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Gio'Vairs Galleries of Art - Press & Events
Gwinnett Daily Post - 12/30/2007 12:01:00 AM
Artistic visions - New art gallery opens in downtown Buford
By Heather Darenberg
Staff Writer
BUFORD - Arlesia Crooms has a vision for Buford's Main Street.
She imagines the historic district as a cultural hub in the county. She sees a place where tourists come to see the art galleries, fine restaurants and boutiques.
Arlesia Crooms is the owner of Gio’ Vairs Galleries of Art in historic downtown Buford and opened up shop in August.
Crooms, who named the gallery after her children, came to Buford because she felt it had the potential to become a mini Buckhead area.
"Main Street has so much opportunity and potential," said Crooms, a former accessories buyer for a furniture store who now owns an art gallery in Buford.
Gio'Vairs Galleries of Art opened in August at 75 E. Main St., and Crooms said she's received an "overwhelming response" from the community and local artists.
She said her background in merchandising has helped her as she built her gallery, which is named after her children, 6-year-old Giovanni and 3-year-old Jo'Vair.
Crooms said she's so serious in her support for Buford that she recently bought a house in the city. She's moving there from Lawrenceville.
The city's history is what has drawn her in, she said.
History is also an important part of the art she features in her gallery. Crooms said she likes to choose unique pieces that tell a story.
"I'm looking for uniqueness, originality on what the artist put into it, and the stories behind the piece - the history behind the piece," she said.
Gio'Vairs has participated in recent "art crawls," and Crooms said she's trying to organize a music and art festival for Main Street.
She also wants to get the local children involved in art and plans on offering space for birthday parties and other children's events.
Crooms said she has talked with bands and art teachers about what she can do for them as well.
Gio'Vairs is open from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Sculptures by Sudanna Showalter sit in the entrance to Gio’ Vairs Galleries of Art in downtown Buford.
Atlanta Journal Constitution & Gwinnett Post
Gio’Vairs Galleries of Art offered the Artists and the community a way of viewing all of the “Arts” through visual, music, poetry, dance, fashion, theatre and performance. Arlesia display of brilliance and an idea signaled the determination to the Buford Business Alliance to approach the new time with confidence, poise and cultural assertiveness for the city of Buford to establish their 1st Annual Art/Jazz Festival for the Buford community. Reflection, this ambition may seem modest. It was achieved, it appeared, with artistic ease and will continue annually.
Gio'Vairs Galleries of Art inspired so many Artists and customers. There are so many that have laughed, cried, and exhaled when coming through those doors and have written Arlesia thank you letters, or explained how her spirit and energy filled their day. Arlesia states, “I could never put a price on that” for being myself. Through some good times, and difficult times, she knows and feels she was sent to Buford to "Make A Difference" and help support the local Artists and bring on a different cultural and business experience through the "ARTS" in Buford. “Seeing” and “Hearing” their life, their stories, their passion, and their struggles.
Savannah Sewing Academy - Press & Events
After arranging a Meet & Greet and Book Signing for a Master Tailor, Designer, Sewing Instructor, and Author, James Lee "Gentleman Jim" McFarland, Arlesia was asked to assist in re-creating Grass Root Sewing Academy of Atlanta and develop Savannah Sewing Academy in the lovely Port City of Savannah, GA, as the VP of Business Development, Buyer, Merchandising, Planner, and Office Administration.
Savannah Sewing Academy was birthed on Friday, September 9, 2011 and is devoted to the promoting and educating the teaching of sewing by industry standards, master classes, fashion incubator, and fine arts in the community of Savannah and other surrounding cities.
Savannah Sewing Academy is devoted to the promoting and educating the teaching of sewing by industry standards, master classes, fashion incubator, and green initiatives in the community of Savannah and other surrounding cities.
Grass Root Sewing in Atlanta has been teaching and turning out some of Atlanta best tailors and dress makers. They are now in business for themselves making their own line of clothing, alteration shops or heads of the sewing department of some of Atlanta better department store. We are now manufacturing start up lines of clothing for some of Atlanta new designers and product developers
Savannah Sewing Academy is bringing the same care and professional training to this academy along with a Fashion Incubator to help young fashion designers and product developers create their own line and make their mark on the world of fashion. This incubator will take them from the small market to larger arena. This insight comes because there is a big difference between small business and big business operations in the clothing and textiles production.
"Made In America and Creating Jobs"
Savannah Morning News - Savannah Sewing Academy Ribbon Cutting - Savannah Sewing Academy Ribbon Cutting
By: Bunny Ware
Created on September 11, 2011
Last updated on September 11, 2011
Description: Savannah Sewing Academy hosted a ribbon cutting with business neighbor Roxy Loxy Friday afternoon. Arlesia Hill and "Gentleman Jim" James Lee McFarland have opened the doors for a fine art gallery and boutique as well as sewing classes. Check out their fashion incubator at 1917 Bull.
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Savannah Tribune
http://www.savannahtribune.com/news/2011-09-14/Social_%28and%29_Community_News/Savannah_Sewing_Academy__Where_Design_Meets_Produc.html
Savannah Morning News - Gullah Living Series Open Reception
http://spotted.savannahnow.com/galleries/index.php?id=391673
The Art of Connecting Green Meet and Greet - Press & Events
Date: August 6, 2010
Description: This event was held at Wingate by Wyndham in Port Wentworth. There was a tour overview of the oversized guest rooms, meeting and event facilities designed for group meetings or special events. There was also live entertainment, wine, light hors d'oeuvres, a raffle and prizes.
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Wingate by Wyndham -The Art of Connecting Green
Click Here for Photos
By: Bunny Ware
Created on August 6, 2010
Last updated on August 6, 2010
Description: The Wingate by Wyndham Hotel in Port Wentworth held an unusually interesting evening as host Arlesia Crooms- Director of Sales and Marketing mixing local Shannon Vineyards with live jazz musician Travis Biggs and So Green Network for a totally TERRIFIC night of snacks, wine and socializing!
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Tags: wingate social shannonmusician jazz hotel green bunnyware 95 wyndham vineyards
Staff Photos: Su Anderson