When you think of glassblowing arts hubs, Murano, Corning, and Seattle may come to mind, but Americus, located in west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and only two hours north of I-10, an ideal stopping point when en route to Florida, is also on the list. A professor at Georgia Southwestern State University started the glassblowing program in 1979, fostering generations of young glassblowers. You can see their work in galleries around town. And downtown is full of unique shops selling goods from local artisans. You might even make something that you can take home!
Mobile Glassblowing Studios is a one-of-a-kind business that creates portable furnace for everyone from the hobbyist to the professional. Their Americus location has a small gallery of pieces and offers classes to the public through Hot Glass Academy.
Georgia Southwestern Fine Art Building Gallery showcases the work of students in the Department of Visual Arts as well as visiting artists. It contains two gallery spaces, including the James Earl Carter Library.
Americus Center for the Arts is run by the Americus-Sumter County Arts Council, which seeks to create cultural opportunities for the community through the visual, literary, and performing arts. The gallery features the work of local, and young, artists. The Arts Council also puts on workshops, camps, and events.
The Rylander Theater is a hub for the performing arts, carefully restored and renovated from its early days as a vaudeville theater to a modern venue. Reopened in 1999, the theater has their own troupe and also hosts concerts and plays.