Acclaimed writer on finding fascination in Columbus, developing the local literary scene, crafting fiction more true than truth, and awakening the genius in us all. Plus, which work she is most proud of in her stellar career — and why. How would you describe the art and science of teaching someone to write? “I didn’t start out as a teacher. I just kind of fell into it out of necessity...
Creator of the the wacky/wonderful/world-famous Lunchbox Museum, noted local collector and historian Allen Woodall now aims to “preserve the history of Columbus, Georgia.” What inspired you to create The Lunchbox Museum? “Back in 1985, I was in an antique show in Atlanta, Georgia, and on one of the tables one of the vendors had a Green Hornet and a Dick Tracy lunchbox. When I saw...
Strut the Hooch parade founder, musician, educator, author U.S. Navy veteran, bon vivant How would you describe the Strut the Hooch parade to the uninitiated? “As a kind of giant Mardi Gras parade.”Is it hard to instill that Mardi Gras vibe in Columbus?“No. I’ve found people who want to have a lot of fun and show off their personality and their creativity.”What are some of the most creative...
A conversation with Gallery Outreach Coordinator Eliza Daffin. Additional comments by Collection Manager Jessica Hughes. What distinguishes Southern photography as compared to photography from other places?“Southern photography is really rooted in history. And the place. Some Southerners have a real pride in where they’re from and who they are.Even though the history of the South is pretty...
Right-wing religious groups mobilize to block extending civil rights on basis of individual’s sexual orientation / sexual identity. Georgia one of 3 states in the country without civil rights law. Text from an email by Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall sent out to City Councilors 8.18.2021:Attached you will find a clean copy of the NDO which will be placed on the Agenda for next Tuesday...
New nonprofit will host popular annual event, the nationally touring Wild & Scenic Film Fest, August 19-21. How did the last local Wild & Scenic Film Festival in 2019 become its largest ‘On Tour’ event?“I think it’s because of the way we choreograph it.And the capacity potential we’ve got. We have an amazing urban footprint downtown now that’s walkable, with all these amazing outdoor...
The Chill Power Couple Columbus Needs Right Now Who — or what — is an Afro Hippy? “The term is more so to represent the alternative Black culture and the subcultures within that. Things I’m into: nerd culture, photography, things of that nature. On her side, it’s holistic care and the wide variety of things that play into that.We did the Afro-Hippy event [June 26 at the...
A conversation with Jonathan Frederick Walz, Ph.D., Director of Curatorial Affairs & Curator of American Art, at the Columbus Museum. He is curator of the exhibition Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful, which stats a national tour on July 9 at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. The exhibition concludes in Thomas’ hometown at the Columbus Museum, where it will be on...
Senior Pastor, St. Luke United Methodist Church Why do you think God called you to come lead St. Luke as Senior Pastor?“The ‘Why?’ will come about down the road. I don’t know the ‘Why?’ yet.But I can 100% percent say that God has definitely called us here to Columbus at this time in our lives. We know that because we were not looking to move. We were not planning to move. We didn’t ask for this...
What led you to the life of a luthier?“A desire to not go to more school. I went to the University of Georgia. It was May and I was about to graduate with a psychology degree but I in no way wanted to go to graduate shool, which is your option with a psychology degree.So I was trying to think of something to do. I had been playing guitar for a couple of years and I wanted some work done on one of...