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.

Join us as we take you on a journey into the colorful and fantastical world of "Luzia," set in a make-believe Mexico, where you will be treated to stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances.

"Luzia" deftly guides you through the locations, people and sounds of both classical and contemporary Mexico, taking you from urban locations like an old movie set and a smoke-filled dance hall to the beach and barren desert.

See online schedule for show times.

Learn more.

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.

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

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.

Step right into a hilarious and interactive murder mystery where you might just be the killer! It’s the thrilling event everyone’s dying to attend. Don’t let this unforgettable night pass you by!

Get ready for a night of twists, turns, and tantalizing mystery! The Murder Mystery Co. by Scott Cramton welcomes you to a thrilling mystery experience where every clue brings you closer to the truth (or deeper into suspicion). Mingle with intriguing suspects, uncover shocking secrets and savor a mouthwatering three-course meal. But watch out! You could end up as the cold-blooded killer! Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of suspense and laughter. Grab your tickets now!

Participate in a new mystery every month! From the glitz of 1930s Hollywood in “Best Laid Plans” to the roaring 1920s with “Death of a Gangster,” each event offers unforgettable thrills. Boogie at a 1950s sock hop, solve a 90s crime in “Good Riddance,” or celebrate the season with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.” Whether it's a billionaire’s masquerade, a 1980s bash, or a chilling wedding-themed whodunit, there’s a unique mystery waiting for you. Mark your calendar and join the fun. Each month brings a fresh adventure!

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.

Join us as we take you on a journey into the colorful and fantastical world of "Luzia," set in a make-believe Mexico, where you will be treated to stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances.

"Luzia" deftly guides you through the locations, people and sounds of both classical and contemporary Mexico, taking you from urban locations like an old movie set and a smoke-filled dance hall to the beach and barren desert.

See online schedule for show times.

Learn more.

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.

Seating is first come, first served. Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the Roman Street quartet brings their electrifying blend of Nuevo Flamenco, smooth jazz and acoustic world fusion to the stage—transporting audiences with fiery guitar duets, irresistible rhythms and an atmosphere that feels both exotic and intimate. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, this performance promises to be a soul-stirring journey you won’t want to miss!

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.

Celebrate our history as Dublin GA commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 30th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Saturday, January 17th at 11 AM in Downtown Dublin GA. With over 175 entries, Dublin’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade has historically been the second largest in Georgia!

Petting Zoo Painters

Join the Animal Care Team and one of our talented animal artists, meeting either the Zoo’s “VanGoat” or “Baaahlo,” and take home a unique work of art in this unforgettable experience.

Learn about the positive reinforcement training process of becoming an animal artist. See firsthand the ways this enrichment activity fits into high standards of care for animals at the Zoo when you meet a goat or sheep and see their art creation in action. Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific animal for your program.

• Meet at the Petting Zoo area of Outback Station 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter start time. 
• 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.
• Includes one (1) take-home canvas per registered group.

Days Available: Saturdays at 3:15 p.m.

Member Cost: $67.50  |  Includes one painting per group of four people.

Non-Member Cost: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission  |   Includes one painting per group of four people.

Age Range: All ages

It's almost time to climb that mountain to Hogpen Gap once again in one of the most challenging road races in all the Southeast, the annual Hogpen Hillclimb!

The January 2026 running of the Hogpen will mark the 47th installment of this unique event.

The race course begins at the River Pavilion in downtown Helen, The 5K course remains in the downtown Helen area while the 18K exits Helen and begins its ascent up the Richard B Russell Parkway to the top of Hogpen Gap, which serves as the event finish line.

This challenging event also serves as Habitat For Humanity of NE Georgia's largest annual fundraiser.

For more information or to register, please visit the website.

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.