So much art in the Augusta area in June.
The themes of featured exhibitions are varied. Fashion, the nation’s birthday and an artist’s immigration story are among the topics explored in them.
At the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art’s Creel-Harison Gallery are works reflecting artist Sindhu Pillal’s immigration journey.
“Nostalgic memories of her childhood are found throughout the acrylic and collage works presented, and boats are featured throughout as a central motif,” according to a news release.
The exhibition will be on display from June 5-July 10, and an opening reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. June 5.
Also on First Friday is the opening of a new exhibition at Westobou Gallery.
Curated by Harvee White, “Something from Something” not only serves as an exploration of intersectional Black identity in collage but also attempts to answer why collage has positioned itself as a frontrunner medium for this exploration in general, according to the Westobou website.
White will give a curator talk at 5 p.m. June 5 followed by the opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m.
Also in Westobou’s MICRO gallery will be a series of Etch A Sketch creations by Edna Martinez.
Not all art on First Friday is visual art. At the Ann and Ellis Johnson Gallery of Art at the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, 739 Greene St., is L4Jazz and Called2Create bringing an immersive musical experience beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Musicians include Dylan Smith on vibraphone; Nery Kim on keys; Travis Shaw on bass; and Lamar Morgan on drums
Admission is $10 at the door.
Another event coming up at the Jessye Norman School is a “Semiquincentennial Tapestry,” a multi-media art exhibition in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14.
“In partnership with The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the state of GA, this collaborative project brings together 13 community and student artists creating 50 unique works that blend the evolution of American flags with the mapping of diverse urban centers, offering a powerful dialogue between history, geography, and contemporary identity,” according to the JNSA.
Another showcase tied into the country’s 250th birthday is at the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta.
The American Dream, a group exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. “brings together the voices of local and regional artists to explore the many stories that have shaped American culture, community, and everyday life.
From iconic imagery and historical figures to personal journeys and cultural traditions, each piece in this exhibition offers a unique perspective on what it means to be American. All visual art styles and perspectives are represented, making this a rich and diverse celebration of the American experience,” according to the organization’s website.
It will be on display June 2-July 31.
An opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18.
The Morris Museum of Art, One Tenth St., has two exhibitions related to clothing.
“Seams to Be: New Approaches to Textile Techniques” opened at the Morris Museum on May 12 and will be on display until July 11.
“Organized by the Georgia Museum of Art and independent curator Didi Dunphy, this traveling exhibition features the works of thirteen Georgia artists who are transforming traditional textile crafts—needlework, quilting, beadwork, and weaving—into fine, contemporary art. It explores the overlooked labor and skill involved in handwork and the diverse methods and aesthetics used to create these fabric works,” according to the museum’s website.
Dressed to Thrill: Sculpture by John Petry will be at the museum until Aug. 30.
“For more than two decades, artist John Petrey has created dynamic sculptures from everyday (but unlikely) materials and found objects. Bottle caps and playing cards are used to build one garment; asphalt shingles and copper sheeting to build another. His sculptures are an artistic take on the iconic 1960s shirtwaist dress. ‘I do them purposely in a vintage look because when people look…’” the website said.
An event tying into the exhibitions is Create with Me! Quilted Collage from 4 to 5 p.m. June 18.
“Bring the summer sky indoors when you create a sun- or rainbow-inspired work of art by exploring the quilted collage technique,” the website said.
The event is free for members and $5 for children. Advance registration required. Visit themorris.org for more information.
At the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, the art of Becca Anchor, Mary Houston and Alice Houston Miles is on display until June 18.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
