High Cotton Arts
ATHENS-Fear as well as art brushes were clutched in the teenagers’ hands as they faced a blank canvas at High Cotton Arts on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
The teens, members of the Athens Mayor’s Youth Commission, were taking a painting class taught by artist and Athens Arts League Chairwoman Debby Smith. An art enthusiast donated funds so the Youth Commissioners could experience art and the sense of accomplishment from creating their own art piece.
The fear subsided as angels, the subject of their art creation, appeared on their canvases. Those canvases now are on display in one of the front windows and are part of Athens Arts League’s “Winter Wonderland” window decorating contest for this weekend’s Christmas Open House.
“Thank you so much,” said Youth Commissioner Emma Preston said of the experience. “I had a lot of fun painting.”
The public is invited to see the teens’ artwork during Christmas Open House on Friday, Nov. 18, through Sunday, Nov. 20. Sunday hours are 1-4 p.m.
The heart of the Christmas season will be throughout Downtown Athens during Christmas Open House as Santa arrives in town, an ice rink is installed on The Square, and a Tacky Holiday Sweater Contest is conducted. The art of the holidays will be at High Cotton Arts just east of the main Square. In addition to seeing the window display, shoppers can find locally made art, including art with a Christmas theme. In addition, there will be gift certificates you can purchase for the art lover on your Christmas list.
During the weekend event, High Cotton Arts will have cookies and cider for guests as well as registration for door prize drawings being held at High Cotton and by Christmas Open House event organizers.
Holly Holman
“The goal of High Cotton Arts is to provide art opportunities for our community and affordable studio space for our artists,” said
Athens Arts League Public Relations Chairwoman Holly Hollman. “We invite the public to come see our facility, meet the artists, shop for unique gifts and learn about art classes that are available.”
High Cotton Arts is located at 103 West Washington Street in Downtown Athens near the railroad tracks. For more information about High Cotton Arts, like us on Facebook or go to our website at www.highcottonarts.com.
