Arts guild hosts gallery opening and reception

DALTON, Ga. — The Creative Arts Guild hosts a gallery opening and reception on July 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 520 W. Waugh St. Featured is a new body of work by mother/daughter duo Phyllis Burkhart Wilson and Lana Wilson in Jonas Hall. The exhibit of self-taught artist work with guest curator Chris Beck in Gallery FIVE20 and ONE11 will continue. In addition, the Guild hosts the first “Art Talking to Art.” This collaboration with Jody Harris, Cat Payne and the Dalton Writers Guild will present performances of prose, poetry and spoken word inspired by and paired with the artwork on display in galleries and the sculpture garden. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact gallery director Savannah Thomas at 706-279-3129 or savannaht@creativeartsguild.org.

Jasper Library to show McCollum movies

JASPER, Fla. — The Jasper Public Library will be showing a pair of movies this month related to the Ruby McCollum story.

The first movie, “The Other Side of Silence,” will be shown Tuesday from 3:30-5 p.m. The documentary was written and re-told by Dr. Claudia Johnson, a former resident of the area, renowned author and gifted writer.

The second film is “You Belong to Me,” a dramatized documentary of the McCollum-Dr. Clifford L.. Adams story, will be shown July 19 from 3:30-5 p.m. Produced by Hilary Salesman and Jude Hagan, it includes interviews with Sam McCollum Jr. and Edna Rae Black Hindson, daughter of the late A. Keith Black, the state attorney during the McCollum trial.

On Aug. 3, 1952, the late Ruby McCollum, a prominent African-American woman in Suwannee County, shot and murdered the late Dr. Clifford L. Adams, one of the most prominent Live Oak citizens.

It was a story that garnered national and international attention.

Those interested in local history will enjoy the two films upcoming at the Jasper Public Library.

Both movies are free of charge.

Gayle elected to GMA board

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Valdosta Mayor John Gayle was elected to the board of directors for the Georgia Municipal Association recently during the association’s annual meeting. Gayle will serve in an at-large position on the board. “We are pleased to have Mayor Gayle continue serving in this leadership position,” said Larry Hanson, GMA executive director and the former city manager of Valdosta. “He is well respected by his colleagues and provides excellent guidance to the GMA board of directors.” Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical assistance services to its 521 member cities.