- 707 West Main Street, Claxton, GA 30417
- (912) 739-1391
- P.O. Box 1, Claxton, GA 30417
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Events
The Claxton-Evans County Arts & Cultural Authority hosts diverse, captivating events that celebrate local talent and creativity, offering a cultural feast for the community.
Exhibits
Explore our dynamic exhibits showcasing both contemporary and historical art, providing a vivid tapestry of Claxton-Evans County's artistic heritage and contemporary expressions.
History
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of Claxton-Evans County through our carefully curated displays and presentations, preserving the past for generations to come.
Workshops
Join us in hands-on workshops where you can unlock your artistic potential, learning from skilled instructors and nurturing your creative spirit.
OUR EXCITING PROJECT
Jack & Muriel Strickland Arts & Cultural Center
Built in 1922 and designed by noted architect Willis Irvin, the former Claxton High School reflects a Classical Revival style. Its construction was part of the Georgia school consolidation era where larger schools replaced smaller ones to improve educational standards. It was also the first brick two-story public building built in the county and financed through local bonds.
This school building is a witness to the turning point for education in Evans County. When a new high school was built in 1939, this building became an elementary and then middle school before closure in 2012. The former Claxton High School remains a substantial landmark in Claxton and Evans County. The Arts and Cultural Authority of Claxton and Evans County will undertake the restoration and preservation of this building to support arts and culture in our community.
testimonials
What People Have To Say:
The auditorium at Claxton Elementary is one of the most memorable places from my childhood. My Kindergarten class picture was taken on its stage. That picture now hangs in my own classroom. There was the time that I recited the poem "Me and My Dad" (with my dad in the audience) as part of an elementary school program, same as I remember singing "Fifth Grade, Fifth Grade" to the tune of "New York, New York" at the end of my fourth grade year.
I can still hear the deep ka-CHUNK! of the relays that turned on the stage lights. My mother spent most of her teaching career at Claxton Elementary, and I somehow always found a way to sneak off to the auditorium to practice on the baby grand piano there.
I was a drama kid in much of high school, and our plays always ended up on the CES stage conveniently located right next door. A picture of me with the cast of "Graceland: Asleep on the Wind" is on the wall of my studio, a picture taken on that stage.
The CES auditorium is one of the set pieces from my formative years, and I'm glad to see it getting a second life!
Jake HallmanStouthouse Media 
I love a show. Any show. I clap as enthusiastically for a middle school band concert as I do for the latest musical on Broadway. The first show I remember seeing as a child was a magic show in the auditorium of what was then Claxton Elementary School. I was excited to leave the classroom in the middle of the school day, of course, and after the lights went down and the show started, I clapped and laughed and was amazed with my friends. The feeling of seeing something new and being part of a shared experience was as magical for me as the magic show itself. I performed on that stage a few times as I got older, but I always knew I was a better audience member than performer. The restoration of the auditorium will help bring the magic of a show to the audiences of Evans County, and I look forward to being part of it.
Jill GirardeauClaxton High School Class of 1995 
The old “two-story building” holds historical value for me in that I taught fourth grade there from 1984 through 1992 under the leadership of Mrs. Joyce O. Nesmith, for whom its auditorium is named. Additionally, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of my years as principal of Claxton Middle School within the hallowed halls of the building from 1995 until 2012. How exciting it is that the citizens of Evans County have inherited a historical gem that will serve this present and future ages as an Arts and Cultural Center.
Dr. Diane HollandFormer Principal, Claxton Middle SchoolClaxton High School Class of 1975
This building has stood vacant for over ten years. I have so many fond memories of attending classes in the two-story building, including my mom teaching me there in the 5th grade. The numerous plays, musicals, pageants in the auditorium will be remembered forever. I am thrilled to see new life being breathed into this special space.
Adam KennedyClaxton High School Class of 1980 
I could not be more thrilled about the efforts by the Claxton-Evans County Arts and Cultural Authority to restore the original Claxton High School building. This historic treasure holds many beautiful memories for me. I developed my love for music and theater on the stage of that building's auditorium as a student of Claxton High School. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers bringing this building back to life and nurture the arts in this community.
Osjha Anderson DomeniconeClaxton High School Class of 1992 
I am so excited about what the Arts and Cultural facility will bring, not only to us as citizens, but to the surrounding area. The events, exhibits, workshops and theater will touch people’s lives. The building has always stood as a grand lady to me with the laughter, dreams, memories of children, teachers, parents and visitors seeping into the walls. My prayer is that the cultural center will be bringing a sense of history, joy and knowledge to people 100 years from now. My sister Bea graduated in 1947. I graduated in 1966.
Melinda Stewart HulingClaxton High School Class of 1966 
Growing up in Claxton and being part of its High School band always made me appreciate that the school had an auditorium. It was special since most of our hard work and dedication were performed for everyone to see. From our annual Christmas concerts to presenting our orchestral competition music, I feel that this brought people together and allowed them to see how their kids and my classmates grew and improved every year. Now that I hear that this auditorium is being remodeled, it really brings back memories and fills me with nostalgia, hoping that future generations from Claxton will find the same joy in performing for the community as I did.
Juan Carlos Salas-MendozaClaxton High School Class of 2012 
We all inherit personal stories, born there through generations that walked the halls, climbed the stairs, and sat in class. Memories of the scents of the old cast iron radiators or sounds of chalk on the slate are buried deep within our minds. A renaissance of community and life through a noble cause to further the history, culture, and arts that live there. Now, we can stop to visit and relive our memories again through the journey of experience with each other to better our society.
John B. EdwardsClaxton High School Class of 1977 
I graduated in 2008 and have many beautiful memories in that building. I feel fortunate that I will be able to walk my own children through those same halls, as well as many generations to come. I am glad that the old high school is being restored because I am a believer in the cultural arts, and this will encourage cultural development for the community and the school. I hope we can incorporate some Hispanic folkloric performances, like those I participated in with the Evans County School System, into the programming.
Claudia MartinezClaxton High School Class of 2008 
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Contribute to Our Mission!
Created through a joint resolution of the City of Claxton and the Evans County Board of Commissioners, the Arts & Cultural Authority is seeking to improve our community through fostering an environment in which art and culture flourish for the sharing and benefit of all residents and visitors. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations are tax-deductible. Contributions of $1,000 or more will be acknowledged on a Donor Board in the restored structure.