The History of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

In 1976, a small group of local artists, art enthusiasts, and educators came together to create a modest arts festival in celebration of the Nation’s Bicentennial. Featuring primarily student artwork and a few craft demonstrations, the inaugural Blue Ridge Art in the Park event was born. Held in the Blue Ridge City Park, in a community rich with traditional crafts such as quilting, woodturning, and carving, the event aimed to showcase local artists, Appalachian student artwork, and regional crafts.

The success of the first event inspired organizers to continue the festival the following year, sparking the idea to form a dedicated arts organization. After two years of grant writing, community efforts, and support from the Georgia Council for the Arts, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA) was officially established in 1980. Over 200 founding members signed the original charter, which proudly hangs in the Art Center today. BRMAA also became the official host of the annual Arts in the Park festival.

Throughout the 1980s and early 2000s, BRMAA was affectionately known as the “art nomads” of Fannin County, operating from various locations. Despite this, the organization remained true to its mission of providing artistic opportunities for personal growth. In 1980, BRMAA formally sponsored the Arts in the Park event, laying the foundation for future programming.

Starting with just a few ballet classes, local artist exhibits, and its flagship festival, BRMAA quickly expanded its offerings. With the help of a dedicated all-volunteer staff and board, the organization brought arts programming into public spaces, often free of charge. One example was the introduction of Concerts in the Park, a summer music series featuring local musicians and visiting performers. After each performance, a hat was passed to fund the next event.

In 1988, BRMAA received the Governor’s Award in the Arts from Georgia Governor Joe Frank Harris, a major milestone that significantly boosted the organization’s credibility and visibility. In 1992, with the help of then-President and Speaker David Ralston, BRMAA attained official nonprofit status. That same year, it hosted its first fiber arts exhibit, which was met with great success. A holiday-themed art show followed, featuring over 65 artists. The event not only increased membership but also revealed a growing demand for arts education in the region.

The Growth of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

In 2004, following the completion of the new Fannin County Courthouse, the Fannin County Board of Commissioners offered the historic Fannin County Courthouse (circa 1937) to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA). Over the next three years, and with generous support from members, local businesses, grant funding, and local government, BRMAA carefully remodeled the historic building. In 2007, BRMAA proudly hosted its first exhibit in the newly transformed Art Center. Since then, the Center has showcased over 80 exhibitions, blending modern functionality with the historical charm of the original structure and reinforcing its role as a cultural anchor in the community.

Today, the BRMAA Art Center features:

• Six gallery spaces
• A dance studio
• Music room
• Conference room
• Art supply store
• Business offices

In 2012, the Art Center expanded to include the Summit Studios, offering rental studio space for working artists. These studios provide the public with opportunities to meet artists, view their creative process, and purchase locally made art directly from the source.

BRMAA’s influence continues to grow, with:

• 1,000+ members
• 500+ resource artists
• Home to several vibrant arts groups, including:
  • Southern Appalachian Artists Guild (160 members)
  • The Blue Ridge Mountains Photography Guild (75 members)
  • The Poets and Writers’ Club
  • The WoodCarvers Club

Over the past three decades, BRMAA has launched and supported numerous community arts initiatives, such as:

• Blue Ridge Community Theater
• Arts and Wildlife Festivals
• Paws in the Park
• Concerts in the Park
• Master Series Art Workshops
• Artist in Residence Program
• Light Up Blue Ridge holiday event
• Oral History Project of Fannin County

Annual Events & Educational Programs

BRMAA offers a diverse lineup of annual events and educational opportunities for all ages, including:

• Community Quilt Exhibit
• Youth Art Month
• Writers’ Conference
• Summer Youth Art Camp
• Southern Appalachian Artists Guild National Juried Show
• Blue Ridge Mountains Photography Guild National Juried Show
• Expanding classes and workshops in painting, photography, dance, and yoga

The organization has also had the honor of hosting the Georgia Watercolor National Exhibit, along with numerous other nationally and regionally acclaimed artists across a variety of mediums.

Arts in the Park: A Lasting Legacy

BRMAA continues to host its signature event, the Arts in the Park festival series—now in its 49th year. In 2017 alone, the festival welcomed over 180 vendors and an estimated 19,000 attendees. Due to increasing popularity, a Fall Arts in the Park festival was added in 2011 to complement the Spring event.

Through its commitment to the arts, accessibility, and community, BRMAA honors the cultural heritage of the North Georgia Mountains. Since its humble beginnings in 1976, BRMAA has grown into a nationally recognized organization—helping establish Blue Ridge, Georgia as one of America’s Top 100 Art Towns.