CONTRIBUTED BY THE
AMERICUS-SUMTER COUNTY
ARTS COUNCIL
AMERICUS, GA —
The Americus-Sumter Arts Council will sponsor two Artist Talks on Friday, March 31, and Friday, April 7, at 6 p.m. at Sweet Georgia Bakery and Cafe, located at 134 West Lamar St. in downtown Americus.
Folk artist and musician Abe Partridge will present on March 31, and graphic designer and illustrator Rob Barge will present for Artsapalooza at First Friday, April 7.
The first Artist Talk, featuring Partridge — a musician, singer, songwriter, podcaster and visual artist — will give the audience a glimpse into his journey as a folk artist. His work is now featured in private collections and galleries throughout the Southeast, including a current exhibit titled “With Signs Following” at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center in Mobile that runs through May. Partridge will also shed light on how American Songwriter Magazine credits him with establishing “himself as one of the most respected songwriters and visual folk artists in the southeast.” After his Artist Talk, Partridge will be playing his music at Toboggan Steve’s later that evening. Both events will showcase Partridge’s artistic talents to those in attendance.
The following Friday, April 7, Americus Downtown will be celebrating First Friday Artsapalooza, and Barge, a graphic designer and freelance illustrator, will lead his Artist Talk audience through his own artistic journey as they, too, participate in the creative process. With 40 years of experience as an artist, Barge has worked with The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, The Palm Beach Post, and Columbia, South Carolina-based The State. For the last 15 years, he has also cultivated his own freelance shop, Hardware Graphic Design+Illustration Studio. A recipient of over 40 state Press Association awards in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina, as well as countless other national and international awards for his graphic design and illustration, Barge has a wealth of knowledge and expertise about the creative process and how to follow one’s passion.
Besides being a lifelong artist, Barge also played semi-professional baseball in his 20s. Although he was “a sure-handed defensive first baseman who couldn’t hit the curveball,” he has successfully mastered the playing field of a professional artist. With both his presence and passion for the creative process, Barge will dazzle his audience with his charm and wit.
Admission is free for both Friday night Artist Talks, though donations and membership to the Americus-Sumter Arts Council are encouraged. All proceeds support the Arts Council’s mission and vision.