'll update the blog periodically with new pictures, so keep coming back to see if you're in any of them!
Also, please feel free to become a follower of this blog, or join us on facebook (The 30th Annual Love Affair Fine Arts Festival), so you'll know when we're updating with more pictures. The next ones may be of you!









Friday, April 23, 2010

Art in the Heart of Downtown!

Our Downtown Merchants have dressed up their windows with beautiful art to help celebrate “The Love Affair” in downtown Tifton.

We are so excited, said Fran Kinchen of the Downtown Main Street Office, our local artists and high school students have pulled out some of their magnificent art pieces so that we can display them in windows throughout downtown Main Street. We are excited to be a part of Love Affair as it celebrates 30 years of Art! Downtown Main Street has lots of activities planned on the evening of April 30 as we bring Art Alive in Downtown Tifton.

Join us for an exciting evening beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the “Happy 30th Birthday” Love Affair Parade, our kids will kick-off Love Affair with a dressed-up walking parade from Fulwood Park to the Tifton Museum of Arts & Heritage where we will have an array of Children’s Art Exhibits coupled with the Awards Ceremony and Window Contest winners.

Three Graces at the Lankford Manor will have Poetry CafĂ© with Jeff Newberry & Open Mic Performers at 6pm; also from 6-7pm, there will be Art Exhibit at the Atlantic Coastline Artist Guild; then there is Jazz in the Myon Courtyard with Jim Newton and Friends, and do not miss “Steel Magnolias” at 7pm at the Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts.

We look forward to an exciting evening in Downtown Tifton as we celebrate The Love Affair 30 Years of Art in the Heart! We invited everyone to come join us on April 30.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Table Decorating Contest at the Picnic in the Park!

Remember this post, about the Picnic in the Park? If you don't, click on the word "post" to read all about it. For those of you who know about the Picnic in the Park, held during the Love Affair, did you know that there is a table decorating contest? How easy could it be to win a great prize? Really now, most of us set the table every day, with little or no reward, and here's a chance for tickets for 8 (yes, EIGHT!) to the Annual Broadway and Bubbly event at the Tifton Theatre, featuring Broadway show tunes and a champagne reception! This event is on May 15 at 7pm. So go buy your table for the picnic and start brainstorming some great decorating ideas. I have mine already, so don't blame me if I win!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Tifton Collects!

Tifton Collects! Highlights of 30 Years of Love Affair Art,” an exhibit at the Tifton Museum of Arts and Heritage, will be the kick-off event for the 30th anniversary of Tifton’s Love Affair Fine Arts Festival. A reception celebrating the opening of the exhibit is scheduled for Friday, April 16th, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

More than 50 artists are represented in the show which will feature art that has been purchased at the festival or at support events from its inception to the present. The art is from the personal collections of Tiftonites who have consistently collected Love Affair art over the years, or who have participated in the Purchase Award program.

A popular feature of the exhibit will be the works of favorite artists from the earliest years of the festival. Included will be illustrations and paintings by the late Marshall Smith, paintings by the late Nelle Johnson, and by Annette Swan, Kippy Hammond and Mary Alice Applegate, plus jewelry by long- time festival favorite, Charles Pinckney.

Potters from the past include Thad Brewer and George and Stephen Hawks, and Jim Minchew’s popular “hound dog” sculptures which, organizers say, will bring smiles and memories.

More recent artists will be represented by glass maker Tadashi Torii, potter Marty Haythorne and Giana Eden, woodturners PAL and Donny Crocker, sculpture by Teena Watson and Don Haugen, paintings by Vincent Keesee, Scott Coleman, Gina Harmoung, Troy Criswell, Mary Ann Cox, Marilyn Dale, Randy Gibbs, Georgia Roswell, and photographs by Dick Madden.


These are only a few of the artists that will be featured in the exhibit, according to co-chairs Syd Blackmarr and Jeannie Rigdon. “Our goal was to show the “best of the best” Love Affair art that has been collected and enjoyed in people’s homes or offices for three decades,” said Blackmarr.

The “Tifton Collects!” Exhibit will be open following the reception on April 16 through April 28th . Hours are Sundays 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday evenings 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

For information, contact Jeannie Rigdon 382-5083 or Syd Blackmarr 388-1090. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and encouraged.

This exhibit will be followed by the annual Children’s Love Affair Exhibit, also at the Museum, opening Friday afternoon, April 30.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Tifton's Steel Magnolias!


Don't miss Tift Theatre's production of Steel Magnolias set for April 22 -30. Show times 7 p.m. nightly (except Sunday, April, 25 -- a 3:00 pm matinee). According to Director, Dottie Freeman, rehearsals are going well and she promises a very funny and entertaining show. The show stars Dr. Erin Campbell as M'Lynn, Michelle North as Truvy, Susan Say as Quiser, Dottie Freeman as Clairee, Shadae' Dennard as Annelle and newcomer, Kelcie Gilmore as Shelby. Veteran actress, Bonnie Young, was originally cast to play the part of Clairee, but due to a family emergency, she has had to step down and Dottie is going to play the part.

Set aside one evening to enjoy the beautiful art displays downtown, catch these crazy ladies in Steel Magnolias and plan on dining in one of the fine downtown restaurants! For more information call Dottie at 229-386-5150 or email her at dfreeman@tifton.net.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Love Affair Purchase Awards

Do you purchase art each year at Love Affair? The Love Affair Fine Arts Festival needs you. Do you need to find a painting for a blank wall in your house or office? What about a wooden bowl for that spot on your bookshelf? The Love Affair Fine Arts Festival maybe able to help you while you are helping the festival.
Beautiful Giana Eden Pottery

The festival has a Purchase Award Program. The program captures the dollar amount of purchases made by individuals and companies from artists at the festival. That amount is totaled, and we use the total amount to market the festival the following year. The amount tells a prospective artist that the community supports The Love Affair and the arts. Based on the total amount, the artist knows it is worth his or her time, effort and costs to come to the festival.
To sponsor a purchase award, one just needs to sign up with the ABAC Arts Connection prior to the festival and commit to spending at least $100 with the artists at the festival. Previous purchase award sponsors will be getting a letter in the mail in the next week or so for registering with the Purchase Award Program again this year.

Incredible wearable sculpture by Charles Pinckney, metal artist

When a purchase is made at the festival, the sponsor simply has to come to the table at the Gallery Tent to report the artist from which the purchase was made and the dollar amount. In return, the artist will be given a ribbon to indicate they have had a purchase award.
The sponsor takes home the selected art and has satisfaction that he or she has contributed to The Love Affair festival.
This program is an excellent fit with companies that have a furnishing budget. The company can select items to decorate the office with from artists at the festival. This way the company has helped The Love Affair while furnishing offices. The company will have quality art with the personal touch of knowing the artist.
The program is quite simple, yet so very important to the festival.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

2010 Love Affair Performers!

As in the past, this year's Love Affair will have fabulous performers for your entertainment. Today we're showcasing four of these performers, with more to follow this week. Please check back in with us to see the rest.

And don't forget to order your tickets for the Picnic in the Park, featuring the Infinity Show Band. The sooner you order, the better your chances of getting the table you want! I got mine today! You can click here to see the layout for the tables and seating areas.


Brien Engel

Brien Engel is part of an exciting new community helping to revive and promote the enchanting art of glass music. His instrument is a glass harp, consisting of 50 glasses of different sizes which he plays by carefully rubbing the rims with his moistened fingers.His extensive repertoire includes popular songs, jazz standards, and classical music.


Saturday, May 1, 2010
10:00 am; Noon; 2:00 pm
Tift Regional Medical Center Gallery Tent Stage

Sunday, May 2, 2010
Noon; 2:00 pm; 4:00 pm
Tift Regional Medical Center Gallery Tent Stage


This high energy group (our featured performers at the Picnic Concert in the Park on Saturday night) will pack the dance floor as they entertain with fun and audience participation creating memories for a lifetime.

Picnic Concert in the Park
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Picnic begins at 6:00 p.m.
Concert begins at 7:00 p.m.
Syd Blackmarr Stage, Fulwood Park


Mark Lippard is a professional variety entertainer. His show includes comedy, juggling, trick unicycling, fire eating and more!

Sunday, May 2, 2010
1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Arts Circus/International Stage




One of the premier entertainers for children and families in the world, Red Grammer’s glorious voice, award-winning songwriting and thoughtful commitment to the best in all of us endear him to parents and educators everywhere.

Saturday, May 1, 2010
1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Arts Circus/International Stage

Friday, March 19, 2010

Picnic in the Park!


Join us Saturday, May 1, 2010 as we revive a Love Affair tradition – the Picnic Concert in the Park! Gather up some friends and a picnic supper and head on over to the Syd Blackmarr Stage at Fulwood Park. Be prepared to dance the night away to the sounds of the Infinity Show Band from Marietta, Georgia. This high-energy group combines rich harmony and a dynamic sound that will get you up on your feet! As a goodwill gesture to the community, the Tifton Tift County Arts Council has decided to lower ticket prices for this year’s concert. Picnic area seating is only $10/person. Reserved tables are $200 for an 8-person table and $100 for a 4-person table – quite a bargain in this economy. Follow this link for more information on the picnic and to purchase your tickets. As in years past, we’re also sponsoring a table decorating contest for those who reserve tables. You’re limited only by your creativity. Through the years, themes, as well as the food, have run the gamut from casual to elegant to in-between; it’s completely up to you! We’ll also be announcing the Arts Citizen of the Year Award. This award recognizes a person, or organization, which has demonstrated outstanding support of the arts in the Tiftarea by contributions of time, talent, or financial support. The deadline for nominations is April 5. If you would like to submit a nominee(s), please email Polly Huff at phuff@abac.edu or call her at 229.391.4818. Arts Council members or staff of the ABAC Arts Connection is not eligible for this award. Be a part of a Tifton tradition! Purchase your Picnic Concert tickets today!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Nominations Sought for Arts Citizen of the Year Award

The Tifton Tift County Arts Council is seeking nominations for the Arts Citizen of the Year Award, which is given annually by the council at The Love Affair Fine Arts Festival in May. The Arts Citizen Award seeks to recognize a person or organization which has shown an outstanding support of the arts in the Tiftarea by contributions of time, talent, or financial support. Deadline for submission is April 5.

The award has been presented to artists, corporations, families, volunteers and financial supporters. The first award was given in 1988 to Cal Peddy, Jr. Other past winners include: Clyde Jones (1989), Tift Co Board of Education (1990) Marianna Keeseee and Oldknow Gray (1991), Annette Rigdon Swan (1992), Bette Turner (1993), Wasdon Graydon (1994), Tibbetts Family (1995), Bonnie Young (1996), Melvin Merrill (1997), Caroline Day (1998), Nick McClellan (1999), Syd Blackmarr (2000), Nell Johnson (2001), Jeannie Rigdon (2002), Jane and Allen Phillips (2003), Target Distribution Center (2004), Stafford Foundation (2005), P.J. Kemeness (2006), Alcoa and Tifton Aluminum (2007), ABAC (2008), Brenda Rose (2009).

Arts Council members and staff of the ABAC Arts Connection are not eligible for this award. The winner will be recognized at the 2010 Love Affair Picnic Concert on Saturday, May 1.

Nominations are to be sent to Polly Huff at the ABAC Arts Connection, ABAC 45, 2802 Moore Highway, Tifton, GA 31793 or at phuff@abac.edu. Phone submissions should be directed to Polly Huff at 229-391-4818.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Happy Birthday - The Love Affair Fine Arts Festival


Happy Birthday to The Love Affair Fine Arts Festival. This year the festival will be celebrating its 30th birthday. In an effort to bring arts to an area without a large cultural base, the festival began as an event focused on children. Children as still a main emphasis for the festival; however, thirty years later, there is something for people of every age. It truly is a celebration of the visual and performing arts.

This blog will weekly highlight areas of The Love Affair Fine Arts Festival. Tifton-Tift County Arts Council members will be writing about their area of coordination so check back off. Below is a brief overview of the festival.

This year's festival is slated for April 30 through May 2. Kicking off the festival will be the "Happy Birthday" parade on Friday, April 30. This walking parade will begin at Fulwood Park and move to Downtown Tifton dispersing at near the Tifton Museum of Arts and Heritage. A children's art exhibit will be open in the museum. A poetry cafe will be at Three Graces. It was a great success last year. Favorite Jim Newton and Friends will play in the Myon Courtyard. Artwork will fill the window displays of the downtown merchants.


On Saturday May 1, the celebration moves to Fulwood Park where the Arts Market features over 40 artists and crafters. There will be a gallery competition among the artists. Stages will feature children's acts, international performers, dance and unique musical instruments. Children can experience hands on art activities sponsored by local community groups.


In the evening of May 1, a picnic and concert will be held. Supporters of Love Affair can purchase tables and enjoy prime seating for Infinity Dance Band. It is a great night for dancing under the stars.


Sunday's activities (May 2) start at noon. Sunday lunch in the park is a great idea. There will be over 15 food vendors selling a variety of eats. The Arts Market will remain open until 5 p.m. Stages will feature regional and local performers including some of our premier show choirs and dance groups. Children will again have the opportunity to create artwork in our hands on area.
Related community events are planned prior to the festival and following the festival weekend. Detail schedules will be listed on the festival website www.tiftonloveaffair.com.