HISTORY

Tom and Jan Nielsen made the move to Carrollton in February of 2002. They were looking for a place to live with easy access to Hartsfield Airport, seeing Carrollton on the map, they decided to see what the town had to offer. The first thing they saw was the - under construction - Carrollton Cultural Arts Center. They thought “this is a little town with a big vision” “a town in Renaissance.” Almost immediately, Tom and Jan requested a meeting with the Cultural Arts Staff to propose the formation of an art guild. Their vision included having an organized way for artists to show and sell their work, to fellowship and learn from one another, and to hold a fine arts festival that would feature national artists. The first meeting was held on October of 2002. Tom and Jan had high hopes that at least ten artists would show up. To their surprise and delight, over one hundred artists came and the Carrollton Artist Guild was formed. The Carrollton Artist Guild has become one of Carrollton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department’s most active groups.

Tom Nielsen designed the Carrollton Artist Guild Logo that is used on all guild mailings. The guilds largest project is the Carrollton Fine Arts Mecca Festival. The festival has become a favorite of southern and regional artists continuing to grow more nationally and evolve into the more easily recognized MeccaFest.

The first elected President of the Carrollton Artist’s Guild was Alan Kuykendall. He served for the term of 2002 – 2003. This year, MeccaFest grew to over 60 artists from all over the south. the Guild has exhibited three times every year in the Center’s Galleria. Lee Long served as president elect in 2003 – 2004 and was reelected for 2004 – 2005, The Guild exhibited in the Galleria three times in 2004. The American Experience, in June, the Guild’s Photo Exhibit in October along with a Folk art exhibit and the First annual Holiday Sale running November through mid December.

Martha Church, was in 2005 – 2006. It was then Martha added the position of Treasurer and its description to the By-Laws. Reelected for the 2006-2007 term Martha oversaw a lending library established with Sally Jones and Jane Ballou as librarians. The Guild continued to grow and with growth comes necessities. Martha saw to these needs and guided the guild into making several beneficial purchases: equipment for records and publishing as well as shelving for the library.

Jan Nielsen and Don McWhorter have chaired the MeccaFest committee from the beginning with various members serving. A tremendous collaboration has nurtured this event into a well respected and nationally recognized event.

Jeri Rasey , was installed as the Guild’s 2008 President. Organization began anew under Jeri’s direction, utilizing her experience as the Artist’s Guild President in St. Augustine, Florida. She helped organize the by-laws and put in a system of coordinating volunteers.

Pam Reynolds is the 2009-2010 Guild President. Pam, being a lover of art and owner of Rome Street Gallerie brings a whole new prospective to the guild. Under her leadership, the guild has tripple in size to over 140 active members. Programs range from speakers to demonstrations and all of the guild exhibits have stretched the members with new themes and ideas. Patrons and artist belong to the guild.