Words & Music Program in Wetumpka Shows Another Side of ARA

Words and Music

A Step Back in Time

Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery (The KELLY) and the Wetumpka Depot were the hosts of the program "Words and Music" on April 3rd. Designed to take the audience back in time, there were multiple readings from both the Greensboro Writers Guild/ARA members from Georgia as well as selected Alabama readings including a charming piece about growing up in a cotton grower's family by Phyllis Kennedy of Titus, AL. The reception that followed was sponsored by Central Alabama Electric Coop. This event, as are all ARA related events was free and open to the public.

Local musicians including Elizabeth Bowles and Donny Tomlin (playing old favorites on traditional rural America instruments), The Forgiven Heart gospel group (Singing hymnal favorites accompanied by Junior Jones on piano), and David Craig who beautifully sang some of Hank Williams' Country Music hits.

Members of the Greensboro (GA) Writer's Guild read selections of their writings around the theme of "Abandoned Rural America". A beautiful video about farm life in the early to mid twentieth century will include an interview with Bill and Sarah Matthews of Titus, AL. Added to the program was a hilarious Music Video by acclaimed Cowboy humorist and former large animal veterinarian, Baxter Black which drew great laughter and applause from the audience. 

KELLY president Kathy Willis opens the program with words about
the KELLY, the DEPOT, ARA, and the musicians

Alabama native Phyllis Kennedy gave a nostalgic and humorous
look back about growing up on a cotton farm 

The event was presented in conjunction with the "Abandoned Rural America" exhibition, currently showing at The Kelly through April 22.

Readers and musicians from the Words & Music program.
Missing from the photo is singer/musician Elizabeth Bowles

An enjoyable and tasty reception was held following the program.

All images by Alabama photographer Wayne Atchison
The Wetumpka Depot is located at 300 S. Main Street in Wetumpka.

Visit the KELLY online for more information by clicking HERE

Abandoned Rural America continues at the KELLY in Wetumpka, AL through April 22

The KELLY Hosts Square Dancing in Association with the ARA Exhibit this Coming Tuesday

Grab your partner and “Do-si-do” down to The Kelly on Tuesday, April 19 from noon to 1:00 pm. Bring a sack lunch! Drinks and desserts will be provided. The Kelly is the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery located at 408 Main Street on the second floor of the city administration building next door to the Civic Center. The program will be the last in conjunction with the Abandoned Rural America exhibition, which ends on the 22nd of April. The entertainment will be provided by members of the Montgomery Square Dancing Association. Al Stevens will do the calling while Jim & Mary Wolfe, Roger & Marilyn Wright, Duane & Delores Beasley, and Jessie Barron & Martha Lyons will do the dancing. During the lunch time, Mary Wolfe will play the fiddle. Wayne Nicholson who teaches Line Dancing at the Life Long Learning Institute will give a brief history of Square dancing and instructions on line dancing for the audience. The program and exhibition are open to the public.