Yearly archive for 2021

Artists among us! Some in hand work, artist with the words and even scupting

Quilts are treasured, especially when hand crafted as Diane Dye will tell you.

Regarding those in our community who are gifted in the arts like the following four people, we have many more who have talents by pen or pen and pencils with splashes of paint and hues as well. Let us know at the Chamber and we will show you off in Did you know about this?

Victoria Simmons, has produced two books. Vanish Towns Remembered in Crawford and Peach County. A good read for history preservation and to sit back and read the romantics of the past. The towns gone are still remembered in many history books, however, Simmons researched and found old photos of towns in the book. Her research added to the lesson in history of the towns in Crawford and Peach County that have vanished but still are remembered. Here second book is written by hearts following and here ministry…Day at a time with God. Those readers who have purchased the book have turned the book into a read until finished… instead of one day at a time.

Three Authors-three different audiences

Tony Byram, a retired educator and coach, has written a book entitled Gametime.  In his book, Tony presents a fictional account of what the outcome might be if the ten best teams of his career were to compete against one another. Each team is described in detail and the outcomes are based on real life statistics and individual talents. Twenty-one of his thirty-six years of coaching were spent in Crawford County.  The players come alive and they get their chance to shine once again years after hanging up their cleats.  Many players are named in the book.

Stephen (Steve) Davis, a retired banker, penned a collection of stories, jokes and anecdotes. The stories may be humorous, but all teach “life lessons”.  The expression “Boomer Boys” refers to the generation that was born post WWII.  Many of the characters in the book are kin to the author and many are friends and acquaintances, so the author’s experiences are related to real people. Steve did not want to lose the stories, so he began writing them down some thirty years ago.  He does a great job of passing the stories on.

David Hunt, a retired educator, writes children’s books about dogs.  The main character is a Maltese-Yorkie named Sweet Willie McDuffie. During trips to the veterinarian, when Wilie was a puppy, David would make up songs about Willie, which resulted in the song “Sweet Willie McDuffie” and that’s when the author decided to write a book. Two Willie McDuffie books have been published: “Willie Takes the High Road” and “The Furry Worrier”. The stories are about bullying and worry.

Norma Jeanne Trammell, an artist in her own right, does a wonderful job of illustrating The Willie McDuffie books.  She once taught the fourth grade and kindergarten in Crawford County.  She presently resides in Monticello, GA.  Visit her website at www.normajeantrammellart.com.

There are many others out there who gifted artists are let us see some of your works! See our quilters and our other artists at the Georgia Jug Fest where artistry is celebrated. The art of professional horse riding is an old form of horse riding sitting upon a trained horse. 

Many artists are among the many in our city and county who pick up a brush and begin to paint a portrait or outdoor scene. Potters like Shelby West, Stephen Johnson and Pam Perry and more coming up and out of our schools, taught to produce their own artistic offering to the public.  You will see the results at the annual Georgia Jug Festival and Old Knoxville Days, held in May each year. Celebrate the artists we have in our community.