About Gilmer Arts

Gilmer Arts also operates the Gilmer Arts Playhouse, which hosts various performances, including local and regional productions. They offer arts classes for adults and children, ranging from visual arts like painting and sculpture to performing arts such as drama and music. The organization also runs an art gallery and a gift shop where local artists can showcase their work.

Throughout the years, Gilmer Arts has developed several key programs such as the B.E.S.T. Series (Bringing Ellijay Sensational Talent), which brings national and international artists to perform locally, and Acoustic Blends, an open mic night to support local musical talent. Additionally, the organization supports scholarships for high school students pursuing arts-related fields.

They rely heavily on community support through memberships, sponsorships, and donations, offering benefits like discounted tickets, workshops, and access to special eventsAt about the same time in 1999, the Gilmer Arts Community Theatre was formed. By 2001 it was firmly established. In 2013 the troup of actors, directors, costume and scenery staff officially formed the Gilmer Arts Players. The Players currently perform several community theatre productions per year.

In the 90’s GAHA started a scholarship program in the amount of $500, awarding a scholarship to a graduating Gilmer County High School student. In 2014 the Gilmer Arts George Link, Jr. Scholarship fund was established. Scholarships will be awarded to three graduating Gilmer County high school seniors in the amount of $1,000 each in the fields of performing, visual and literary arts.

In 2005 GAHA purchased and renovated the building at 207 Dalton Street. The new facility
enabled the organization to expand its current activities and establish new ones. Member artists now had the opportunity to exhibit their work which in some cases led to solo exhibits. Juried shows offered artists the chance to display and have their art judged by well established artists. Classroom space and performance space were also created.

At about the same time in 1999, the Gilmer Arts Community Theatre was formed. By 2001 it was firmly established. In 2013 the troup of actors, directors, costume and scenery staff officially formed the Gilmer Arts Players. The Players currently perform several community theatre productions per year.

In the 90’s GAHA started a scholarship program in the amount of $500, awarding a scholarship to a graduating Gilmer County High School student. In 2014 the Gilmer Arts George Link, Jr. Scholarship fund was established. Scholarships will be awarded to three graduating Gilmer County high school seniors in the amount of $1,000 each in the fields of performing, visual and literary arts.

In 2005 GAHA purchased and renovated the building at 207 Dalton Street. The new facility
enabled the organization to expand its current activities and establish new ones. Member artists now had the opportunity to exhibit their work which in some cases led to solo exhibits. Juried shows offered artists the chance to display and have their art judged by well established artists. Classroom space and performance space were also created.

In 2011 GAHA began sponsoring live music concerts featuring local and regional performers.
GAHA also started a live, monthly event called Acoustic Blends in which local talent performs in an “Open Mic” format. To encourage and foster new performers, a First Sessions class precedes Acoustic Blends to help build the skills and confidence of these novice performers to play with others and in front of others.

In 2012 Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association initiated the use of Gilmer Arts as their DBA
instead of GAHA for marketing purposes, instant recognition for web services and general ease of use.

The Gilmer Arts Gift Shop was opened in 2012. The gift shop-along with the gallery-provides
artists with a location to market their art and the community a place to purchase quality gifts and art.

In 2014 the B.E.S.T. Art Series was initiated. This series is designed to bring sensational visual art exhibits to North Georgia. Gilmer Arts is partnering with other art institutions and museums to bring works of art to Gilmer County that would not otherwise be seen locally. Membership programs and campaigns are a vital part of support for Gilmer Arts. In 2012 a new type of membership program, Membership Rewards Program, was initiated along with the standard memberships. This program reaches out to community businesses to benefit our rewards members with discounts and in turn brings business to local vendors. In 2013 lifetime memberships were initiated.

Membership has significantly increased over the years. There are two major fund raising events during the year. Gilmer Arts holds an annual auction which began in Spring of 2000. Members, merchants, artists, restaurants and service providers in the community donate items to be auctioned. This event generates between $10,000 and $20,000. In addition, there is a Gilmer Arts Attic Sale in the fall. Donations of household items, furniture and more are priced to sell. This event generates between $1500 and $2000.

Gilmer Arts has offered a variety of classes since its inception for all ages to encourage
development of talent and to educate. Adult classes have included studios, watercolors, photography, pastels oils, calligraphy, mosaics and more. Summer programs for children have included camps for art and drama experiences. Gilmer Arts is a work in progress. The organization strives to improve the quality of life in Gilmer County and North Georgia by continuing to bring educational and entertaining programs in literary, performing and visual arts.