One of the most popular exhibits on display at the Historic Ritz Theatre in recent years is back in an all-new version to benefit music education programs at local schools.  And the public is invited to a fun-filled opening reception on First Friday, March 5, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) is pleased to present The Art of Music II, an exhibit of works inspired by music and musicians created by more than a dozen artists in a variety of media. The exhibit runs March 5-27 in the gallery space at the Ritz.  The First Friday kick-off (free and open to the public) will feature live musical performances by The O’Reallys and Corn Eyed Trout; a reception courtesy of Cargo, Southern Soul Barbeque, Loco’s, and Larry’s Giant Subs; and a raffle of great prizes from Southeast Adventure Outfitters, Coastal Kitchen, and Monkeywrench Bikes.

The Art of Music is the brainchild of local photographer Randall Hollis, who exhibited his music-themed photos at the Ritz in the summer of 2008.  This year, Hollis opened up the show to artists in other media as well.  Among those exhibiting will be photographers Butch Paxton and Wayne Morgan, painters Sue Byrne Russell and Deborah S. Watson, and ten others.  A portion of the funds raised from the sale of raffle tickets, donations, and art sales will be donated to Glynn County school music programs. 

“When we did this in 2008, I had just begun to learn to play bass, so music education was already on my mind when my friend Donna McCollum (who is also exhibiting this year) remarked that there ought to be some way to use the show of artwork to help music education here; this benefit was my answer,” explains Hollis, whose extensive background in art photography shifted in recent years from meditative nature subjects to handheld performance shots.  

And speaking of music, GIAHA has a jam-packed musical weekend in store immediately following the exhibit opening. Tickets are on sale now for the Hank Williams Tribute: Legend Froze in Time, at the Ritz on Saturday, March 6 (two shows, 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.), and free admission passes are available while they last for the U.S. Navy Concert Band performance at Glynn Academy Gymnasium on Sunday, March 7, at 3:00 p.m. People attending the First Friday opening will also be able to purchase tickets for the return engagement of Dromedary, the virtuoso world music group from Athens, GA, on April 3.

“We do so much eclectic, world-class music programming here at the Ritz that a visual art exhibit celebrating music seemed like such a natural,” says GIAHA Executive Director Heather Heath. “And we’re so happy to add to the fun atmosphere of Downtown Brunswick on First Friday with an opening that features some of our favorite local performers. We’re looking forward to a big night.”

The Art of Music II is also made possible by support from contributing sponsors Bluemoon Web Design and Ace Hardware. For more information, call 912-262-6934 or visit GoldenIslesArts.org.