Arts on the Coast is proud to present ArtNite No. 2 of 2023. The Days of Ford & Roses exhibit will feature an array of artwork in mediums ranging from watercolor, oil, photography, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media. ArtNite is family friendly and open to the public. Stop by and meet your local artists, enjoy small bites and drinks. This show will also feature select works from Frances Meeks Elementary 4th graders.

May marks Historic Preservation Month, and in honor of our friends at the Richmond Hill Historical Society and Museum, Arts On The Coast is proud to present: Days of Ford and Roses on May 12, 2023 at the Arts On The Coast Gallery from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In the book The Henry Ford Era at Richmond Hill, GA by Franklin Leslie Long, Ph.D. and Lucy Bunce Long, there is a section entitled: Fence with Cherokee Roses. It speaks of how Henry and Clara’s taste in simple beauty was amazing. The ‘Ford Era’ fence that is seen throughout the area — posts of concrete with rectangular holes evenly spaced to accommodate the fence boards were painted white. It ran from Richmond Hill to Sterling Creek, a distance of two and a half miles. It had Cherokee roses on it all the way.

World renowned, Savannah songwriter Johnny Mercer's tune.. ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ - the wording was reconfigured to be ‘Days of Ford and Roses.’ A theme symbolic of Henry Ford’s enduring impact on the local area, but also an ode to those Cherokee Roses… Some of which can still be seen along Highway 144. The Cherokee Rose is also the Georgia State Flower.

Put all that together, and the fact that May is Historic Preservation Month… it all seemed too appropriate a theme for ArtNite. It’s relevant to where we live now yet reminiscent of the Days of Ford and Roses.