THE BEST HEATING & A / C
From the editor
COMPANY FOR 14 YEARS !
Hello and Happy New Year from Valdosta Scene !
Valdosta , GA 229-244-1200
Thomasville , GA 229-225-1200
As I look toward 2025 and reflect on 2024 , I am reminded of the growth I ’ ve seen in myself and my co-workers this past year .
Personal growth isn ’ t a quick process and can often require new surrounding and even uncomfortable conversations . This year , my growth was found at camp , in the mountains of Colorado .
Something about being in the outdoors , surrounded by people who don ’ t know you but still love you , changes you .
While we have already shown you the value of traveling through our Travel Scene , maybe you ’ ll take inspiration from this edition to look toward art to gain a new perspective .
The Turner Center for the Arts debuted its new exhibit in January , but art and its muse are never far away . Art isn ’ t just paintings , collage , or sculptures . Art is photography . Art is murals . Art is an interpretation of your view on the world . This edition features Valdosta locals who help those around them gain new perspectives through art , and in turn , transform the ordinary to the extraordinary .
When I first began researching artists in Valdosta and came across Hannah Wacter , I thought she was the perfect female to profile , but learning she ’ s from a family of artists fascinated me even more .
Hannah grew up in a family surrounded by visionaries . Her uncle was a celebrated local artists , and her parents were local photographers , who enjoyed the storytelling and artistic approach of photography . Renowned for their portraits and wedding photography , Jeff and Julie Gandy instilled that same love in Hannah , who found a similar love for storytelling , only through painting .
Hannah and her parents can sometimes be found at the same wedding . While her parents are capturing the moment digitally , Hannah is painting live wedding portraits , giving brides and grooms everywhere more than one perspective on the day- both of which are equally beautiful .
But , it ’ s not just weddings Hannah paints . In fact , she picked up a knack for landscapes and scenery through her mentor , Steven Walker .
Steven not only played an integral role in Hannah ’ s life , but has prided himself on exposing everyone to the arts , through murals and public artwork as a member of the Valdosta Arts Advisory Council .
As Walker continues to be inspired by every piece , he longs to help others who may not have exposure to the arts find inspiration .
So , this year , look toward art , look toward photography , for inspiration and a new perspective .
6 Valdosta Scene | February 2025
Jill Holloway Managing editor Valdosta Scene