In addition to serving on the first board of directors for the museum and remaining heavily involved with it by serving as chair of its exhibits committee , Blackmarr oversaw the Arts Experiment Station , the predecessor of the Arts Connection Program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College , and helped found the South Georgia Arts Alliance , an eight-county organization that works to promote art events and tours across the allied regions .
“ One of the most satisfying parts of my work is how I was able to encourage other people to collaborate ,” Blackmarr said . “ Other organizations , cities and counties even to do something that had not been done on any major scale in our towns .”
Blackmarr said much of her appreciation for the arts comes from her family , who deeply treasured the value of the arts and raised her to do the same . She credits her mother most with instilling this love and appreciation for the arts , as well as the power they possess .
“ The reason I have such a passion for making the arts happen is that I really believe they have a transformative power ,” Blackmarr said . “ The arts reach people on a deep level , they bring people together in a non-political way and they can enrich our community by giving us a way to celebrate who we are from the perspective of creative peoples . I
believe in the power of the arts to make a difference in our lives , in very subtle , but important ways .”
As for a cornerstone of Tifton ’ s history receiving her name , Blackmarr expressed her
As part of an event at the celebratory gala to raise funds for the arts center , various items were put on auction , including the letters that formerly graced the front of the historic church building in giving the structure its former name .
A multitude of guests came out for the gala in celebration of a new day for such a prominent piece of Tifton ’ s history ; attendees , including Tifton Mayor Julie Smith , mingled in the courtyard during the spring evening filled with live music and refreshments . bottomless appreciation for the gesture , admitting it is a bit of a surprise but one that she is nonetheless honored to receive .
“ It ’ s very humbling to have my name on it , because I realize so many people love that building – they went to church there , they grew up there , they married there or they had memorial services for their loved ones there ,” Blackmarr said . “ There ’ s a lot of deep attachment to it , personal attachment , so that makes me even more humbled that my name is on the building . I never want to forget the attachments that people have to it personally .”
Moving ahead , the newly christened Syd Blackmarr Center for the Arts , referred to as “ The Syd ” by many of the members of the newly renamed Tifton Council for the Arts , will continue to offer classes and programs to bring art expression to Tifton , starting with several events taking place throughout June .
Blackmarr plans to continue her involvement with the arts center , not only remaining in her position as chair of the exhibits committee , but continuing to advocate for art recognition and appreciation wherever she can . TS
22 TiftonScene | JULY 2022