The Arts in Gilmer County, More Important Than You Think

It’s the time of year to join or renew your membership with Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association (GAHA), but you may not realize how important your support is, not just to our organization, but to the entire community. 

As we all try to think of ways to help our struggling local economy, we often overlook one of the best resources right here in our own back yard: our local, non-profit art association.  To understand how important the arts are in any community, we must take a look at its impact, both from an economic and a cultural point of view.  

Collectively, local arts programs across the state of Georgia contribute millions to our communities every year.  These are dollars that remain local, tourism dollars being a large part of those revenues. 

Nationally, the arts account for approximately six percent of the U. S. gross national product, more than many other industries.  According to the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), one study estimated a $376 million impact to our state from only ninety-eight grant recipients’ participating programs.  In 2009, $3.9 million in GCA awards returned over $6.1 million to our Georgia counties and cities in sales tax revenue.  No wonder a loud cry went up when our state leaders wanted to cut GCA funding.  In one Georgia county, a non-profit art association comprises the fifth largest employer--Miller County, home of the beloved “Swamp Gravy”.  

This is a prime example of a community growing their own economy through the arts when little else was available. 

Every year, GAHA events put money back into our own economy through shows, programs, galas, art shows, classes, a history museum and more.  Any community without the arts would be dull indeed. 

“Many of the shows brought to Ellijay over the years have been world-class productions that would normally require a trip to a large city to experience,” says John Mahan, GAHA Board President.

Culturally, our local art association brings both the visual and performing arts to many who would otherwise never be able to experience it.  GAHA and its volunteers work tirelessly every year to bring both the big shows, through the B.E.S.T. (Bringing Ellijay Sensational Talent) Concert Series and small events such as our Coffeehouse where you can meet folks in our community over coffee and dessert while enjoying a free evening of live, local entertainment.  Both the Run for Roses Auction and the Masquerade in the Mountains event gave local citizens and visitors alike an unequalled night of entertainment.  

In fact, when members of the committee began meeting to discuss soliciting items, there were concerns that local merchants might be unable to donate this year due to the poor economy. 

“Boy did that concern go away fast,” says Sam Rise, GAHA Board Member and committee member in charge of donations for the auction event. “Not only did our local merchants step up to the plate, they hit homerun after homerun with their giving.  It goes without saying that without their generosity, our auction would not have been the success that it was,” she continues. 

The Gallery at GAHA has been recently renovated and has a year round calendar ranging from student art exhibits to regular and juried art shows which provide the community an opportunity to view and purchase the best of our local artists’ work.  GAHA’s youth programs bring both cultural events and opportunities to the children of our community through the B.E.S.T. for Kids endowment and annual art exhibits. 

“It is well documented that individuals look for these types of programs when considering living in or visiting a community, and GAHA strives to provide something for everyone in designing our programs each year,” says Tammy Williams, GAHA Director. “We are always open to fresh ideas and welcome new volunteers,” she continues.

GAHA has been well supported in our community for over thirty years and continues to bring Ellijay and Gilmer County entertainment and opportunities to participate in the arts, culture experiences, educational opportunities and historical experiences for both citizens and visitors alike.  

“In a time when we are losing the personal touch with our neighbors and community, you can help us fight to keep the small town atmosphere of Ellijay alive and well by supporting not just your local non-profit art organization but also our local merchants and artists,” says Camille Day, GAHA Board Member.

Please consider joining Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association and start taking advantage of the wonderful programs we offer.  Membership begins at just $25.  The membership year is July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.  For more information, call 706-635-5605 or visit us at www.gilmerarts.org.  Your membership fee is considered a donation and is tax deductible.: