Ninth Annual "Art in the Woods"

For Immediate Release

What: Ninth Annual “Art in the Woods”

Where: Stillmore, GA

Who: Stillmoreroots Group

When: Saturday, March 26th

Time: 10am-7pm (Music: 3-5pm, Artist’s Talk: 5pm)

Description: Art Exhibit in the woods of Stillmore, GA

Directions: www.stillmoreroots.org

Contact Information:

Anthony Faris

(912) 224-8296

at_stillmore@yahoo.com

www.stillmoreroots.org

Brief Description:

The Stillmoreroots group, an artist’s collaborative based in Southeast Georgia, is proud to announce their 9^th Annual “Art in the Woods” Exhibition. “Art in the Woods” is the hallmark art exhibition of Stillmoreroots, taking place in a managed pine forest of Stillmore, GA. The exhibit includes site-specific art installation, live music, and interactive exhibits. Stillmoreroots includes five artists from Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina. “Art in the Woods” has become a hallmark show of Stillmore celebrating the rich history, culture, and stories of rural communities in Southeast Georgia.

Long Description:

STILLMORE, GEORGIA – The Stillmoreroots Group, an artist collective based in Swainsboro, Georgia, will be hosting an all-day art exhibition in the woods of Stillmore, Georgia on Saturday March 26th, 2011 from 10am till dusk. Directions to the location are available on the group’s website www.stillmoreroots.org. The artists, Jean Gray Mohs, Anthony Faris, Bryan Ghiloni, Desmal Purcell and Brandon Tatom, will speak about their work at 5:00pm. Musical performances by regional musicians Alan Brasher, Jeb Cameron, Phyllis Free and Ron Ellison will take place from 3-5pm.

The Stillmoreroots Group was founded in 2003 by five art students attending Armstrong, Georgia Southern and the Savannah College of Art and Design. The first Art in the Woods was influenced by a connection to the Purcell family land and a desire to have more dialogue and personal interaction than what the gallery/ museum context traditionally provided. The result was a one-day event in the managed pine forest of Stillmore, Georgia, a town of less than 700 that saw many visitors traveling for an alternative art viewing experience on the first day of spring. Since the success of the event, the group has seen expansions and transitions of members, more than 20 group shows across Georgia, and an increased focus on rural communities with limited art programs. Over half of the members moved to rural Emanuel County to work with the Emanuel Arts Council, Gallery RFD, the Emanuel Artists Guild and other local organizations to help create awareness for the arts not only in their city, but through connections with other communities in middle Georgia.

The members of the group hold degrees in art from Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Atlantic University and Savannah College of Art and Design. Their ranks have included college professors, school teachers, Downtown Development Directors and gallery directors from Stillmore to Swainsboro, Savannah to Albany, Charolotte, NC to Raliegh, NC. Though trained mostly as painters and photographers, most of the work at Art in the Woods falls into the realm of installation: creating an environment as a work of art. Nature is integrated into the work, which allows them to expand into sculpture, mixed media, and performance. The result is work that relies on the importance of participation and discussion, that takes into consideration the journey into the remote area, and that is accessible to all ages. Both artists and non-artists alike have found value in the experience over the years.

“Art in the Woods” is the Stillmoreroots Group’s hallmark event, emphasizing the importance of setting aside time for quality interaction with individuals when approaching the subject of Art. This local artist’s group has been featured in Southern Living and the Atlanta Journal Constitution: bringing more awareness to their mission of art advocacy for rural communities. Art in the Woods will take place rain or shine. Proper footwear for walking in the woods is highly recommended. For directions and more information, please visit www.stillmoreroots.org or e-mail at_stillmore@yahoo.com.