ATHENS, AL-
Step back in time and unravel the intertwined threads of Athens City Schools’ history and fine arts as showcased in a new exhibition at High Cotton Arts. The exhibit, named “History Takes the Stage,” displays a collection bequeathed by the late educators and alums of Athens High, Jackie and Helen Greenhaw, to the Athens City Schools Foundation. The display is jointly presented by the School’s Foundation and Athens Arts League.
A glimpse at the city’s history through original items associated with Athens over decades is what this exhibition offers. This collection goes beyond school chronicles, incorporating artifacts key to the city’s narrative. One can observe Athens’ journey through various eras via these items, thereby reflecting the unique character of the people who lived there.
Among the primary attractions are a band letter sweater hanging from a hanger originating from Jaffe’s, a former Athens department store, a piece of art picturing the Green University, photographic memorabilia, a band uniform, an illustrated large-scale Dick and Jane book, play and concert programs, choir albums and illustrated football programs.
A reception will be held at High Cotton Arts located at 103 W. Washington Street, Downtown Athens, scheduled for Sunday, May 26, from 2-3:30 p.m. Light refreshments and an opportunity to experience the exhibition will be extended to the public.
“It has been a unique experience to work on staging this exhibit, which provided an intriguing peek into Athens’ past. It is more than a simple archive of school history but a dovetailing of our city’s chronicles”, expressed Holly Hollman, Athens Arts League Board President.
‘Intrinsic Beauty of our Hometown’
Athens City Schools Foundation President, Marcia Day, expressed her gratitude to collaborate with the Athens Arts League in flagging the memorabilia collected by the Greenhaws over decades. She commented that the couple saw the “intrinsic beauty of (their) hometown” and “the value the past generations added in sculpting the city as it stands today”.
They believed in the importance of recurring generations learning about their history. Citing a favorite quote of the Greenhaw family from Winston Churchill, Day emphasized, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see”.
The exhibit will remain open for public viewing after Sunday’s reception during the regular operating hours of High Cotton Arts- Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
