Come out to the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum for a historic event, the 30^th Art in Gadsden Regional Exhibition of Fine Art opening Friday, July 13, 2018 at 6 pm. This year’s exhibition celebrates three decades of promoting creative work from our region, presenting 88 pieces of artwork by 67 artists from a total of 237 original submissions. Darlene Crosby, Exhibitions and Public Art Director of the Thomasville Center for the Arts, will serve as awards juror.  Crosby is a seasoned arts’ professional, with impressive accomplishments across the United States and Europe, including architecture and lighting design projects completed alongside Howard Branston—the designer responsible for the Statue of Liberty’s lighting program—Zaha Hadid, and Annie Chu of Frank Gehry.

Art in Gadsden continues to attract artists and art lovers into Quincy, a key part of the city’s growing art scene. Now celebrating thirty years, the exhibition’s longevity is a testament to the commitment of Gadsden Arts and the community to preserve and support our region’s creativity and artistic culture. “Art in Gadsden is part of Gadsden County history now. Thirty years of exhibitions featuring local and regional artists is quite an accomplishment and a reflection on the community’s love of art and culture,” said Gadsden Arts curator Angie Barry.

This year promises to be worthy of the exhibition’s reputation for diversity and quality, with a rich and visually electrifying collection of artworks awaiting audiences. Highlights from this year’s selections include Beth Appleton’s watercolor cut paper Purple Rain: Tribute, Eluster Richardson’s panoramic painting Carrabelle, and Gigi Gaulin’s steel sculpture Emergence.

As with every year, one artwork was selected to be used in a commemorative poster that will be available for purchase in the museum shop with the opening of Art in Gadsden. This year’s honor goes to Eric Sapronetti and his painting, Train to Blountstown. The painting features a train traversing a lush, colorful, sun-soaked tropical landscape filled with Florida’s natural treasures. To celebrate this 30^th Anniversary, Gadsden Arts will also offer note card sets featuring thirty years of Art in Gadsden poster designs in the Fletcher Museum Shop.

Art in Gadsden opens Friday, July 13, 2018 at 6:00 pm, with an awards ceremony at 6:30 pm. The exhibition will remain on view through Saturday, September 8, 2018. Suggested exhibition admission is $5 (museum members and children admitted free), with guided tours available for any group by reservation (850) 627-5023. The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum is located at 13 N. Madison Street, on the historic Courthouse Square in Quincy, Florida, just 25 minutes from downtown Tallahassee. Information can be found at www.gadsdenarts.org.