Wine and art unite in Discover the Arts Wine Tasting

Blackberry Creek artists to show at Gold Creek
By Michele Hester

Art and wine have shared many stages over the years and will once again unite March 11 when nine award-winning local artists exhibit their work in an art show and wine tasting at Gold Creek Golf Club.

The artists of Blackberry Creek Gallery, all of whom live in Dawson County, have for years played a noticeable role in bringing the arts to the area by incorporating the beauty of North Georgia into many of their works and taken steps to encourage a vibrant artistic community in Dawsonville.

Lindsay Greenwood, Gold Creek Golf Club’s food and beverage manager, said Gold Creek is honored to host the exhibit. “We have a few pieces from the artists on display in our dining room now,” she said. “They are lovely and add certain elegance to the clubhouse. We are really looking forward to the wine tasting and art show.”

Throughout the evening the artists will be in attendance to meet and greet attendees, who will be able to not only experience a resurgence of artistic style but also taste wines from all over the world and right in their own backyard.

Glenn Ulmer, a local wine maker who owns Scarlette’s Batch and Brew in Dawsonville, will feature a variety of Georgia wines which he has developed from locally grown country fruits such as muscadines, or wild grapes.

Wine connoisseurs who prefer wines of the world will have the opportunity to taste from a collection of popular, new wine selections. An assortment of hors d’oeuvres and gourmet cheeses will accompany the wine tasting, and Jeff Adler of Empire Distributing will be available to answer any questions concerning the pairing of wine with foods.

Throughout the evening of wine tasting and art enjoyment, the talented and tranquil sounds of Joe Forrey will fill the room. A celebrated pianist, Forrey has performed across the country to sell out crowds, including performances at the Pentagon and at both the Democratic and Republican National clubs.

Gold Creek’s Discover the Arts Wine Tasting is Saturday, March 11 from 6 – 9 p.m. The cost is $22 per person and includes the art exhibit, wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Reservations are not required; however, due to the service of alcohol, the event is limited to those 21 years of age and older.

Gold Creek Golf Club is located at 1 Gold Creek Drive in Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 265-2700.


Discover the Arts Wine Tasting will include works from the Blackberry Creek artists of Dawson County.
Cheri Burchard is a widely traveled artist and interior designer. A post-impressionist colorist, Burchard’s use of high-keyed color is her response to the inner life of her subject.

Betty Beasley’s cold cast bronze sculptures are from the heart. She recently won Best of Show at the Georgia Marble Festival and also received the People’s Choice award.

Fay Bohlayer has ridden and drawn horses since she was five. She has produced a long series of humorous hunt-scene watercolors for the American Academy of Equine Artists of which she is a Full Member.

Cathy Ehrler's bold watercolors and her classic oils are influenced by the old masters. As a signature member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and a Member of Excellence with the Atlanta Artists Center she has added many awards to her portfolio.

Lifelong artist Pat Maloney specializes in painting with watercolor and acrylic mediums. Traveling around the world, she developed a love for travel and for painting people in their native costumes as well as local architecture.

Catherine Pichon's landscapes, still life and floral paintings are inspired by her native Appalachian Mountains. Her works are in watercolor, acrylic, and oil pastel but watercolor is her favorite medium.

Susanne Newell is a retired art teacher turned full time artist. Newell works primarily in plein aire with her inspiration coming from the beautiful north Georgia Mountains.

Mary Ann Cox Sheehy’s favorite subjects are people and pets. She attained the status of Juried Member of the Portrait Society of Atlanta. Sheehy works in oil, pastel and watercolor and also paints landscapes and still life.

Dru Stowers has felt the desire to paint and draw since an early age. Stowers enjoys painting a variety of subject matter in different media. A particular favorite is pastel, both in the studio and out of doors.

To see works by the Blackberry Creek artists showing at Gold Creek’s Discover the Arts Wine Tasting, go to www.blackberrycreekgallery.com.