Community Events

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky,” an exciting new solo exhibition featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by Rob Strati, from September 25, 2025, through April 12, 2026. 

“Beyond the Plate” will showcase new work by one of America’s hottest contemporary artists. Strati has recently enjoyed sold-out exhibits at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis and FREMIN Gallery in New York and has sold work to top international art collectors in New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond.

Strati’s art incorporates broken porcelain plates that have been embellished and adorned with creative details. The exhibition features the artist’s latest bold, kinetic mixed-media works and limited-edition prints as well as an ambitious site-specific installation that will be suspended from the ceiling of the Ships of the Sea atrium.

All of the art in “Beyond the Plate” will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

As a minimalist ceramic sculptor, Yuichiro Komatsu draws inspiration from the pliable yet enduring nature of clay, using its transformation from raw earth into ceramic as a metaphor for the dialogue between fragility and permanence. His work reflects on the transient nature of societal structures while seeking to transcend temporal boundaries and explore the poetic resonance of space. Through modular forms and techniques such as hand-building, slip-casting and wheel-throwing, Komatsu examines the interplay between form and formlessness, inside and outside, and the Japanese concept of “Ma,” which honors the elegance of simplicity and negative space. His artistic practice aims to capture a fleeting yet enduring sense of beauty, existing at the intersection of delicacy and resilience.

Yuichiro Komatsu is a Tokyo-born contemporary ceramic artist and educator, earned his BFA from SUNY New Paltz, apprenticed with renowned ceramicist Toshiko Takaezu, completed his MFA at Alfred University, and a DAAD Postgraduate Research Fellowship in Berlin. His work has been exhibited internationally, he has participated in acclaimed artist residencies around the world, and he currently serves as Professor of Art at Columbus State University in Georgia.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on Oct. 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.

Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.

View our temporary exhibition of 50 photographs that capture more than 100 years of Cherokee County's history. Divided into the categories of Home, Work, Play, Celebration, Service, Worship, Nature, School, Transportation and Agriculture, these photographs showcase the beauty, humanity and history of Cherokee County and those who have lived here.

Discover the rich stories woven into every quilt, tales of heritage, community, journey and roots.

Visit Stitching Our Story: A Celebration of Black History Quilt Show, a vibrant celebration of these powerful narratives brought to life through the artistry of quilting. Celebrate creativity and culture in this inspiring, free event open to everyone, proudly presented by See Clayton County.

1945–1979 Quilts explores changing trends in American quilting from the end of World War II through the resurgence of the craft in the late 1970s. The exhibit highlights the evolution of styles, colors, and fabrics over three transformative decades.

Early quilts reflect patriotic themes and palettes inspired by the postwar period, while quilts from the 1950s introduce new patterns and fresh color combinations. By the 1960s and 1970s, quilters pushed creative boundaries, experimenting with bold colors, unconventional fabrics and expressive designs.

Sacred Threads is a biennial exhibition that features quilts reflecting personal and spiritual journeys.

The exhibit aims to provide a safe space for quilters to express their experiences and emotions through their artwork. The themes explored include joy, inspiration, spirituality, healing, grief and peace/brotherhood.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine dining and world-class wine at Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant. Enjoy an elegant four-course dinner thoughtfully crafted by our chefs and expertly paired with four exceptional Opus One wines, each selected to enhance the flavors of every course.

Event Details:
Thursday, Jan. 29
Dinner begins promptly at 7 p.m.

Where:

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy, Suite A

Alpharetta, GA 30004

Wines Being Enjoyed:
• Opus One 2019
• Opus One 2021
• Opus One 2022

Food Pairings:
• Beef Bourgogne Soup
• Mushroom Risotto
• Tenderloin with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus
• Traditional Crème Brûlée

Seats are limited and this exclusive experience will sell out quickly. Secure your reservation today and indulge in an evening of refined cuisine and iconic wines.

Cost:

$199 per person

Reserve your seat here:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/2G67QG8VD6NFT/checkout/R7PA3KJZRZOGNG3XKGCI7RLC?mc_cid=582b58a360

Don’t miss this special Bonus Lecture on Jan. 29, at 6 p.m., featuring Brandy Morrison and an informative look at historic preservation tax incentives. This lecture will introduce the state and federal tax incentive programs available to property owners who rehabilitate historic buildings, and explain how these incentives can help make preservation projects more financially feasible.

Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, preservation advocate, or simply interested in saving historic places, this program offers practical insight into how preserving the past can also be a smart investment for the future.

Time: 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Registration: Pre-registration is highly encouraged to help us plan

Elephant Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one at Zoo Atlanta! Meet Tara or Kelly while learning why they are such important ambassadors for their species.

During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.

• Meet at the Zambezi Elephant Center 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Member Cost: $117

Non-Member Cost: $130 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Hotel California, The Original Tribute to The Eagles, recreates the iconic sound of the Eagles, having performed with legends like the Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and REO Speedwagon.

Since 1986, they've toured globally, thrilling audiences in places like Tahiti, Dubai, Japan and Bermuda. Their dedication to faithfully capturing the Eagles’ music has set them apart from other tribute bands. Hotel California’s stage show is now one of the most popular productions on North American festival circuits. Fans return time and again to experience the warmth and nostalgia of the 1970s Southern California sound.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky,” an exciting new solo exhibition featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by Rob Strati, from September 25, 2025, through April 12, 2026. 

“Beyond the Plate” will showcase new work by one of America’s hottest contemporary artists. Strati has recently enjoyed sold-out exhibits at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis and FREMIN Gallery in New York and has sold work to top international art collectors in New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond.

Strati’s art incorporates broken porcelain plates that have been embellished and adorned with creative details. The exhibition features the artist’s latest bold, kinetic mixed-media works and limited-edition prints as well as an ambitious site-specific installation that will be suspended from the ceiling of the Ships of the Sea atrium.

All of the art in “Beyond the Plate” will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

As a minimalist ceramic sculptor, Yuichiro Komatsu draws inspiration from the pliable yet enduring nature of clay, using its transformation from raw earth into ceramic as a metaphor for the dialogue between fragility and permanence. His work reflects on the transient nature of societal structures while seeking to transcend temporal boundaries and explore the poetic resonance of space. Through modular forms and techniques such as hand-building, slip-casting and wheel-throwing, Komatsu examines the interplay between form and formlessness, inside and outside, and the Japanese concept of “Ma,” which honors the elegance of simplicity and negative space. His artistic practice aims to capture a fleeting yet enduring sense of beauty, existing at the intersection of delicacy and resilience.

Yuichiro Komatsu is a Tokyo-born contemporary ceramic artist and educator, earned his BFA from SUNY New Paltz, apprenticed with renowned ceramicist Toshiko Takaezu, completed his MFA at Alfred University, and a DAAD Postgraduate Research Fellowship in Berlin. His work has been exhibited internationally, he has participated in acclaimed artist residencies around the world, and he currently serves as Professor of Art at Columbus State University in Georgia.

Macon Little Theatre presents the Agatha Christie classic mystery play "And Then There Were None."

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on Oct. 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.

Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.

View our temporary exhibition of 50 photographs that capture more than 100 years of Cherokee County's history. Divided into the categories of Home, Work, Play, Celebration, Service, Worship, Nature, School, Transportation and Agriculture, these photographs showcase the beauty, humanity and history of Cherokee County and those who have lived here.

In Bavaria, a "Hüttengaudi" is a fun-filled evening of drinking, playing music, singing and dancing where everyone really lets loose. Here in Helen, this experience begins with a pub crawl and scavenger hunt, followed by a Fasching party on Saturday night at the Hofbrauhaus. To play:

>Visit any of the participating businesses to pick up your card and begin your journey. You may begin your journey on Friday or Saturday.
>Get your card punched at each of the participating businesses.
>Locate the answer to each of the clues of the scavenger hunt. The clues will be on the back of your card. Record your answer on the space provided.
>Turn in your card at the Hofbrauhaus by 6 p.m. Cards will not be accepted after 6 p.m.!

Winner will be the person that collects the most answers to the clues of the scavenger hunt and visits the most participating businesses. If there is more than one person who completes both tasks, the cards will be placed in a drawing for the prize—a 2-liter oak barrel!

Drawing will take place during the Fasching party at the Hofbrauhaus. Must be present to win!!!

Karneval, Fastnacht, Mardi gras, Fasching… all of these refer to the season of celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday!

Friday, Jan. 30, party will be held at Cowboys & Angels Restaurant.

Saturday, Jan. 31, party will be held at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant.