The arts are alive in Corinth and the new centerpiece is the recently opened art gallery at the Coliseum Theatre.
Officially known as Sonny’s Spot in memory of longtime arts supporter James “Sonny” Boatman, the new gallery serves as a place for artists to share their work as well as a venue for community gatherings and events and a center of education sharing the arts with the community.
Boatman ran the old artists’ gallery for many years and has dedicated his life to promoting local talent and hosting open houses. He could be found almost every day at the gallery, selling works by artists and engaging in conversations about art.
The gallery eventually closed after Boatman’s death.
But now is a new day for local artists to step back into the spotlight of the community.
“It’s exciting,” Coliseum director Patrick Hudson said. “We are thrilled to be able to share this with the community.”
The gallery, a project of the Corinth Area Arts Council and the Coliseum Theatre, is located in the former Hot Heads barber shop on Cruise Street, next to the Colosseum offices. The gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will also be open during evening Colosseum events.
The gallery fills a void left by the closure of the former Corinth Artist Guild Gallery three years ago after a 15-year run. When the Artists Guild closed, they transferred a small portion of their remaining funds to the Colosseum for future projects.
Hudson said they are currently accepting submissions for the new gallery’s first exhibition “Bird and Branch.” He explained that the exhibition will be a celebration of nature and the outdoors and that they welcome submissions from all mediums highlighting these themes.
Hudson said they welcome ideas from the community for future exhibits.
More than a gallery, Hudson wants the space to become a meeting place.
“It’s not just an art gallery, it’s a meeting space and a community space,” he said.
They also offer an education center with many classes planned for the weeks and months to come, including music, drama and visual arts camps for children and teens and classes in stained glass, painting and painting. creative writing, photography for beginners, and photoshop for older teens and adults.
