Rainy Days Bring Community Spirit with Art Exhibitions and Local Recognition in Aiken

Rainy Days Ahead for Aiken Residents

Good morning, Aiken! If you were hoping for sunshine today, you might want to brace yourself for a somewhat soggy day ahead. The forecast calls for cloudy skies with occasional rain rolling in during the afternoon. We’ll be making a splash with a high temperature of around 77°F, so grab your umbrellas because the chance of rain is a whopping 100%. You might want to consider wearing waterproof shoes too, as we could see up to a quarter of an inch of rain!

As we move into tonight, expect the rain to continue, bringing nighttime lows of around 67°F with light and variable winds. The rain isn’t going anywhere, with predictions pointing to 2 to 3 inches by tomorrow morning. Anyone planning on driving should be aware that localized flooding is a possibility, so take extra caution on the roads!

Art and History Take Center Stage with Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr.

On a brighter note, while we may be dealing with rain, there’s a wave of creativity drenching our wonderful city that you won’t want to miss! Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr., the founder of Renaissance Publications & Educational Services, is making headlines after receiving the FY25 South Carolina Arts Commission Arts Project Support grant. His exciting project, titled “Through the Antebellum Period, Civil War, The Reconstruction Era & Beyond,” promises to be a showstopper!

This exhibition is especially personal for Dr. Curry as it will shine a light on his ancestor, Martha Kitchings Seawright Ellison, who was born into slavery on November 20, 1849, in Aiken County. With the intention to provide a well-rounded narrative, the exhibition will delve into her life against the rich tapestry of South Carolina’s history during significant events like the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a journey through time!

Visitors will not only get a glimpse of Martha’s life but also the incredible challenges and triumphs experienced by African Americans in South Carolina. Imagine walking through an exhibition filled with artifacts, natural specimens, visual representations, and even food samples reflecting Martha’s life and heritage!

Involvement with Local Youth

What’s more, the exhibition will be featured in Dr. Curry’s work with the Aiken Center for The Arts as part of their “Author-In-Residence” program. This initiative is all about enriching students’ understandings of our shared history, particularly through the tales of local and African American families. Isn’t that amazing? Students will have the opportunity to interact with art and history in a way that fosters real connection and understanding.

Evaluators of the grant had nothing but positive feedback for the project, stating that it was “well planned and quite feasible.” They also noted that it would allow the students to experience “personal connections and insight into history.” This project, combining art and local histories, is sure to enrich our community immensely!

Spotlight on Community Leader Daniele Ligons

Now, let’s shine a beam of light on a local superstar! Congratulations to Daniele Ligons, marketing and strategic services manager for Aiken Electric Cooperative, who has been recognized as one of Columbia Business Monthly’s Best & Brightest 35 & Under for 2024! This award celebrates young professionals making significant impacts in their workplaces and communities, and Daniele is certainly up for that challenge. With her involvement in organizations like the United Way of Aiken County and the Kiwanis Club, she’s showing us all how community service can be a game-changer!

In conclusion, even though we’re facing a rainy day, Aiken has much to celebrate and look forward to. From art exhibitions that honor our past to local leaders who inspire positive change, let’s stay connected and make the most of our vibrant community! Stay dry, everyone!