Thursday, April 14, 2016

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

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