Continuing the Tradition of Art and Culture in Clayton County
Did you know that 292,256 residents in Clayton County originated from states across the nation and countries around the globe? And that 52,000 students are enrolled in Clayton’s 67 public schools? When you consider those facts, it is clear we have a ‘united nations’ in our school system – children and teens from different places and backgrounds interacting and learning together.
But there is only one Arts Clayton, so we are reinventing ourselves to provide new arts education for our diverse youth population while setting the stage for multicultural exhibitions and performance collaborations in The Allan Vigil Georgia Gallery to improve the quality of life for Clayton County citizens and beyond.
Can Arts Clayton cultivate a community of critical thinkers where creativity and authenticity are the norms and realized dreams are the outcome?
We think we can!
Brian Hebert to serve as Interim Executive Director for Arts Clayton and Chief Curator
Brian Hebert, Interim Executive Director and Chief Curator of Arts Clayton
Photo Credit: JT – Studio 2201
With the retirement of our beloved founding Executive Director Linda Crissey, the Arts Clayton Board of Directors is pleased to announce that award-winning local artist and art educator Brian Hebert has been hired as the Interim Executive Director and Chief Curator.
Brian’s energy and vision are just what we are looking for as Arts Clayton continues to grow as a place of community where all are invited to experience the educational and healing power of art and where all voices are heard.
So, what is art and culture anyway, and why is it so important to our community?
According to Brian, “Art defines culture – it provides a release through expression. Expression that can be felt by the creator and appreciated by the viewer. Without art, there is no culture. All forms of art, visual and performing, provide an outlet, an essential release, a way to decompress.”
Brian joins us as a highly respected member of the Georgia arts community and 20-year resident of Clayton County. A graduate of Southern University A&M College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Brian helped start the Southwest Arts Center in SW Atlanta and served as Arts Education Coordinator in Visual Arts during his 18 years with the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture. He also taught classes in two- and three-dimensional design, working with new and already-accomplished artists. Brian ultimately served as Gallery Director and Chief Curator. His experience with curating exhibitions will be an incredible asset to Arts Clayton.
During the pandemic, Brian taught art education to elementary school students in the Henry County Public School System while serving as an independent curatorial consultant.
In addition to awards from the Fulton County Arts Council, Brian was recognized in 2018 by the Greater Atlanta Chapter of The Society, Inc., a nationwide nonprofit of women dedicated to promoting youth in the arts.
In an interview, Karon Williams of The Society, Inc., Greater Atlanta Chapter, offered this insight into Brian’s work and style. “Brian has duality,” she said. “When he is working at the Arts Center, he is all about the kids, teaching and motivating and mentoring so many students. And when he steps out of the center, he is an incredible artist.”
“My goal is to elevate continuously through group exhibitions and working with youth,” Brian said. “That develops bonds and friendships. In addition, I believe workshops and consistent conversation raise the bar in the art world.”
“In my new role, I am excited to enhance the impact of Arts Clayton and engage with stakeholders and artists throughout the county and region,” Brian said. “I look forward to merging Arts Clayton traditions with new ideas for diverse audiences.”
The new direction for Arts Clayton will feature contemporary arts education programs, quality visual arts programming through exhibitions, visual and performing arts collaborations, and special classes and workshops in various media and genres of art for children, teens, adults, and seniors.
If you would like to meet Brian Hebert, please join us at the Meet and Greet on Thursday, July 8th, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Arts Clayton in downtown Jonesboro.
Brian Hebert’s inaugural exhibition, “Pivotal,” which opens Friday, August 13th, speaks to pivotal moments, defined as big and little moments of clarity that provide us with new perspectives and opportunities to change our lives. Admission is free but registration is required (CLICK HERE), followed by Saturday Night Jazz on August 14th for a $15 donation. CLICK HERE to Register for Saturday Night Jazz, as seating is limited.
Photos credit: JT-Studio2201
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About the Publisher
Altimese Dees founded The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC., in 2008 out of a passion and commitment to providing real estate representation to buyers, sellers, property owners, investors, builders, corporations, and governments. Altimese is a member of the Arts Clayton Board of Directors and publisher of ComeHome2Clayton.com. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home or office in Georgia, please contact Altimese Dees, Broker/Owner, The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia; Direct: 678-644-1712; Email: deesaltimese@gmail.com; Web: www.RealEstateGalleryGA.com and www.TrustedRealEstateConsultant.com.
