The art show "Rural Georgia and the Vanishing South" opened with a successful reception at the Art Gallery La Place last Thursday, November 13. Among the approximately 60 attendees were local buisness owners Gilda Watters, Managing Director of the Georgia Tourism Foundation, and Bruce Green of the Georgia Deptartment of Economic Development. Also attending were Arts Developement Council of Georgia board members Kathleen Gill of Winder and Lee Nelson of Union Point.

"We're honored by the great show of support and enthusiasm from the community and state officials," Anne Jenkins, the managing artist, said. "It was a great start to a successful weekend and annual art ramble for the gallery and Washington."

The first holiday Art Ramble brought many new people to Washington even though the weather didn't cooperate. As an example, Jenkins noted, one couple from Madison said they came up and stayed at the Fitzpatrick for the night to do the Art Ramble.

"I hope all the town's businesses will benefit especially as it grows each year, and it looks like we had a good start," Jenkins said.

The gallery featured artists demonstrations all weekend with Augusta potter Tierney Rollins being of special interest to the crowds. Visitors are always so intrigued to see a pot being thrown on the wheel, Jenkins added.

The winner of the door prize, a gingerbread house made by Sherley Selman of Union Point, was Mike Scarborough of Washington.

The gallery, located at 7 East Square, will be open every Sunday until Christmas from 11:00 a.m.. - 4:00 p.m. For information call 706-486-6808.