The Americus-Sumter County Arts Council (ASCAC) has a variety of activities happening in the very near future.
To start with, the board members started Saturday Art Workshops (SAW) during the month of February. They are held at the Americus Arts building, 326 W. Forsyth St. These will be offered to the public. The fees vary and so do the activities.
So far this month, they’ve held a canvas painting party hosted by Yasmin Hasnain. Jeff Williams and Cate Bailey held a mixed-media painting workshop inspired by the works of Jim Dine. Local performer and recording artist Rob Bailey offered guitar lessons on chords and chord shapes.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, Phyllis Smith and Jeff Williams will offer painting on ceramic tiles with acrylic enamel. The cost of this workshop is $15.
For the month of February the ASCAC is also hosting Georgia Music History by renowned author and luthier Todd Lunneborg. The workshops will culminate from 5-8 p.m. March 2 at First Friday. The course (all four nights) is $80.
The great thing about the events is 20 percent of the course costs go directly to the Americus-Sumter County Arts Council.
In March we have our 5th annual Jazz Night happening! Saturday, March 10, the Americus Arts building will host live jazz music, a catered buffet, a cash bar, and dozens of items in our silent auction.
The tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and the festivities will begin at 6 p.m. The last chance to bid on the wonderful donations will occur about 8:30 p.m. as the event ends at 9 p.m. If you would like to order tickets please contact any board member or email the ASCAC americus.sumter.arts@gmail.com. The event is semi-formal.
The ASCAC list of events is not complete without Arts in Rees Park. This year we will have Arts in Rees Park from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  on March 21 We are obviously hoping for wonderful weather and lots of people strolling through the park buying things to eat, drink, take home, and memories from the various entertainers.
If you have any questions, would like to donate for Jazz Night, or wish to participate in or be a vendor for Arts in Rees Park, please email us or contact a current board member. Our board members are President Rob Bailey, Vice President Yasmin Hasnain, Treasurer Jean Daniel, Secretary Cate Bailey, Anne Thomas, Lewis Porter, Mark McLaughlin, Brita Hobbs, Phyllis Smith, Todd Lunneborg, and Jeff Williams.
The ASCAC has made some incredible gains in the past year and look forward to you visiting us during our SAW February activities, coming to Jazz Night 2018, and stopping by during Arts in Rees Park 2018!
May the arts be with you!

Rob Bailey is president of the board of directors, Americus-Sumter County Arts Council.