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Pooler Magazine

The Arts are Everywhere in Pooler

by Cindy Reid

What are “the arts”? Are they paintings to be seen only in a museum or music heard in a symphony hall? And if we are being truthful, does the term “the arts” sound a little stiff, or boring or just plain not for us? What if we start from scratch and see the arts for what they are, which is simply the “expression of human creative skill and imagination”, works that are exciting, bold and powerful. True artistry can inspire and bring us together in appreciation for the artist’s skill in producing works that resonate with us in unique ways. And even better, we can all participate in creating art in any number of ways. Traditionally the arts have been defined as branches of original activity such as painting, music, literature and dance. Your favorite song is “the arts”, the same for your favorite movie or book. We live surrounded by accessible art. Think of these three categories: visual arts (architecture, ceramics, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography and sculpting), literature (fiction, drama, poetry and prose), and performing arts (dance, music and theater). If you admire a fine building, enjoy a good show and love to dance then you appreciate “the arts”. If you like to take artistic photos or write poetry, then you are participating in the arts. Look around Pooler and you will find all sorts of interesting artistic expression, some traditional and some that are brand new. Under the category of visual arts our area offers many beautiful views where you can set up an easel or take photographs. There is no shortage of scenic vistas in the coastal empire! For fun and inspiration check out the new “Painting with a Twist”, a place where you can have a good time and discover your inner artist. Paint along with their studio artist to create your own work of art that you will take home at the end of the evening. Filmmaking is most definitely a visual art and Pooler has a great selection of movie theaters where you can see the all latest films. Movie theaters today have all kinds of enhanced features such as sumptuousness seating and dining experiences, making your visual arts experience anything but dull or stuffy! Check out our local Pooler Cinemas and the Royal Cinemas & Imax. Under our next category, literature, look no farther than the wonderful Pooler Library, a branch of the Live Oak Public Library system. The library offers free recurring and special programs for all ages, from children through adult. For little ones they offer Music & Movement for preschoolers to learn from songs and moving to the music , ARTventure where babies and toddlers can experiment with various forms of art and gain independence through drawing, painting, sculpting, printing and Read, Sing, Play where babies and early walkers enjoy stories, bounces, songs, and tickles, followed by age appropriate sensory free play. For older patrons they offer Lego Club and Board Games & More and Movies & Crafts, and Author Series: Life Stories, an Adult Book Club. And of course, you can check out books, eBooks, emagazines - even movies and television shows- all free of charge with your library card! Lastly, we come to the category of performing arts and Pooler has no shortage of dance and music opportunities. If you want to introduce a child to dance lessons or finally learn a few steps yourself, check out one of the many dance studios in the Pooler area. For example, at Salon de Baile Dance & Fitness Studio, they teach a wide range of dances to couples, kids, and singles from all experience levels. Ballroom dancing, Tap, Hip/Hop, Salsa/Bachata Classes, Dance/Fitness Classes, Argentine tango, Country Two Step, they do it all and “bring rhythm back into your life”! We are going to stretch the boundary of Pooler just a little to include Bloomingdale’s own Randy Woods Guitars & Music Store- Coastal Georgia’s Home for Fine Musical Instruments, Expert Repair and Live Roots Music, a true coastal Georgia treasure. While there you need to visit Randy’s Pickin' Parlor , a 110-seat performance hall known for its excellent acoustics and intimate setting, where some of the best bluegrass, country and acoustic musicians like to come and play – mostly because they know Randy Wood, and his reputation, and they know that wherever he is, there’ll be lots of people in the audience who love and appreciate top-quality acoustic music. (from www.randywoodmusic.com). And let’s not forget our local museums, which are far from boring and stuffy. Visitors come to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force from all over the world to experience over 90,000 square feet of exhibits, interactive displays, historical artifacts and an outstanding collection of aviation art. Named 2019 Best Museum in the Coastal Empire, this is a must see destination. The newest addition to the arts scene is the Children's Museum of Pooler, which will provide hands-on learning opportunities and discoveries for children through imaginative exhibits and inventive programming. Watch for their Grand Opening March 14th, 2020. Pooler really is an arts community with many opportunities to enjoy music, dance, films, art and literature in our everyday lives. Enjoy the arts- try something new or revisit an old favorite!