Event Coverage
Third Thursday Exhibition and Tri-Annual Museum Mix Attract Art Enthusiasts to the Georgia Museum of Art
By Mia Watson
Athens art enthusiasts walked the galleries and partied outdoors at the Georgia Museum of Art during “Third Thursday” on Sept. 19.
Among the attendees was local Athens musician John Kiran Fernandes.
“I just love coming and walking through the galleries,” Fernandes said. “When I’m looking into a painting, I’m just absorbed into this other world. It sticks with me for hours after I visit the museum.”
The museum showcased several exhibits along with its permanent collection throughout the night. Attendees were free to walk around and enjoy new acquisitions by the museum in exhibits such as “Color, Form and Light,” “Storytelling in Renaissance Maiolica” and “Drama and Devotion in Baroque Rome.”
Karen Williams Herring, a University of Georgia alum from Jefferson, Georgia, noted the ever-changing exhibits as a prime reason she regularly attends Third Thursday.
“The different exhibits every time is my favorite part,” Herring said.
The last time she explored “Color, Form and Light,” she said there was a decorated chest. This Thursday, however, it had already been replaced.
Upon entering the upstairs galleries, visitors were greeted with the paintings of the formative Baroque artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. In the new exhibit “Drama and Devotion in Baroque Rome,” many visitors took pictures of a massive painting depicting the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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As visitors viewed the art, Athens musician DJ Zelium practiced mixing his set on the patio outside the lobby before the beginning of the museum’s thrice-annual “Museum Mix.”
Originally from New York City, DJ Zelium was invited by the museum to play house music during the three-hour outdoor party.
“House music is my thing,” he said. “I’m excited to spread the word to everyone — especially students and new visitors.”
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At 8 p.m., attendees gathered in the lobby to mingle over refreshments provided by The National, Marti’s at Midday, Depalma’s Italian Café and Donderos’ Kitchen.
People of all ages flocked from table to table as LED lightstrips and projectors came on outside.
As night fell, visitors trickled onto the patio to dance along to DJ Zelium’s set. Many watched curiously as the projector played various black-and-white videos of well-dressed men and women dancing.
As the Museum Mix marked the transition from summer to fall, both attendees and the performers were excited by the outdoor aspect of the party
“I like that we’re set up outside. It has a very nice ambiance,” DJ Zelium said. “It’s also finally starting to cool down, which I think is perfect for tonight.”
With the end of another Third Thursday, visitors were delighted by the party and the new exhibits on show.
“I’ll be coming back,” Fernandes said.
