Culture Archives - Augusta Magazine

Lift Every Voice

Don Rhodes — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:05:01 +0000

By Don Rhodes

Sheryl Lee Ralph made history last February at the 2023 Super Bowl.

The actress/vocalist was the first person to sing the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (“The Negro National Anthem”) at the national sporting event. The audience probably included many who had never heard the song until Ralph performed the rendition with a choir at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Although Black residents of Augusta and the surrounding area have been singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” for more than 100 years in churches and other places, few locals might know that two brothers from Jacksonville, Fla., co-wrote the song.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” (opening verse)

Lift every voice and sing,

’Til earth and heaven ring,

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the listening skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on ’til victory is won.

James Weldon Johnson was a 28-year-old principal of the all-Black Stanton public school in Jacksonville when he wrote a poem to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the birth of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Johnson’s younger brother, John Rosamond Johnson, who became a famous composer for Broadway and vaudeville shows, set the verses to music which led to the famous anthem being born. A choir of 500 Black students in Jacksonville’s segregated Stanton School first performed the song live in 1900.

When the influential Booker T. Washington endorsed the song after the brothers relocated to New York, it gained momentum, especially among the Black communities nationwide. In 1998, Augusta Reverend Larry Fryer wrote in The Augusta Chronicle, “Mr. Johnson felt that black and white Americans must continue the struggle to ensure that all citizens were given the rights guaranteed to them by the U.S. Constitution.”

By 1916, James Weldon Johnson had become a field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and by 1920 he was the executive secretary of the NAACP. He employed the song at NAACP functions and other gatherings.

Johnson was also a friend of the Reverend Silas X. Floyd who became the pastor of Augusta’s Tabernacle Baptist Church and the first black regular columnist of The Augusta Chronicle. The two were Atlanta University classmates and Johnson began visiting Augusta as early as 1917 at the invitation of Floyd.

Floyd wrote of Johnson saying, “Jim Johnson is one of the brightest men Atlanta University ever turned out. He leaves today but promises an early return to Augusta.” It turns out that Floyd and Johnson had more than just business or religious connections to Augusta. Johnson’s brother ended up marrying Floyd’s niece whose mother, Mary Drayton Floyd, was raised in Augusta.

James Weldon Johnson would go on to become the first Black professor of New York University, write campaign songs for Teddy Roosevelt and be appointed by U.S. President Roosevelt as ambassador to Venezuela and Nicaragua.

1939: Augusta Savage’s sculpture (a choir of children shaped into a harp), which was named after the song, was exhibited at the New York World’s Fair.

1969: Maya Angelou’s autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, included the song being sung by the audience and students at her 8th-grade graduation ceremony.

1972: Kim Weston opened the Wattstax Festival in Los Angeles with the song.

1975: James Brown quoted a lyric from the song during his performance of the U.S. National Anthem before the Muhammad Ali versus Chuck Wepner boxing match.

1990: Melba Moore’s modern version was recorded along with other notable R&B singers.

2009: Revered Joseph Lowery, former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, used a near word-for-word rendition of the third stanza for his benediction at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

2016: Renditions of the anthem were added to the National Recording Registry.

2018: Beyoncé sung the anthem at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

2020: During protests over the murder of George Floyd, the song Gained wider public attention. President Joe Biden referenced the hymn in his action plan called “Lift Every Voice: The Biden Plan for Black America,” concerning racial disparities in the U.S.

Other notable recognition includes:

The National Football League Week one games’ performance of the song for the 2020 season.

The 2021 PBS Independence Day Special, A Capitol Fourth, included the song for commemorating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Google’s Juneteenth-themed home-page animation set to spoken word by LeVar Burton.

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Piedmont Augusta’s Dr. Lily Henson

Dustin Turner — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:57:49 +0000

By Dustin Turner

A neurologist for more than 30 years, Dr. Lily Henson went into the medical field to make a difference. For that reason, she is thankful she discovered a love for leadership early in her career. In January, Henson was named the chief executive officer of Piedmont Augusta, which includes the former University Hospital, the University Summerville campus and the University McDuffie Hospital.

“In medicine, you get to make a difference in the life of one patient at a time,” Henson says. “In leadership, you can make a difference in the life of a community. That is something that has driven me over the years in the various leadership roles that I have had.” Henson began her Piedmont career in 2015 as the chief of neurology for Piedmont Henry in Stockbridge, Ga. A year later, she transitioned to serve as chief medical officer and then as CEO of the hospital, a position she left for Augusta.

Before Piedmont, Henson gained decades of clinical and administrative leadership experience, from leading a clinical practice to serving in leadership roles at large complex organizations.

She received her medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Honors Program in Medical Education and practiced neurology in Seattle with Swedish Health Services for 25 years.

She is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Henson serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Neurology and recently completed her second stint on the board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dr. Lily Henson is married to a neuro-oncologist and they have two adult children and a golden Labrador named Sir Mikey.

Henson attributes her career success to her firm belief in servant leadership. “The role of a leader is to serve the people you lead,” Henson explains. “I’m there to support the team and to make sure the people have the resources they need to be able to do that.”

“The secret to success in Augusta will be to make sure we continue to provide the excellent care and service that University [Health Care System] has been known for over the past 200 years,” she says. “The value of Piedmont is that Augusta now has the resources of a larger organization along with the continued interest in maintaining excellent care.”

She knows it sounds cliché or like a “company line,” but she really does love working for Piedmont Healthcare. “I love the organization’s mission. It’s important to work for an organization whose values align with your own,” she says. “I love how we put the patient at the center of everything we do. When we’re having difficult conversations and trying to figure out what to do next in a particular situation, we always ask what will be best for the patient.”

Appears in the February/March issue of Augusta Magazine.

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SnapShots

Augusta Magazine Staff — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:35:27 +0000

Photos courtesy of lightsofthesouth.com

Spectacular Lights

With millions of Christmas lights in the shapes of American flags, the Armed Forces, castles, characters and more, Lights of the South is the perfect family entertainment for the Christmas season. They also offer marshmallows for roasting, hay rides, playgrounds and a chance to meet Santa! Let the magic of Christmas warm your heart and make a new family tradition at Lights of the South

Photos courtesy of Colton Ballet Company, Facebook

A Classic Tale

On Thanksgiving weekend, Colton Ballet presents the Nutcracker performance. Your entire family will enjoy this classic holiday tale that has become a tradition in the Savannah River Region.

photo by Sir Mildred Pierce -Flckr

Illuminated Gardens

Experience over two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays at Hopelands Gardens Christmas Lights this holiday season. Hopelands Gardens provides complimentary refreshments as well as a shuttle service to the gardens each night. S’more kits are available for purchase and Santa will be available for photos at the Rye Patch each night.

Photo courtesy of kisnerfoundation.com

Giving Back

Founded in 2016 by Brittany and Kevin Kisner, the Kisner Foundation is centered around childhood support and growth using their three pillars: education, health and sports. As of 2020, they have donated over $400,000 to organizations across the Savannah River Region that help support children in need.

On November 11, the foundation will hold their Concert On The Green event featuring Charles Kelley and Darius Rucker at Top Golf in Augusta. Indivdual tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at kisnerfoundation.com.

Photos courtesy of kisnerfoundation.com

On South Carolina’s Island

If you’ve lived in the South for most of your life, the name Edisto Island has definitely come up in conversation.

Gullah Geechee Home Cooking Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island by Emily Meggett contains the history and recipes of the Gullah Geechee people. Historically isolated because of their location on the island, the community and their culture, language and food are beautifully represented in the cookbook for people everywhere to enjoy.

Find this cookbook at the Morris Museum gift shop!

Photo by Todd Bennett

An Aiken Tradition

The Blessing of the Hounds is a ceremony that pays tribute to the various traditions of foxhunting, the heritage of Aiken’s historic hunting culture, and the skilled hounds that make this sport so engaging. The community is invited to observe the ceremony, which takes place at Memorial Gate in Hitchcock Woods at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Photo courtesy of The Augusta Players, Facebook

A Holiday Performance

The Augusta Players holiday family tradition, A Christmas Carol, is back! With Ebenezer Scrooge confronting his Past, Present, and Future Christmas Spirits, this is a show you do not want to miss! The musical performance will be at the Imperial Theatre on December 9-12 this year.

2022 Holiday Market

November 4-6, the Junior League of Augusta presents the 11th Annual Holiday Market at the Columbia County Exhibition Center. Merchants will be selling their products at the market, which makes it a timely opportunity to buy Christmas gifts. Santa will also be available for photos at his workshop. Every ticket purchased promotes the Junior League of Augusta, Georgia’s Mission to support the community by improving the lives of women and children. Feel great about the gifts you share this holiday season knowing that a portion of your gift is making a difference in the life of someone in the Augusta community.

All photos courtesy of Orange Otter Toys

Traditional Toys

For children, one of the greatest joys is picking out a toy from the local toy store. In an era of online shopping with mass produced toys coming from retail gaints as a “one-stop-shop,” it can be hard to find high quality toys that include the experience of picking them out by hand. Orange Otter Toys in North Augusta is here to bring that experience back to life with a unique toy selection for any growing child!

Photo courtesy Evans on Ice, Facebook

Evans on Ice

Evans on Ice features an expansive outdoor ice-skating rink, ice-skating lessons, private parties, weekend train rides and marshmallow roasting. Located at Evans Towne Center Park, the ice-skating rink is the perfectly cool place to experience holiday magic this season.

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

Feast Together

One Table, Aiken’s community Thanksgiving dinner, is a free event hosted by volunteers including the Aiken Public Safety Department. The volunteers cook a Thanksgiving dinner for the community and set a long table with plates and utensils. The table, placed in Aiken’s Alley downtown, is a great way for the community to serve people from all over and make sure no one eats alone on Thanksgiving. They even have a Thankful Banner for attendees to write down what they are thankful for this holiday season.

Appears in the November/December 2022 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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SnapShots

Hailea Boykin — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 17:42:24 +0000

By Hailea Boykin

Fresh and Funky

Graphic designer, artist and speaker, Jason Craig has certainly left his mark on Augusta area businesses. Craig began his journey with a focus on fine art but turned to graphic design as a way of consistent income. “A lot of people were hiring graphic designers at the time,” mentions Craig.

After working as a full-time graphic designer and illustrator for screen and large format printers, alt-weekly newspapers and advertising agencies, he decided to take a leap into the world of independent design in 2019.

Per Craig’s specialty, he created his own logo and website and was able to begin working with some Augusta businesses. Soul City Pizza, Sheehan’s Irish Pub, Villa Europa, the new Soca Vegan Kitchen and River Watch Brewery all turned to Craig for his talent and artistic range in graphic design. His biggest project as an independent designer was for the Atlanta United FC soccer club June 2022 season calendar (pictured top right on pg. 18).

While independent design work itself can be tricky, Craig knows that the competition can sometimes be fierce. “I look at myself as a company without employees rather than an employee without a company,” he says. “There’s so much noise that I need to position myself at a different place than other companies.” And Craig’s wide variety of style defintely places him in a different spot than most.

With many local clients comes many different expectations, wants and needs, and he views each project on its own merit. “If people have a great experience with you, they’ll go and tell others about it,” says Craig. “Being able to help people and companies achieve their goals while achieving my own is really rewarding.”

Find Craig and his design work on Instagram @jasonthe29th or jasonthe29th.com.

(Photos courtesy of Jason Craig, Chris Thelen and Kaique Rocha/Pexels)

Ponies in the Plaza

Augusta National Golf Club and Jim Hudson Automotive Group made donations of $1 million each to Augusta Technical College for the development of a new automotive service training center.

In recent months, Augusta Technical College has met and worked with local automotive entities regarding the training needs throughout the region. The college’s flagship location for extensive automotive training will be built in the Laney Walker neighborhood and will focus in the areas of electrical/hybrid technology, heavy and light duty diesel, auto body and collusion repair, motorsports technology, and a host of other emerging technologies in the automotive industry. The college also looks to expand into OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) training programs with manufacturers such as Toyota, GM, Honda/Acura, just to name a few. Uniquely, the college seeks to incroporate new programming that not only teaches the technician level curriculum, but also the business side of running a car dealership to include management of service, parts, sales and finance departments.

“Cars have always been in my blood and this partnership with Augusta Technical College will allow young men and women the opportunity to be educated and trained in the automotive world. Our company was built on three pillars: our employees, our customers and the community. My main objective with this donation is to strengthen our community and for us to see a lasting impact on the future,” stated Jim Hudson, Founder of Jim Hudson Automotive Group.

The new facility will quadruple Augusta Technical College’s current training footprint to meet the rising demand for automotive technicians and professionals in the area. Once operational, the center will offer 16 certification programs to approximately 1,270 students annually as the region’s leading automotive training center. Augusta National’s donation will allow the center to open later this year.

“The launch of this training program will prepare a quality workforce for readily available jobs here in Augusta,” said Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley. “This contribution reflects our commitment to promoting opportunities for residents and families in the Laney Walker community and across the City of Augusta. I commend Augusta Technical College and President Dr. Jermaine Whirl for identifying the need for this exciting program that will have a meaningful impact on economic and workforce development in the area.”

The donation to Augusta Technical College represents Augusta National’s latest effort to support ongoing development in the Harrisburg and Laney Walker community.

To register for admission to the Friday and Saturday night events, visit csramc.org/ponies-in-the-park-grand-national-show.

(Photo by Pixabay on Pexels)

Celebrate Art in Augusta

From September 16–18 local artists and makers will “paint the town,” displaying their precise craftsmanship at the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. This spectacular gathering of artists, musicians, makers and those who appreciate their craft will continue all through the weekend with food vendors, snacks, drinks and five stages with non-stop live performances!

For tickets, visit artsintheheartofaugusta.com.

(Photo courtesy of artsintheheartofaugusta.com)

Taking Up Residence

The Westobou Artist in Residence Program aims to inspire creativity through artistic expression and community advancement. The program provides free studio space for emerging or mid-career Augusta-based visual artists for one year at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art (GHIA). Artists receive a stipend for research, tools and supplies to build a body of work for an exhibition at Westobou Gallery. In collaboration with the GHIA, the artist in residence also teaches a workshop series to community members.

Devin Lovett is the current Westobou artist in residence. Lovett’s work portrays mostly stark forms combined with loose brushstrokes to create a chiseled effect, evoking a sense of macabre or melancholy. But he also has experimental works that are thought provoking, and on occasion, unintentionally political. His exhibition will be at the Westobou Gallery in February 2023.

(Photos above from left to right: Atone, Bronze Age, St. Jude; Portriat photo: Devin Lovett)

Playin’ the Blues

Despite losing his eyesight during childhood, William Samuel McTier, better known as Blind Willie McTell, would go on to become one of the most accomplished lyrical storytellers and guitarists in blues history.

Born in 1901 just outside of Thomson, Ga., McTell traveled the East Coast with his 12-string guitar becoming famous for his fluid, syncopated fingerstyle guitar technique, common among many exponents of Piedmont blues. Not many of McTell’s songs ever gained mainstream popularity, however, his influence on the blues as well as other music genres is evident.

In 1981, McTell was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1990. Two of his most well-known songs, “Statesboro Blues” and “Broke Down Engine Blues,” have been recorded by artists such as the Allman Brothers and Taj Mahal.

Every year, the city of Thomson hosts The Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival to pay tribute to their native son. The festival has been selected as a Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society and will be held on September 24 in Thomson.

For tickets, visit blindwillie.com.

(Photo courtesy of bibliolore.org)

Ed Turner & Number 9

It’s the end of an era. Ed Turner & Number 9 will bid their audiences farewell this month as they hold their final concerts at the Imperial Theatre. For 17 years, the band has entertained local audiences at the Imperial Theatre with their rendition of music by The Beatles. The final shows will be held August 12 and 13 at the Imperial Theatre. It’s likely tickets will be sold out before this issue hits stands, but just in case, visit imperialtheater.com for tickets.

Thanks for the memories Ed Turner & Number 9!

(Photo courtesy of Ed Turner on Facebook)

Vinyl for the Soul

Right off a broad street is a blast back into the past. Grantski Records has old, used, new and some hard-to-find vinyl records within their wooden crates. Among the other shelves and racks you can find CD’s, cassette tapes, turntables and components for a kickin’ entertainment center.

With new releases and the occasional exclusive vinyl, the stock at Grantski Records is always changing. Keep a look out on Instagram, @grantskirecords, for their next Record Store Day event with sale items and exclusive inventory!

To peruse the online inventory, visit grantskis.com.

(Photo by Hailea Boykin)

Empowering Kids

The Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America (BRCA) Foundation has brought their own superhero to life with the help of Augusta magazine’s Art Director, Michael Rushbrook. Phoenix Powers^® is a hero focused on teaching important fire safety to kids, parents, caregivers and teachers in a fun and interactive way. Working directly with the BRCA, Rushbrook brought to life Phoenix Powers^®’s origin story with the first edition of the book.

In this second edition of the Phoenix Powers^® coloring and activity book, Phoenix introduces us to her friend Taka, a dog who was badly burned when his family’s house caught fire. Together Taka and Phoenix help us recognize fire danger and plan an escape route in case of an emergency. The second edition of the book can be found at any BRCA or online at burnfdn.org/phoenix-powers.

(Cover illustration by Michael Rushbrook; Photo of Taka courtesy of BRCA)

Mo’ Movies

As the fall weather makes it way to Georgia you might consider spending some cooler evenings at The Big MO drive-in theater. Originally opened as The Monetta Drive-In in 1951, the family business closed in 1986 and reopened as The Big MO in 1999.

Now through November, The Big MO plays first-run double features every weekend on three movie screens. Drive in and tune-in on the radio station to hear the movie audio. If you’re hungry, Big MO concessions has burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, chili dogs and chicken sandwiches, along with all the traditional moviegoer snacks! On Tuesdays, the theater announces the lineup for the week. You can find the announcements on their Facebook page, Monetta Drive-In Theatre “The Big MO,” or their website, thebigmo.com.

Photos courtesy of lakemurraycountry.com

Performing Theater for All

Most Augustans know of the Broadway-caliber, award-winning musicals that the The Augusta Players present at the historic Imperial Theatre in downtown Augusta. After 77 consecutive seasons, the organization is most excited about the future which includes dozens of other programs.

Camp Wonderland for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a summer arts camp specifically designed for those on the spectrum and Building Character Summer Theatre Camps introduces performing theatre to young people.

Their ARTreach Theatre brings approximately 12,000 students to the Imperial Theatre each year to attend shows that are designed to support their classroom curriculum. The Augusta Jr. Players is a company of young performers between the ages of six and 19 who create their own professional productions. With special events and a vital online presence, The Augusta Players continues to be one of the cornerstones of Augusta’s performing arts community.

For more information, visit augustaplayers.org.

(Photos courtesy of Augusta Players)

An Artistic Legacy

The historic white house at the corner of 5th and Telfair streets with ornamental pillars and picturesque windows, now known as the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, was originally the residence of Nicholas Ware. Ware was Augusta’s mayor from 1819–1821 and served in the U.S. Senate after Freeman Walker stepped down in 1821.

Built in 1818, the elegant structure was the home of Ware and his wife until his passing in 1824. After the property was sold by Ware’s widow, it became the residence to many other locals including the William C. Sibley family.

In 1936, the extravagant Federal style home was purchased by Mrs. Olivia Antoinette Helm Herbert. Herbert studied art in Italy and became known for her floral renderings which placed her among the wealthy and elite. She renovated the home for the Augusta Art Club in memory of her daughter, Gertrude Herbert Dunn, who had recently passed away. A year later in 1937, Herbert transformed the property into the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art (GHIA) as a permanent memorial to her daughter that would allow others to expand their artistic horizons.

The GHIA has been teaching visual arts for more than 80 years as the only nonprofit independent art school in the Savannah River Region. Classes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, are small so that every student has a personalized and thoughtful experience. From studio classes to after-school education programming and exhibition collaborations with higher education institutions and secondary schools, GHIA teaches technical visual arts skills that allow artists to explore their creativity. Today, the structure that once served as a home for many families is now a beacon for students who want to train, hone and expand their art skills.

Appears in the August/September 2022 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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SnapShots

Hailea Boykin — Tue, 24 May 2022 16:04:47 +0000

By Hailea Boykin

Van Gogh Exhibit

Coming to Augusta for the first time is the Beyond Van Gogh: Immersive Experience with over 300 of his artworks on display using projection technology that animates and brings new life to familiar faces, places and atmospheres.

As the largest immersive experience in the country, 30,000 square feet in the James Brown Arena will be transformed to teleport patrons into the heart and soul of Van Gogh’s life work.

(Photos courtesy of vangoghaugusta.com)

Automotive Service Training Center

Augusta National Golf Club and Jim Hudson Automotive Group made donations of $1 million each to Augusta Technical College for the development of a new automotive service training center.

The donation to Augusta Technical College represents Augusta National’s latest effort to support ongoing development in the Harrisburg and Laney Walker community.

(Photo by Sten Rademaker on Unsplash)

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Summer weather is the perfect time for outdoor exploration, though you’ll want to be mindful of the heat. Between the flora and the fauna there is plenty to see and experience at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.

(Photo by Diann Payne)

Remembering the Washingtons
By Aimee Serafin | Photos by Randy Pace

Washington Hall at Augusta University’s Summerville campus is named after two influential and lifelong educators whose lives and legacy were honored April 13th. Drs. Justine and Isaiah Washington served as dedicated leaders in Richmond County for decades.

A gifted teacher in French, English and Hebrew, Justine Washington also played various musical instruments and conducted high school and church choirs. She graduated from Spelman College, taught at Paine College and was appointed a Jeanes Supervisor of Teachers in 84 rural schools in Aiken County (Jeanes Supervisors were teachers who helped support education and vocational programs for African Americans in rural communities from 1908 to the 1960s). Justine sat on the Richmond County Board of Education for more than 20 years and she was the organization’s first Black female president.

A graduate of Walker Baptist Institute and Paine College, Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Washington has an equally impressive list of educational achievements, serving nearly 40 years as a Richmond County teacher and administrator. He was principal of Craig-Houghton Elementary, C.T. Walker Elementary and A.R. Johnson Junior High and Lucy Craft Laney High School where he retired. He also dedicated 17 years or service to the city of Augusta as a councilman.

The legacy of life commemoration included the presentation of two quilts commissioned by the Brown Sugar Stitchers (a diverse group of 101 quilters in the Atlanta area who foster the history of quilting with an emphasis on African American traditions). The group created two quilts for the event; one is housed on Augusta University’s Summerville campus but will travel as an educational tool throughout the community to tell the Washingtons’ story. The second quilt is part of the permanent collection on display at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History.

The announcement of The Ike and Justine Washington Scholarship fund for underserved students in the Augusta area was also part of the event. This scholarship will be awarded annually to an outstanding incoming freshman from the Savannah River Region who meets the required qualifications.

Riverfront Clean Up

With a nickname like Garden City, it’s important that we keep our best foot out into the foliage. Of course, during the month of the Masters everyone pays close attention to the color of the grass, shapes of the bushes and vibrancy of the flowers but after the chips have been made and Augusta has a new Masters Champion, how do we keep our public spaces clean?

Two Dudes & a Boat have made it part of their mission to keep the Augusta Riverfront clean for most of the year. Of course during the colder months it becomes more difficult, but in the spring, through the summer and for most of the fall, Two Dudes and their volunteers use the first Saturday morning of every month to clean up our riverfront.

Register for the next Keep Augusta Beautiful — Riverfront Clean-Up at twodudesandaboat.com.

(Photos courtesy of Two Dudes and a Boat Kayak Rentals on Facebook)

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
An Aiken County Celebration

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit on display at the Aiken County Historical Museum from July 23 – September 3, 2022. In an effort to honor those Americans who fought for voting rights, the free exhibit and associated programs offer wide-ranging reflections on the storied history of voting rights in America, and in Aiken County.

For more information visit aikenvoicesandvotes.com.

(Photos courtesy of aikenvoicesandvotes.com)

Appears in the June/July 2022 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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What Are We Leaving Behind? Mezzanine

Steven Uhles — Tue, 24 May 2022 16:04:31 +0000

By Steven Uhles

It was the grandest of structures by all accounts. Its imposing bulk and impressive façade dominated the landscape, taking up acres of real estate at the corner of 8th and Broad streets. The then newly constructed Bell Auditorium was its neighbor and a spacious park, decades before the Augusta Common, stretched out in front of it. I guess it was quite a sight and a real architectural feat. I guess so because I’ve only seen photos of it in boxes of aging postcards. You see, Augusta’s Union Station was torn down in 1972, long before I came onto the scene. In its place, the Augusta Post Office was erected.

Let me acknowledge a few things. The last passenger train departed Union Station in 1968. That’s a long time for a significant structure to lie dormant. Also, it sounded like Augusta might have needed a central post office. But the old Union Station’s absence from the landscape and, for the most part, collective memory makes me curious as to the nature of this community — or the approach to civic planning not only in terms of architectural legacy but its artistic one as well.

In remembering Rome or Athens — the ones in Europe, not North Georgia — we measure those societies by the things they left behind. At some point (most estimate about 500 A.D.), the performances, battles and other assorted exhibitions ceased at the architectural wonder of Rome’s Colosseum. It was not torn down and replaced with a medieval letter sorting station. Instead, it was preserved and repurposed. Over the centuries that followed it was used as a castle, a cemetery, even an early example of an apartment building and a shopping mall before eventually becoming Rome’s primary tourist attraction in the 18th century. The Romans, it seems, were concerned with building a city that would continue to thrive while preserving its past.

I bring this up because in recent years I’ve noted very little concern for what Augusta will leave behind. There have been a few notable preservation efforts – Sacred Heart Church in the 1990s, Enterprise Mill and the Miller Theater more recently – but there have been just as many buildings destroyed or, worse yet, left derelict until destruction becomes the only practical course of action. We talk about the resurrection of Broad Street, and while many of the 19th and 20th Century storefronts have found new life, there are still quite a few that are slowly slipping away behind walls of warped plywood.

Lamar Building

I’m not saying that we should approach the fate of every structure – or statue and mural – like a flock of starry-eyed Pollyannas. Augusta is a growing, contemporary and, hopefully, future-facing community. That’s great. I hope to be among those who lead this community into a successful 21st Century (and beyond). But I remain concerned there are conversations – important ones – that are often taken too lightly or not had at all.

What are we leaving behind? What does it say about us as a community? What is the historical significance of the things we are discarding or, more criminally, ignoring? There are a couple of examples. The penthouse on the roof of Broad Street’s Lamar Building, constructed in 1976. Although much derided and perhaps at stylistic odds with the building it caps, the penthouse, colloquially known as the Toaster, was designed by I.M. Pei, one of the 20th Century’s most important and innovative architects. Yet, today it sits empty, shattered glass on the empty floor and a piece of plywood blocking part of the structure’s panoramic view.

The building was recently purchased with the intent of restoration, but I have to wonder what fate awaits the Toaster. Almost certainly it will become a point of aesthetic interest in the next few decades. But will Augusta have opted to plaster over its past, declaring the Toaster too out-of-sync with contemporary style to survive? Is it a Union Station appropriation waiting to happen? One thing working in its favor are the challenges presented by bringing down a structure 18 stories in the sky.

Much more vulnerable is the Woolworth Building on Broad. Architecturally, it is a rare and beautiful example of an Art Moderne retail space. While the long stretch of a soda fountain is gone, there is enough of the building remaining to deem it worthy of preservation. And despite a nearly constant flirtation with enthusiastic investors, the building has yet to find its savior. The plywood, something of a constant in this discussion, remains firmly in place. I suspect, as Broad Street evolves, its situation may become more perilous. As the building continues to disintegrate, property values continue to appreciate. Soon, it will become more profitable to tear it down and put something far less attractive or historically significant in its place. Just ask the radio station once owned by James Brown. It’s now the fortress that is the Richmond County Board of Education – a building that did not necessarily require the location.

Considering what we leave behind does, of course, mean more than preservation. When we construct, how much discussion revolves around form while talking about function? How much around functional lifespan? What will it take to preserve a structure or piece of art? Our recent spate of murals – a trend I am particularly fond of – immediately springs to mind. Are we placing that art on buildings that will survive? What are we doing to mitigate exposure to the elements? We enjoy them today. How many tomorrows will they have?

That said, there are always forward-facing projects being developed with the future in mind. My favorite current idea is Leonard ‘Porkchop’ Zimmerman’s seemingly eternal quest to transform the J.B. Whites water tower into one of his famous smiling robots. I, for one, hope he succeeds. That, in my mind, is something worthy of being left behind.

—-

Opening photo – JB Whites Water tower

Appears in the June/July 2022 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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The post What Are We Leaving Behind? Mezzanine appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

SnapShots

Hailea Boykin — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:46:20 +0000

By Hailea Boykin

Be part of the inaugural Georgia Outdoor Recreation and Trail Summit, held on May 15 and 16, centered around growing Georgia’s recreational venues. The two-day event will be filled with networking activities, workshops, keynotes and breakout sessions intended to give area leaders and professionals up-to-date information and skills regarding outdoor development.

(Photo above courtesy of Georgia Outdoor Recreation and Trail Summit Facebook)

Urban Farming with Kigwana Cherry

Beginning a farm can be daunting for many. Some focus primarily on harvesting fruits and vegetables, while others may implement a selection of animals to round out their farm.

Kigwana Cherry, known as the curator of Pop-Up Augusta! and the owner of Farmer Musician Urban Farming Development and Consulting, started his journey in urban farming five years ago but heavily pushed his urban growth during the pandemic as a fun activity and way of income. “You can not only grow,” he said. “But you can turn the things you’re growing into other things.”

Cherry began making his own line of hot sauce, Saucy Tenore, with the peppers he grows every spring. This year he decided to try his hand at growing Luffah (also known as loofah), that hearty sponge some of us use to wash our dishes. “I’m going to start growing more peppers to expand my hot sauce business,” mentioned Cherry. “I also want to grow more Luffah because people always need it.”

Cherry’s Tips For Beginner Urban Farmers

• Have patience, lots of it.
• Don’t be afraid to grow or try new things.
• Take note of your state/region seasonal climates.
• Sustainable growing is not impossible.
• Be sure you have the proper growing/selling licenses.

His business is primarily farm-to-table, but he uses his knowledge and platform to give others valuable information when it comes to growing crops with the space available. “You don’t have to have 40 acres in order to say you have a farm. It’s about what you’re doing in the area,” said Cherry. “Just like a large farm, I have to get the same kind of license.” At the end of March, Cherry officially became a Master Gardener.

Not only does he grow fruits and vegetables, but he also has chickens. Alongside the chickens, Cherry then decided to raise goats. One, named Curry, he keeps as a pet, but the others will be raised for meat. He is also working out the technicalities for growing and selling plants.

Cherry shared about his desire to create an urban farm community in South Augusta. “I do want to create a true agrihood, a wellness garden in a sense, where people can come and live. We can grow and cultivate the land together. A place not too far from the city where people can grow and be themselves.”

The fruits (and vegetables) of Cherry’s labor are something he takes great pride in. “There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and being able to go outside and get things from my garden for breakfast,” he said. “It’s so rewarding.”

(Photos courtesy of @farmermusician on Instagram)

Saving History

History doesn’t change, but the historic sites where they took place often go through alterations and are sometimes found in jeopardy. Land shifts, properties sell and building structures deteriorate with time. So, who keeps Augusta’s rich history intact?

Historic Augusta has been protecting properties that are integral to the Garden City since 1965. One of the longest ongoing projects is the preservation of the Reverend Charles T. Walker House on Laney Walker Boulevard. The property was first placed on Historic Augusta’s Endangered Properties List in 2009 but wasn’t acquired until November 2016.

“The property was in ruins. We negotiated with the owners but there were 19 property heirs,” mentions Historic Augusta’s Executive Director, Erick Montgomery. “It took three years for everyone to agree and sign it over.”

Since acquiring the property, the front porch, roof and foundation have been restored and a new coat of paint has refreshed the entire exterior. Now they are seeking a new property owner.

(Photo courtesy of Historic Augusta, Inc.)

Historic Augusta’s 2022 Endangered Properties List

Historic Augusta has four properties on their Endangered Properties List for this year. While these properties are not in immediate danger, a few require dedicated revenue sources while others need sufficient funds for maintenance and restoration. Be sure to look out for Historic Augusta’s 2023 Endangered Properties List in the upcoming fall.

1. Old Academy of Richmond County
2. “Cloister Garth”, Thomas-Clay House
3. Morris Street Cemetery
4. Old Medical College Building

To be a part of Historic Augusta’s preservation mission, visit historicaugusta.org.

(Photos 1 and 4 by Jim Lockhart, courtesy of Historic Augusta, inc., Photos courtesy of Historic Augusta, Inc.)

Lifting Spirits
Paul Anderson and the Paul Anderson Youth Home serve as a beacon of hope for troubled male youth from many states.

Born October 17, 1932, in Toccoa, Ga., Paul Anderson had an early battle with Bright’s Disease (now referred to as nephritis) that caused severe kidney problems.

Growing up it was clear Anderson’s dedication ran deep. He received a football scholarship from Furman University in 1955 and got his first taste of weight training. Anderson’s minimal understanding of weight training and weightlifting snowballed into an unstoppable passion that lead him to leave Furman and become the first man in the world to press 400 pounds.

From then on, success and great achievements followed, but not without utmost dedication and consistency. In 1956 he won the gold medal at the Olympic games in Melbourne, Australia. Unbeknownst to him, he was the last American to win the Super Heavyweight Olympic Gold.

Anderson followed up his Olympic achievement with The Guinness Book of World Records win for “the greatest weight ever raised by a human being, 6,270 pounds in a back lift” in 1957.

A year after his weighty success, Anderson married Glenda Garland. The couple had an interest in starting a Christian home for troubled youth, so they quickly sought funding and the perfect location.

“He said ‘I think we can do this’ and we tried it and it was a wonderful success.”

– Glenda Anderson

His first fundraiser was a bike ride from Vidalia, Ga., to Omaha, Ne., and shortly thereafter Anderson met Truett Cathy, founder of the iconic Chick-fil-A, who was the youth home’s first supporter.

The Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH) officially started welcoming their first residents to the Mimosa Motel in Vidalia where Anderson shared his Christian faith and strength to provide most of the funding for an official PAYH location.

After a year of fundraising, PAYH moved to McIntosh Street, still their current location in Vadalia, where they officially became a 501(c)3 corporation.

Since then, PAYH has evolved to support young men from all around the country at their campus. Their “Shape Up” (Spiritual Guidance, Honorable Work Ethic, Academic Excellence, Physical Fitness and Emotional and Social Development) program was created by Anderson and his wife with four core initiatives: “Planting God’s Word in lives and discipling through mentoring and modeling, providing therapeutic counseling and substance abuse treatment, supplying a fully accredited high school and vocational training, supporting our graduates long-term through our Transition Program.”

After Anderson’s passing in 1994, PAYH has continued his vision. They formed the Paul Anderson Golf Classic as a way for the community to be an active participant in fundraising. “The tournament was started because our board chairman at the time was a golfer,” said Glenda.

Because many of their young men are addicts, it was tough to figure out the logistics of a fundraiser for troubled youth where many golfers would play and enjoy alcohol.

“He said ‘I think we can do this’ and we tried it and it was a wonderful success,” she recalls. “Everybody knew our program and knew what we expected. They were so kind and supported us so beautifully it became our largest fundraiser.”

Since then, the Paul Anderson Golf Classic has taken place at The River Club in North Augusta. This year’s Golf Classic returns May 9.

To learn more about PAYH or their fundraising events visit payh.org.

(Photos courtesy of Paul Anderson Youth Home)

MEMA HAD ONE

Everyone’s house is different. To make a home special requires personal touches, pieces you love, art that ties the whole room together or small things that allow you to carry a vibe throughout the space.

Mema Had One is the perfect place to find those unique and antique detail pieces with a little bit of charm to round out a room.

(Photos courtesy of Mema Had One Facebook)

Appears in the May 2022 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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The post SnapShots appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

Shifting Perspective – Mezzanine

Steven Uhles — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:46:12 +0000

By Steven Uhles

Perspective was one of the first lessons I remember learning in art class. And while the technicalities of perspective — foreground and background and vanishing points — were important, what really seemed to stick was the more abstract idea of taking a flat plane and learning to look at it in a different, deeper, and perhaps, unexpected way.

Perspective allowed a finite square of canvas to become an infinite medium for expression. It was a window for anything I might imagine could be viewed through it. Technique would, of course, help with the execution, but perspective, my perspective, would be required for the conceptualization. And that is where the art originated.

I’ve been thinking about those early aesthetic lessons a lot lately, not only regarding art but life in general. I had a conversation recently with an Augusta expatriate. Life, as this person explained, was much better and brighter since leaving town. I was happy to hear this news, as the struggle was real for this person while living here.

What threw me, however, was where the blame was placed. It wasn’t fate, unfortunate circumstance or toxic relationships this person blamed. It was the city: Augusta was responsible for the problems. When I suggested that I found Augusta to be an excellent place to live, full of culture and good people, the counter-response came with a scoff. “Well, that’s your perspective.”

Indeed, that is true. It is my perspective. And, truth be told, it wasn’t always. As a young man, just out of high school and looking to the future, I decided that Augusta was closed-minded and provincial. Staying meant compromise, so to truly discover who I was required physically removing myself from what I felt was the community’s too-tight embrace.

That was my perspective.

So that is what I did. I left.

I was gone for more than ten years. I didn’t return for visits. I didn’t check in on old friends. I was just … gone. Even when I returned, I was uncertain. I had spent so long exploring and working to convince myself that the perspective of a man, perhaps too young to know better, was correct.

Then one day, I asked myself what was forming these opinions about Augusta. What made me feel like it was something less. Was it an ineffective government? The government I saw, though flawed, was no more subject to stumbles than anywhere else I had lived. Was it a lack of cultural options? Was I not entertained? That wasn’t it either. Was it the people? Were they cruel or callow or otherwise wanting. Sure. Some were. More were not. That’s not the character of a community. That’s the nature of man.

And so I decided, quite deliberately, to change my perspective. Instead of focusing on what I felt — correctly or incorrectly — hindered the community, I began to focus on the positive. I focused on the things that made, or at least had the potential to make, the Augusta area strong.

What has been interesting about this little experiment, or shift in perspective, is how it has affected my perception of so many things. If a person is callous toward me, I try, instead of becoming angry, to question why that might have happened. Perhaps, for instance, they lack the confidence or resources to communicate otherwise. Seems more likely than the ‘bad person behaving badly’ model so often applied to conflict.

Perhaps the most notable difference brings me back to that blank canvas. It’s how I approach creative work. It’s the idea of the technical versus the conceptual. Instead of looking at how work is created, I prefer to ask why. Instead of gauging a performance or piece of art based on its technical merits, I look at what might have been communicated. Perspective.

Now, I don’t want anyone to think I am some sort of top-of-the-mountain sage, wandering the world with a beatific smile of understanding permanently plastered across my face. Shifting my perspective is often laborious. Sometimes, I just don’t feel up to the task.

I’m emotional and react to things emotionally. The act of will to approach problems with the intellectual and empathetic mindset required to effectively shift perspective is often beyond me. I’m human and opinionated, and not necessarily in that order.

The difference is now I understand how to try. I may not always succeed. I may not always be able to find my way to understanding. But I can try, and sometimes trying is enough. Shifting my perspective has helped me move past seeing a town I thought was responsible for my woes and wake up to a place where finding my joy is possible.

It has made Augusta my own blank canvas.

Appears in the May 2022 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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Snap Shots November/December 2021

Michael Rushbrook — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:17:55 +0000

Colton Ballet Celebrates 50 years of The Nutcracker

The holiday season brings to mind family, friends and of course … The Nutcracker! Come celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Colton Ballet’s The Nutcracker and experience the same magic and grandeur that Ron Colton, director emeritus, brought to Augusta in 1971. Your entire family will enjoy this classic holiday tale that has become a season favorite in the region.

Colton Ballet Company will present a brand-new set for Act 1 for the 50th-anniversary production. From the festive Party Scene to the exquisite Snow Scene, made complete with new costumes, Colton Ballet’s The Nutcracker promises to be an unforgettable event.

Join Colton Ballet Company of Augusta as this holiday favorite comes to life November 26–28.

For ticket information, visit www.coltonballetcompany.org.

(Photo coourtesy of Colton Ballet)

A Purposeful Restoration Bath Gardens

By Randy Pace

The restoration of Bath Gardens in Bath, Ga., holds meaningful inspiration for Catherine “Sweetie” Fleming who is spending her days in the detailed design and execution of the property’s renovation. The canopied site — 55 acres of pristine woodlands with numerous underground springs — was a family gathering spot for cousins, parents and grandparents where Fleming played as a child. Today, Fleming is on a mission to restore the same European-style garden retreat that her grandfather worked hard to create in the 50s.

“My grandfather said he thought the garden would probably ‘go back to seed.’ I see the beauty and vision of his creation, and the thought of letting it disintegrate was like throwing a work of art into the trash.”

The “Austrian Valley at Bath, Ga.,” as coined by The Atlanta Journal–Constitution in 1968, once housed picturesque brick terraces overlooking fountains nestled under conifers, pink azaleas and white dogwoods in early spring. The land was originally purchased in 1958 by Fleming’s grandfather, Alonzo Plumb Boardman, Sr. (known as “Lonnie”), with the vision of recreating a European hillside like the Austrian valleys he and his wife had visited. After Lonnie passed away in 1972, the charming landscape and Austrian-style lodge fell into a slump of inconsistent maintenance. Several decades later, in disrepair and overgrown, it was much like the initial “jungle” Boardman, Sr., cleared in the 50s.

In 2018, Fleming received ownership of the land. Her vision is simultaneously sentimental and community-spirited with the goal to “restore the [original] garden and give it to the public for use.” The functional aspect of that dream led to hiring WP Law Fountain Division (Lexington, S.C.) who made several significant improvements: replaced all the clay pipes connecting over 18 springs on the grounds; repaired the dam at the end of the cement pond and rebuilt the sagging brick terrace; re-cemented the pond to preserve the fresh waters; restored ornate fountains. Rollins Landscaping added French drains and irrigation systems for re-establishing the elaborate landscaping. The cascading hillside beneath the upper terrace will feature a variety of ornamental and indigenous species that provide consecutive color throughout every season.

Fleming remarks that her motivation is more than the ownership of a piece of land or family name. She adds, “We want the garden to be used by as many people as possible, in as many ways as possible, for as long as possible.”

Bath Gardens will be available in 2022 for wedding celebrations and planners, moviemakers, general public events and corporate rentals.

www.bathgardensfoundation.com

(Photo by Randy Pace)

Bee-ing Kind

There has been a lot of change downtown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have lost some Augusta staples, others have transformed themselves to fit the ever-changing lifestyle. The Bee’s Knees and The Hive downtown have been reimagined to better fit into Eric Kinlaw’s community-centric vision.

Kinlaw has redesigned The Bee’s Knees into a small coffee shop and bakery featuring six Georgia-roasted coffee blends, including some selections of coffee and tea available to take home. The secret found in the new caffeine hub is the curios and live plants, though Bee’s knows it very well, as they started as a curio shop in 1998. Each of the bakery pastries are handmade daily using ingredients from local farmers, but Kinlaw also features local favorite, Haute Doughnuts, on the second Wednesday of every month.

Over at The Hive, Kinlaw has decided to implement a few new changes that he hopes will help the local community he’s so passionate about. While the spot will still serve as a retail-style taproom, he’s implemented a bodega – a small grocery store – that offers fresh fruits and vegetables and smaller items for those with limited access to a regular-sized grocery store.

PlayBack “The Band” original members from left, drummer/mgr. Tim Cox; lead vocalist Tutu D’Vyne; bassist David Heath. Original members, Marion Tim Sanders and Michael Tanksley, not shown.

30th anniversary of PlayBack “The Band”

Three decades ago, in October 1991, a group of local musicians decided to combine their talents and form what would be known as PlayBack “The Band” (PBTB) featuring Tutu D’Vyne. The group quickly became a household name in the River Region – mainly due to their weekly gig at Surrey Tavern.

With a diverse set list featuring various genres from hip-hop to funk, blues, rock, pop and country, they propelled into the scene as Augusta’s premier wedding band. Notably, they opened for President Bill Clinton’s legendary Augusta Riverfront speech in 1992, along with opening-act shows for Riley B. King (better known as B.B. King), Lou Rawls, New Edition, MAZE and, most recently, Gladys Knight in July 2018 at the Bell Auditorium.

Countless Augusta area brides and grooms fondly review their wedding videos and photos as they watch PBTB light up the dance floor, with Tutu D’Vyne at the helm. Augusta magazine has honored the group several times in their “Best of Augusta” awards and categories throughout the 1990s.

Dr. Tom Mack’s 100 Things to do in Augusta Before You Die

Well-known Arts and Humanities columnist for the Aiken Standard, Dr. Tom Mack, has authored a new book all about the hidden (and not so hidden) gems of our lovely city. You may have read some of his previous works, Hidden History of Aiken County or Hidden History of Augusta, so it comes as no surprise that his new book also features the ever-changing River Region.

A local resident who graduated with a Ph.D. in English from Lehigh University in 1976, Mack’s love for writing and literature has kept him a driving force for student success. As a specialist of American Literature and member of the English Department at the University of South Carolina Aiken since 1976, Mack currently holds the honorary title of distinguished professor emeritus. His prolific literary achievements and accolades do not go unnoticed. After beginning his weekly Arts and Humanities column in 1990, he has continued to shine a spotlight on local music, theatre, literature and visual arts. Suitably, he was awarded the 2013 media award by the Greater Augusta Arts Council for his dedication to the column.

A work in progress since February 2020 (with a few COVID-19 delays), 100 Things to do in Augusta Before You Die is a short compendium of 100 things to do, see and explore in our lovely area. Even if you’ve lived in Augusta all your life, I guarantee there’s a location or activity that you may have overlooked. Not only are there 100 things to do, but there is also the occasional tip to enhance your experience at a few of the locations whether dining, shopping or enjoying a recreational spot.

“I think now is the perfect time for a book like this to come out because people are just dying to get out and explore,” said Dr. Mack during his book presentation and signing at the Morris Museum of Art last month. From Jenks Farmer’s crinum lilies, to Porkchop’s Happy Robot with southern cuisine and nightlife in between, the itineraries are divided by season and by category. So, pick your path and get exploring or – if it has been while – rediscovering.

Ciamillo Wood Works

When Dr. Louis Ciamillo Jr. had enough of COVID-19 he decided to do something about it. An Augusta University emergency physician with 20 years of experience, Ciamillo Jr. found that at the height of all the lockdowns and mounting restrictions of 2020, he needed a way to combat his anxiety and boredom. It was not negotiable. So, Ciamillo Jr. decided to turn his stress into something useful. He solicited the help of his son, Louis Ciamillo III, and they got busy building a walnut desk for his brother’s business. What started as a fun family project propelled the father and son team into creating sophisticated wooden cutting boards and selling them locally.

Ciamillo Wood Works was born.

In February 2021, Ciamillo Wood Works launched a Facebook page to showcase some of their products and sell what they could to pay for their growing hobby. Now, nearly two years from their catalytic start, the product line is growing as well as their circle of consumers. Ciamillo Jr. has had a personal interest in woodworking for many years, but this latest endeavor is different because it is a family affair. He says, “I am very happy to start this business with my son. My wife also helps with sales, shipping and local delivery. We are definitely no longer bored!”

The Ciamillo Wood Works products include valet trays, various styles of cutting boards (engraved or with initials), walnut cheese boards, charcuterie boards, Qi wireless charging trays and grill boards. The sophisticated craftsmanship and rich finishes make these products great ideas for wedding or holiday gifts.

Prices vary in size and functionality.Visit www.facebook.com/ciamillo.woodworks.

Gabriel Hughes with Naomi Hergott

Augusta Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The Augusta Ballet, performing company of the Columbia County Ballet, will present The Nutcracker in the Columbia County Performing Arts Center on Friday, December 10 at 7 p.m.

The ballet will feature guest artist, Michael Viator, as the Cavalier to the Augusta Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy, Gracie Stager, and guest artist, Olivia Viator, as the Arabian Princess partnered by Augusta Ballet’s Gabriel Hughes.

For tickets, visit the Columbia County Performing Arts Center at www.thecenterofcc.com.

Three Flags painting by Jasper Johns

For John’s Sake

By Steven Uhles

We talk a lot about James Brown around here, and rightfully so. He earned the honor to be considered this community’s most famous native son. He changed – more than once – the very face of popular music. Not many people have influenced their field as profoundly as the Godfather of Soul and even fewer have any real ties to Augusta. Certainly, Jessye Norman would qualify. Perhaps Hulk Hogan. The argument might be made for former Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, if you are feeling fiduciary. But there’s a name that rarely rises, despite being born in Augusta and raised in the not-so-faraway community of Allendale, South Carolina.

Jasper Johns.

Those unfamiliar with the name – although the New York Times declared him, in 2018, America’s “foremost living artist” – have certainly seen his work. Painterly representations of American flags. Bold targets. Simple numbers and letters, sometimes stacked and sometimes in series, elevated to the level of high art. Jasper Johns, more than any other 20th Century artist, represents the bridge between the loose and emotive style of Abstract Expressionism and the bold figurative compositions of Pop Art.

It’s not surprising, I suppose, that Johns’ Augusta connection has and continues to fly under the radar. The truth is that while his art is famous, coveted by both collectors and museums, Johns, now 91, has himself eschewed the spotlight, living quietly and alone for decades. Recently, a double exhibition of the artist’s work opened simultaneously at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City. When asked about the exhibitions, he said he would not be quoted and that the shows were not his idea. It was the statement of a man who seems to prefer that his art speaks for him.

With exhibitions of Johns’ paintings and sculptures being mounted to much fanfare (and expense) at top-tier museums around the world, the prospect of bringing even a small selection of Johns’ works to Augusta seems fairly far-fetched. But it should be noted that while the one-of-a-kind pieces remain realistically out-of-reach – his 1958 painting Flag sold in 2010 for a reported $110 million – Johns’ career extends well beyond those works.

He has, since 1960, also been a prolific printmaker. The Augusta community might not be able to pull in a painting or sculpture, but I believe an exhibition of prints might not only be possible but an interesting approach to discussing his evolution as an artist.

I am not, in any way, saying that siphoning a selection of prints from the museums and collectors that currently hold them rightfully near-and-dear would be easy. It may not, in fact, even be possible. It merely seems like the most obvious, and probably high-profile, way to acknowledge and celebrate the artist’s local roots.

It is not, however, the only answer. We’ve made much of James Brown and Jessye Norman without broadcasting their music from every street corner. Their art is celebrated without direct engagement. Why are we not affording Johns the same respect? Where are the statues, or, if a statue seems extreme, the plaque? We have become a city of murals – and yet the most notable visual artist with Augusta ties remains underacknowledged. Maybe we could name a gallery at the University after him? How about a Johns Road? Wait. There is already a Johns Road. Can we add a Jasper to it?

In a perfect world, I would love to see some sort of acknowledgment from Johns as to his Augusta-area roots, but that seems unlikely. His time in town was short and his life in the region not always happy. He has never been considered a Southern artist, associated more with the New York scene that turned the world on its mid-century ear. Just as Jackson Pollock is rarely referred to as “that guy from Wyoming”, so Johns has, by choice, lived and been associated with New York. To ask him to identify otherwise, particularly at this late date, seems foolish.

My point is this: Augusta remains a city working to establish its cultural identity. To most of the world, we are a golf town with a side of James Brown. Which is fine. But we have the opportunity to take something people believe they understand and, by adding a layer, elevating it. It’s what Jasper Johns did when he painted his famous flag and, by celebrating one of art’s most captivating personalities, perhaps we can do the same.

Appears in the November/December 2021 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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Talk of the Town October 2021

Michael Rushbrook — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 19:09:50 +0000

Augusta Training Shop

Handcrafted snowflakes, colorful paper mâché ornaments, cross paintings, CaneLine jewelry and other unique gifts are not the only things that set the Augusta Training Shop (ATS) apart from other shops in Augusta. Their story is the main reason that they are unique.

The program, originally started by the Augusta Area Cerebral Palsy Society in 1947, emphasized a deep interest in the welfare of children with cerebral palsy (CP). After the society split in the late 1960s, the Augusta Training Shop started to move towards productivity and personal enrichment for individuals with CP.

Today, at the core of ATS are employees who are thoughtful, dedicated, loyal and hardworking. The focus is on quality craftsmanship, but more importantly, it’s their customer relationships that count. “We are more about fostering friendships and relationships with our customers and people who order with us,” said Executive Director Audrey Murell.

ATS provides a broad spectrum of opportunities for individuals with all types of disabilities. Jobs include everything from seat weaving and metal polishing, to tagging and shipping, “We meet them where they are as far as their skills. We match their skills with the jobs we need,” said Murell. “Our employees are so talented and driven and dedicated and loyal.”

A common identifier of all the shop items is that an ATS employee has helped in the production, every sales tag showcasing a worker’s name and photo. The work done by ATS employees reflects their dedication and talent, which, in turn, gains them respect from their community and friends. Although ATS is a non-profit organization, employees contribute to the greater community by holding these jobs. With the help of ATS, they receive a lot more than just a paycheck. “We want them to enjoy being a contributing member of our workplace,” says Murell.

When asked about particular skillsets, Murell stated, “we try to accept them no matter what ability they possess. We meet them there and encourage them. Just because they look different doesn’t mean they are different on the inside, they have a ton to offer.”

While their products can be purchased online, the storefront is a great way for employees to interact with their customer base and grow relationships with people visiting the shop. The interactions inside the shop yield an incomparable joy for both the worker and customer, and it creates returning jobs for the employees. “We are actively seeking for people to put jobs in the hands of employees,” mentioned Murell.

Along with product sales and furniture restoration, ATS has two annual fundraising events, Derby Day and Bounty + Bottles.

“We rely heavily on the community for their support, we are here to ask for a hand up not a handout,” Murrell said.

At the end of the day, the goal of ATS is to provide a wonderful workplace for those with disabilities. Without the shop, a lot of families would be forced to rely on a caretaker or even cut out the possibility of a second income, which is hard to live without these days. “Our motto is ‘Different is Not Disposable’,” said Murell.

By providing work opportunities for those with disabilities, ATS is giving back to the employees while the employees share their beautiful services and talents with the greater River Region community.

(Photos by Hailea Boykin)

Augusta Jewish Museum

“In Jewish history, there are no coincidences,” said Elie Wiesel, holocaust survivor and author of the 1965 autobiographical book “Night”. Perhaps this sentiment lay heavy on the hearts of the Augusta Jewish community in 2015 when the buzz on the streets was to demolish the original Congregation Children of Israel Synagogue and historic Court of Ordinary. Opened in 1869, the Synagogue of the Congregation of B’nai Israel is the oldest standing synagogue in Georgia, a fact that 146 years later caused Augusta’s Jewish community, led by then President Jack Steinberg, to rally their efforts to save these two historic sites.

The dedication by a coalition of determined citizens to attend every city meeting and protest the destruction of the buildings also proved things do not happen by chance or coincidence. Through hard work, persistence and commitment a renovation plan and project timeline were developed to lay a clear path toward the opening of the Augusta Jewish Museum. Steinberg devoted his time and attention to raising the funds needed for renovations, which are comprised of two main parts, the AJM Campus Education Center and the AJM Campus Cultural Center. Unfortunately, Steinberg passed in July 2019 before he witnessed the first renovations to the AJM Campus Education Center to discover that his efforts were not in vain.

On July 22, Historic Augusta and the Augusta Jewish Museum (AJM) held a mayoral proclamation and preview for their first complete phase of renovations to the long-standing Court of Ordinary building. Rabbi Jeshayahu “Shair” Beloosesky, D. Min. and Robert Klensin ordained the traditional mezuzah placement and blessing. Rabbi Emeritus from the Congregation Children of Israel also joined them.

Restoration on the Court of Ordinary building began June 23, 2020, and preexisting tile flooring was discovered upon portions of the renovation. Now, the AJM Campus Education Center stands with a new portico, accessibility ramp and new windows and doors.

Though the AJM Campus Education Center is complete, the AJM Campus Cultural Center in the Synagogue will continue to go through the funding and reconstruction process. The Board of Directors and members of the Jewish community plan to use the space for cultural event rental, offices, classrooms, a collection management center and additional museum exhibits.

With a goal of preservation and education, the museum will feature four pillars of history and culture that will appeal to all visitors. Jewish Community Contributions to the River Region, Jewish Practice and Traditions, Remembering the Holocaust, along with Israel the Land and Its People, will continue to remind us of the rich Jewish history here in Augusta.

Exhibits and special programs within the Campus Education Center are open to the public on the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Tours may also be scheduled by appointment.

(Photos by Hailea Boykin)

Miracle Mile Walk

For Breast Cancer Awareness month, take part in University Health’s Miracle Mile Walk. With your help and support, all donations will go towards University Hospital’s Randy W. Cooper M.D., Center for Breast Health Services and the Women’s Wellness on Wheels mobile unit that provides free screenings to all women regardless of their financial situation.

Starting off at the Augusta Common on October 16, walk three miles with empowering women, their families and their support systems for the fight against breast cancer. To register or make a donation, visit www.themiraclemilewalk.org.

Freshwater Design Co.

New to Broad Street with a cozy feel, Freshwater Design Co. is serving up chic, handcrafted keychains, passport holders, leather wrapped candles, pet tags and more! As a studio and shop, the sister duo, Brianne and Danielle (along with their small team of women) handcraft genuine leather and acrylic keychains along with accessories, jewelry and decor. This is their first brick-and-mortar storefront where they create, burn (yes, burn) and sell all of their unique designs.

Even with a small team, all of their leather and acrylic goods are made to order. Some have a full custom option if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for. There are also custom keychains, tags or wall art. Each design is made in-house and then burned onto leather using their industrial laser. Variations due to burn darkness make each piece unique, including a colored or patterned velvet backing. There are some store exclusives, like Turkish pillows and hand wrapped horseshoes, that you won’t find in their online shop.

With a lot in store, their beautiful, witty, nerdy and fun designs are sure to find a perfect home with someone who loves local, unique treasures.

Laughing With Laurel and Hardy

Harlem native Oliver Hardy began his film journey in his late teens while operating the Palace Theater in Milledgeville, Ga., alongside his mother. His early experience with comedy films inspired him to delve into the world of laughter even more, and in 1913 he began working for Lubin Motion Pictures in Jacksonville, Fla. Eventually, he started making appearances in silent shorts as a supporting actor or comic villain.

Though Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy had a plethora of experience in the film industry they never worked together until appearing in “The Lucky Dog” in 1921. The comedic duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy officially became a team in 1927 and until the 1940s Laurel and Hardy was internationally known for their slapstick comedy.

Slapstick comedy is essentially over-exaggerated physical activity with use of props that turn into comedic mishap or unfortunate events. Laurel and Hardy often featured physical arguments that involved their cartoonish styled, slapstick violence, much of it not following a defined narrative and instead beoming a basis for multiple ongoing jokes.

Even if you don’t know much about slapstick comedy you may have heard or seen a wee bit about the renowned duo, whether you knew it or not. They’re most famous for the taglines, “Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into,” and Hardy’s, “D’oh!” The latter eventually become a trademark saying for the character of Homer Simpson in “The Simpsons.”

The Laurel and Hardy Museum of Georgia is the perfect place to dive into the lives of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. At any given time, the museum only has about 25% of their collection on display for the public, it’s rotated out quarterly for a new selection of items. On October 2, the annual Oliver Hardy festival will take place in downtown Harlem with a parade, craft vendors, food, entertainment and local shopping. Be sure to stop by for a hysterically good time!

Appears in the October 2021 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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