| from the editor |
Art is one of the things that separates humans from other animals. Even the animals that use tools, like chimpanzees, are practical in their applications. Humans are all about decorating and design that please the eye.
The Moultrie area has made its own mark on the arts scene, including the sixth annual Southern Arts Invitational exhibit, which is on display now at the Arts Center of Moultrie. Our cover image shows the winning painting,“ The Dying Cowboy” by Margo Rufflin Hamilton of Thomasville. The juried exhibit draws entrants from throughout the region.
The Arts Center of Moultrie is a jewel in Colquitt County’ s crown and has been since it opened in the late 1970s. Learn more in a contributed article by Shelby Hawkins, the arts center’ s marketing director, beginning on Page 10.
Another aspect of the arts center that’ s often overlooked is its permanent collection, which includes paintings, sculptures and more from local artists, nationally recognized names, and Old Masters. Photographer Jill Stringfellow browsed the collection and shares some of what she found. Prepare to be surprised.
This issue of Moultrie Scene also includes profiles of two artists with local ties. Moultrie native Greg Byrd has found national success with a unique art style, while 16-year-old Vanessa Vazquez is getting local attention from her work at Colquitt County High School. Learn more about both in the pages of Moultrie Scene.
Moultrie Scene is dedicated to telling the stories of Moultrie and Colquitt County— the places, the people and what we care about here. If you know of stories we haven’ t covered yet, send me an email at kevin. hall @ moultrieobserver. com.
Kevin C. Hall Editor The Moultrie Observer and Moultrie Scene
CNHI’ s Magazine of the Year 2020 & 2021
Volume 9 • No. 9
Publisher LAURIE GAY
Editor KEVIN C. HALL
Contributing Photographers JILL STRINGFELLOW PHOTOGRAPHY
Contributors ADELIA LADSON AKILAH C. CLARKE SHELBY HAWKINS
Account Executive JANE BENTLEY
Design & Layout DEREK SCHAPER
Moultrie Scene Magazine is published monthly at 25 North Main Street Moultrie, Georgia 31768 by
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Letters and all editorial contributions may be sent to the above address.
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6 MoultrieScene SEPTEMBER 2025