Arts in the Heart Festival: A Celebration of Community and Creativity in Augusta
Augusta, Georgia, is buzzing with excitement as one of the biggest festivals in the area, Arts in the Heart, gears up for another year of fun! For those who have attended, there’s a good chance you have your own special memories tied to this beloved event — whether it’s the scrumptious food, the vibrant art, or the toe-tapping music. It’s a time when the community comes together to celebrate creativity in all its forms, and it’s all orchestrated by the local Arts Council.
Brenda Durant: A Legacy of Passion
This year marks a significant moment as Brenda Durant, the retiring Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, wraps up more than two decades of devoted service to the arts. With a sparkling joy in her eyes, Durant reflects on how Arts in the Heart has evolved over the past 27 years, transforming from a quaint gathering into a bustling festival that attracts over 100,000 visitors!
Durant’s passion for the arts is evident. She states, “My heart is with the arts. My goal in life was to have an arts job. I knew I wasn’t going to dance or sing my way into the arts, and so being an administrator for a small arts nonprofit was perfect for me.” When she first stepped into her dream role in 1997, the festival was just a small gathering on 8th Street. “It was crazy. We were in a gravel lot under trees with tarps over the food areas. I kind of called it a mass unit, like it was pretty rustic,” Durant shares with a chuckle.
Growth of a Community Tradition
Fast forward to today, and the festival has blossomed into a vibrant celebration with more than 150 food and craft vendors and five music stages spanning the heart of downtown Augusta. Durant reveals, “Over the weekend, we sometimes expect 50,000 people to come and enjoy the festival.” This success, she insists, is a testament to the teamwork and dedication of her staff: “It’s never been the Brenda Durant Show; this event thrives because of all of us.”
As the years passed, the festival grew to fit the community’s desires, keeping a close ear to feedback while maintaining its local charm. “We get more applications than we can hold. People don’t want us to spread too far, you know, Augusta and walking,” Durant explains. It’s clear that this local love is a vital ingredient to the festival’s success, creating a truly magical atmosphere along Broad Street.
Passing the Torch
As she prepares to retire, Durant shares a bittersweet note: “I have loved every minute of it. Some might think I’d be sick of it, but I am leaving the party when I am having a ball.” Her role is set to be filled by Denise Tucker, the Development and Public Art Manager for the Arts Council, who acknowledges the immense legacy left behind. “I am extremely excited. The process was very competitive, so I honestly didn’t expect to be chosen,” says Tucker. Yet, she is ready to build upon the solid foundation that Durant has created.
Don’t Miss Out!
If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, make sure you snag them while they’re still just $15. After Thursday, they’ll go up to $20 at the gate, so don’t wait! Arts in the Heart is not only a chance to enjoy great food and culture; it’s also a heartfelt celebration of what makes Augusta such a special place.
As the community gears up for another fantastic year, it’s clear the spirit of arts and togetherness is alive and well, thanks to passionate individuals like Brenda Durant and her dedicated team. So, grab your friends and family and get ready to dive into an unforgettable weekend filled with creativity and community spirit!
