The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street will debut the Crossroads: Change in Rural America exhibition at The Art Center June 20 and run through July 17.
In cooperation with Georgia Humanities, the Smithsonian Institution, University of West Georgia and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA), the exhibition “explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century,” according to a BRMAA press release.
“Crossroads allows us to reflect on Blue Ridge and Fannin County’s history, present and future, and we are excited to explore what the future may hold for our community,” Nichole Potzauf, executive director of BRMAA, said.
“We want to convene conversations about what makes our community unique and have developed local exhibitions and public programs to complement the Smithsonian exhibition. After such unprecedented times, we really understand what it means to be at a crossroad.”
The presentation is designed for small town museums, libraries and cultural organizations and will encourage conversation about how rural America has changed.
“Blue Ridge will develop complementary exhibits, host public programs and facilitate educational initiatives to raise people’s understanding about their own history, the joys and challenges of living rural, how change has impacted their community, and prompt discussion of goals for the future,” according to the release.
The Art Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 420 West Main Street in Blue Ridge, in the historic Fannin County Courthouse, and is reachable by calling 706-632-2144.