(Featured image from 2022 Arts in the Heart of Augusta. Courtesy Rhian Swain, RedWolf Advertising)
Visual artists, performers and arts lovers from far and near will descend upon Augusta’s downtown for the annual Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival Sept. 15-17.
Sponsored by the Greater Augusta Arts Council and powered by teams of volunteers, the arts festival has something for arts lovers of all ages and even things for people who don’t see themselves in that category.
More than 100,000 people attended last year’s festival, according to Brenda Durant, the arts council’s executive director, and it’s back to pre-pandemic strength.
One of the crowd draws is the food with offerings from about 18 different countries.
“Germany is back this year,” Durant said.
It’s been a few years since the German contingent was involved, but there should be brats and sauerkraut a plenty along with foods from other regions.
The children/family area should be a lot of fun, according to Durant.
Spearheaded by Heather Dunaway and Erica Pastecki, the area promises to have lots of fun interactive children’s activities, street performers, public art and the Young Artists Market.
Durant said they’ve put their hearts into planning the area, and Dunaway’s office has resembled a toy store with all of the items she’s accumulated in preparation.
There will be five stages of non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend. with everything from hip hop to jazz to rock, according to a news release.
“New performances for 2023 include Comedian Mario Tory, Ryan Abel and Friends present Georgia Rock and Roll, Wayne Hoey Big Band featuring Russell Joel Brown and Joe Stevenson presents Southeastern Songwriters with John Krueger, Shaun Piazzaz and Andy Colbert,” the release said.
Also, there are more than 130 juried artists from around the region who will have an array of items for sale. And several local artists will paint live in Artzilla at the Augusta Common.
And if it gets too hot, stop inside the Miller Theater to beat the heat.
Advanced festival badges are $12 per person and available online or at the following locations in Augusta: Richmond County Tag Offices, Tax Commission Office, Sacred Heart Cultural Center Gift Shop and at Augusta and Co.
Children 10 and under are admitted to the festival free. Badges are $15 per person starting Sept. 15 both online and at the gates. Printed online tickets can be exchanged at the gates for a festival badge. Pets, guns and coolers are not allowed.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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