ART EVERY DAY: EDUCATORS TEACH STORYTELLING THROUGH ART
EXPLORE, TRANSCEND, INSPIRE: THE ALPHARETTA ARTS CENTER
H i g h - q u a l i t y c a r e
w i t h h o m e t o w n h e a r t
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Hello friends,
There are creatives all around us. Artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, wordsmiths, dancers, educators, and chefs. Digging deep to find meaning, translating emotions and hopes into beauty and progress.
My brother was a professional dancer, a member of the Martha Graham Dance Company for years, later chairing the dance department at the University of Michigan. Now retired, he is a prolific painter, film producer, and poet. His penchant for color, movement and motion fill over-sized canvases, expressions of his desire (need?) to create. This drive runs deep. I admire his talent, yes. But also his level of productivity while he also perfects the art of napping. I urge him to work on the latter more often in his retirement. I adore him.
This issue features artists and makers among us who are rejoicing and reclaiming. Sharing their raw emotions, perhaps hoping we feel what they feel.
Enjoy this issue and keep your eyes open. Wide.
All my best,
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ALPHARETTACITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Firelite Studios | akapett@firelitestudios.com
COPY EDITOR
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Top Businesses
The University of Georgia Alumni Association released the 2025 Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates. Among them are Alpharetta businesses, Joe Powell & Associates and Joe Powell Services Inc., Southern Reins Logistics, LLC, and Surcheros Fresh Mex. Congratulations on this accomplishment. The program, organized by the Division of Development & Alumni Relations, celebrates 15 years of honoring alumni and their entrepreneurial endeavors.
SCAD TVfest –February 5-7
For more than a decade, SCAD TVfest has spotlighted the latest in design, creativity, and innovation on television, streaming, and digital media. International audiences enjoy inside looks at the best content airing today and explore the latest trends in broadcast, streaming, cable, web, social media, and advertising. 2024 honorees included: Kelsey Grammer, George Lopez, Matt Bomer, Sonequa Martin-Green, Charlotte Stoudt, Ken Watanabe, and many more.
Gallery Exhibit: Order and Chaos
Experience the concept of dualism, opposite meanings from the same concept that can complement each other. Is the beauty of the rose found in the flower or the thorns? We are all interconnected to each other and give rise and fall through interactions. There is a natural juxtaposition of these two elements to every side of our thinking; the creative arts often expose to us the dichotomy of emotions within us. Opens February 20. AwesomeAlpharetta.com
Krause President & CEO MMA Southeast
Playing with a Purpose
Vail Chief Operating Officer MMA Southeast
PETER KRAUSE AND
GIVE FROM THE HEART TO BENEFIT PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOLIE LOREN PHOTOGRAPHY
AMANDA VAIL
Amanda
Peter
Peter Krause, President & CEO of Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) Southeast and Amanda Vail, Chief Operating Officer are making a difference in the lives of many, right here at home in Alpharetta and across the United States.
Their heroic support and advocacy of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) Butterfly Fund sets them apart from other leaders in the industry and delivers a poignant message to everyone about personal charitable giving, social impact, and the ever-evolving role that corporations have in driving resources to those in need.
For the last 20 years, MMA has hosted The Charity Classic to benefit PBTF and raised over $7 million towards the Butterfly Fund. In recent years The Charity Classic has evolved from a golf event to a two part fundraiser including Cocktails and Cornhole; proudly raising over $500,000 in 2024.
The Butterfly Fund provides emergency financial assistance for families who are experiencing hardship as a result
of a child’s brain or spinal cord tumor diagnosis. “Giving back to our communities has always been an important part of our culture,” says Peter. “We offer paid time off and a match for donations to non-profit organizations; MMA encourages our colleagues to volunteer and give back to the communities in which we work and live.”
“We are blessed to work for a company that values this responsibility and empowers us to make an impact,” says Amanda. “We work in insurance, which provides solutions in times of need –that is exactly our role in fundraising for PBTF.”
“The Charity Classic has turned into an industry event – we come together to raise money for PBTF and have a great time doing it,” says Peter, “We couldn’t do this without the continued support from MMA and our partner insurance company sponsors. Our move to The Charity Classic Cocktails & Cornhole in Alpharetta has been very successful and well-attended. We applaud the community!”
Team MMA at Cocktails and Cornhole
MAKE A RESERVATION FOR YOUR NIGHT OUT IN ALPHARETTA
Be Mine! BE MINE!
Date night, any night. Here are a few picks for nearby spots to celebrate with a friend or your honeybun.
Couples who laugh together, stay together. Share in laughs, food, drinks, and joy at Helium Comedy Club, Alpharetta’s new contemporary entertainment venue. Find live comedy and performance art from nationally accredited acts, no more than 60 feet away, with shows averaging 1 hour and 40 minutes, with an opener, a feature, and a headliner with national entertainment credits. Craft beers, a full spread of entrees, desserts, and homespun cocktails are served. 3070 Windward Plaza. Atlanta.HeliumComedy.com
ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
The Velvet Note is a cozy jazz club with world-class performances. With deeply cool vibes, a tasty menu, and acclaimed performers, designed by musicians for musicians, the listening room has been meticulously crafted by acoustic design engineer George Seldon (a protégée of the great George Lucas) to provide the purest vocal and instrumental reception available to a live audience. 4075 Old Milton Pkwy. TheVelvetNote.com
Ready for a taste of 1920’s style glitz and glam? Roaring Social is the perfect place to tap into your inner Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald. Enter through the unassuming entryway of RoSo Clothiers, find the secret password, and enter a speakeasy filled for a meal, drinks with friends, and music. Roaring-Social.com
BE MINE!
Illuminated Shades
LOVING OUR GREEN EARTH
ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
THE ALPHARETTA GARDEN CLUB KEEPS IT BEAUTIFUL
If you love to garden, hope to garden, or just admire Alpharetta’s many gorgeous home gardens, you are very welcome to join the Alpharetta Garden Club. The Club plans monthly meetings with interesting programs, a popular annual Pass-Along Plant Sale, and contributes to the upkeep at the gardens at the historic Mansell House.
The Club is hands-on with numerous opportunities to learn more about all that grows and to give back to our community and future generations of gardeners through scholarships.
The Alpharetta Garden Club was founded on March 20, 1973 by Gloria Mote. The garden club began meeting in basements of members’ homes. After many years without a home base, members were overjoyed that Mansell House could be a permanent place where the club could hold its meetings. The Alpharetta Department of Recreation and Parks provided the Alpharetta Historical Society a new home for their organization in exchange for their care of the historical house. They offered the Alpharetta Garden Club the opportunity to create the gardens around the house; planting and maintaining the grounds in exchange for the use of the house for their monthly meetings. The garden club accepted the offer and their first meeting in the Mansell House was held in May 1995.
Club Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 9:30 am (social) – 10:00 am (program) . Planting and maintaining the gardens are scheduled the first Tuesday of every month 9:00 am to 11:30 am.
This month, on February 25, Ashley Frasca’s presentation, Green and Growing, is at the heart of the meeting.
See you there!
Mansell House – 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. TheAlpharettaGardenClub.org
BRINGING ART EVERYDAY
ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA
ART EDUCATORS CREATING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
ARTIST’S PALETTE
Ondrian Duncan Reid
Ondrian Duncan Reid has been the art teacher at Haynes Bridge Middle School for 11 years and an art educator in Fulton County for 21 years. “I want my students to experience the act of making and learn to express their personal ideas and interests through art,” she says.
This quarter, students will create cardboard cakes, paint monochromatic color wheels, and practice juxtaposition by illustrating antonyms.
“As an artist, I explore the connections that we have as humans with the animal world. I create small muti-media paintings of creatures thinking of how they remind me of people I have encountered. I am also a quilter and use quilting to practice an inherited call to make and create objects that are functional and pleasing to the soul,” says Ms. Reid. She lives in Marietta with a lovingly bossy 3-year-old Shih-poo named Fozzie.
Mary Besel is a ceramic artist and art teacher at Chattahoochee High School and Alpharetta High School. She first worked with clay in a ceramics class in college. “There’s something about its texture and presence that truly connected with me, and I knew it was the perfect medium to bring my ideas to life,” she says. “My work often explores spirituality, folklore, creatures, and nature, letting me create my own versions of fairytales and characters I loved as a child.”
The Beautiful
Old French Broad
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUE G. COLLINS & ARC
Views for miles at Asheville River Cabins, on one of the world's oldest rivers.
Waking up at Asheville River Cabins, I didn’t hear a thing.
Ok, maybe a few birds chirping, but otherwise, not a peep.
I sat up and looked out the window to see the French Broad River rolling by, one of the very oldest rivers in the world and one of the few that flows north.
The peace.
The quiet.
Asheville River Cabins is Asheville’s only outdoor resort on the river, with contemporary private cabins and vintage Airstreams designed for an upscale glamping experience. Minutes away, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the gateway to 469 miles of scenic cruising, hiking, fishing, biking, and sight-seeing. The Parkway reopened in November after Helene’s rampage.
According to the general manager, Matt Bare, 25 of the 31 accommodations weathered the storm around Hurricane Helene with no damage. “Our recently renovated River Lodge where we host meetings, retreats, and wedding groups remained untouched. We have completed significant landscaping renewal projects as well. Our 8 acres and 1000’ of French Broad River frontage are looking great and we’re actively welcoming guests daily. We’re also the perfect winter getaway as 16 of our 22 cabins have private hot tubs.”
The property is ideal for groups, events or reunions, with the flexibility of having your own private living space in the evening while gathering in the newly updated River Lodge, offering panoramic views of the French Broad River, for meetings or events during the day.
The property is bookended by lush forests and peaceful woodlands and about 10 minutes from downtown’s bustling cultural and culinary scene. Be sure to visit White Duck Tacos nearby for dinner and pack marshmallows for your very own s’more experience back in your cabin under the stars. Fish the East Fork of the Pigeon and by all means, take a drive on the Blue Ridge
Before or after a long day of Asheville’s famous hiking, relax it all away in the Looking Glass Sauna. Available 24/7 for guest use, consider taking your honey for a hot tub soak, a cold plunge in the French Broad, then relax in the sauna. Repeat.
AshevilleRiverCabins.com
Asheville River Cabins are flooded with light.
ARTICLE BY BUCKHAVEN CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
Do you dream of a darkened room or enjoy waking to the sunlight flooding the room? We love these bedrooms, all in the Blue Ridge area, brought to us by Laura Elleby.
More than just a place to retire to at the end of a day in the mountains, this primary suite is a retreat with a private sitting area around an outdoor fireplace with endless views. The spa-like en-suite bath offers a 13x7 shower/tub sanctuary with travertine walls, marble floors, a stone tub, and a floating 13-foot vanity with heated porcelain floors. High ceilings and natural light cover the suite at 103 Dry Branch Trail in Blue Ridge. The home is set on 4.17 secluded acres, surrounded by the untouched beauty of protected Blue Ridge forests.
A private balcony outside, and a wet coffee bar inside, this primary suite has a spacious appeal, with soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and natural wood accents. The spa-like primary bath suite features a two-person round soaking tub, a makeup vanity, and custom lighting. Five bedrooms and five baths over 4716 square feet is located at 450 Miracle Lane in Blue Ridge. If you can peel yourself away from the bedroom suite, there’s a saltwater heated pool featuring a jacuzzi and an expansive 2,100 sq ft water pavilion with a fireplace.
This brand new construction located in the highly desired Elevation at Scouts Ridge subdivision is a custom design by Tony Boyatt and built by Tommy Wosyluk. Featured in the 2024 Blue Ridge Mountain Parade of Homes, this home boasts 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Every bedroom at 714 Scouts Overlook in Morganton has a view. Situated at the top of the ridge and surrounded by Boy Scout protected land, you’ll have privacy for miles.
No detail has been overlooked in the design and furnishing of this home, which is offered turnkey down to the designer sheets at 889 Chestnut Ridge. The primary suite has two-story windows and bright wood cathedral ceilings. This beautiful home has two kitchens, a whole house generator and security system, a safe room, a yoga perch with views of the entire county, plus a climate-controlled two-car garage.
dining experience featuring seasonal dishes by Chef Olivia Hurst, recent winner of Food Networks Chopped. We highlight fresh ingredients from local and regional growers when available, Certified Angus Beef, Premium cut steaks, fresh seafood & artisan cheeses and meats. We take the same care with our wine and cocktail lists as we do our food menus. Experience exceptional pairings suggested by our staff.
EXPLORE, TRANSCEND AND INSPIRE
Alpharetta Arts Center fuels local talent
ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
Reinilda Blair
Reinilda Blair’s work exists as a vibrant exploration of identity, spirituality, and connection to the natural world. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, she weaves together the cultural richness of her Taíno heritage with the dynamic energy of contemporary life. “Each brushstroke carries the echoes of my history, a celebration of resilience, and the enduring spirit of my ancestors.” Living in Alpharetta, she finds inspiration in the vibrant contrasts of her surroundings— from the bustling urban environment of her upbringing to the quiet moments of introspection offered by nature. “I paint not just to express but to connect, to honor my ancestors, and to foster a dialogue that transcends borders and boundaries,” says Reinilda.
“I make work that is personal and political, that captures moments, places, and feelings both universal and individual, with an emphasis on color, mark-making, and narrative,” says Greg Stone. He believes that even a simple landscape can carry a powerful message and that it is an artist’s job to be critical of society, not just to create beautiful images or experiences, but meaningful ones
Greg Stone's work, and (above) working.
It is an artist’s job to be critical of society, not just to create beautiful images or experiences, but meaningful ones that question and challenge the viewer.
that question and challenge the viewer. He is heavily inspired by music and loves opportunities to bridge art and music. Last fall he created and live printed the poster for the Wire & Wood Songwriter’s Festival in Alpharetta. stonedairypress.com
Shelton Cochran is a multi-media artist and visual storyteller.
“I call my artistic style, Modern Folk Art, blending traditional folk art subject matter, tools and materials with modern technology. The majority of my works are wood-relief carvings enhanced with found items. I am a digital photographer and also create assemblages and unique murals with found objects.”
The two projects he created for Alpharetta; Rebirth (wall sculpture - Art Center) and Shark Fin* (sculpture - Aquatic Center, Wills Park) were made from Ekphrasis, the Art Center’s retired baby grand piano from Fulton County’s Play it Again Piano Program.
Greg Stone
Greg Stone
“I love working with Arts Alpharetta, they are a champion for the Arts (Performance, Musical and Visual) working to make the Arts accessible for everyone. The city of Alpharetta understands the power of the Arts, how it transcends, brings people together,” Shelton says.
Angelika Domschke is a classically trained artist from Hamburg, Germany, whose mission is to inspire and uplift through art that radiates peace and beauty. Skilled in sculpture, painting, and illustration, she is particularly noted for her lifelike sculptures and innovative patina finishes. With a doctorate in Polymer Chemistry, she seamlessly blends scientific expertise with artistic talent. Her latest public artwork, “The Visitor,” the refurbishment of a life-sized bear sculpture commissioned by the City of Alpharetta, embodies the city’s warm and welcoming spirit. Collaborating with Alpharetta’s art ambassadors was a joyful process, culminating in a heartfelt unveiling ceremony. Now prominently displayed at the entrance to Alpharetta’s sculpture garden, “The Visitor” has become a beloved, interactive piece that reflects the city’s vibrant gardens, musical energy, and joyful ambiance. Based at the Norcross Gallery and Studios, Angelika continues to create, innovate, and celebrate the harmonious connection between art and science through exhibitions, publications, and commissioned works.
The Visitor and Alpharetta artist Angelika Domschke
Carousel Zebra by Shelton Cochran
Mermaid (relief sculpture)
ARTICLE BY CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Valentine’s
Day IN
When my kids were young, we’d serve chocolate fondue for dinner. Why fight it? I’d sneak in bananas, strawberries, and blueberries for chocolate dipping, but it was the Sara Lee poundcake and Oreos that took top billing. For your Valentine’s Day IN this year, here is some inspiration to put the YOU in cupid.
SWEET TREAT TABLE
Surprise your children with a sweet treat table. Keep it simple with a few favorite snacks and candies, or for a more extravagant display, use fresh flowers and create a handmade centerpiece. To achieve this look, start by placing the largest greenery on the bottom layer in a circle around the table. Next,
layer varying types of greenery on top of the first layer in shorter widt hs to achieve the final look. Next, add Valentine’s Day mini cupcakes, chocolate-dipped Oreos, and Valentine’s Day cookies for a very special sweet treat table.
VALENTINE’S TREE
To create this easy and eye-catching centerpiece, collect fallen branches and paint them white. We used a thrifted, repurposed white ceramic jar to assemble the branches in for the base. Use floral foam to stabilize the branches, and place moss at the top of the jar. You can use this homemade tree for any occasion as it’s sturdy, and just about anything can be hung on it.
VALENTINE’S DAY ORNAMENTS
Create heart ornaments to hang on your Valentine’s Tree Centerpiece. These ornaments can be used as clue cards for a kid’s Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. Instruct children to find their picture on the tree and hunt for the hidden treasure in the house. We used recycled shipping boxes to create the heart base and painted them red. We then used a hole punch to create a lacelike edge to complete the look.
Happy Valentine’s Day, lovers!
Discover your dream home in the heart of Ball Ground! Make Your Move – Inquire Today About These Gorgeous Homes!
TAMMIE CARTER KELLY ANDERSON
“FOR YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY IN THIS YEAR, HERE IS SOME INSPIRATION TO PUT THE YOU IN CUPID.”
LOCALLY OWNED, WITH LOVE
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIRELITE STUDIOS
Creation Social House
Creation Social House is a family-owned and operated bar and restaurant serving new Mediterranean cuisines and beautiful cocktails.
For the uninitiated, the general manager, Vikram Arroju, shares his team’s favorite dishes like the Lamb/Chicken Adana Kebabs, Chef 01 Steak Kebab, Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza), Beef Liver Fry, Grilled Wings, Lamb Chops, and Falafel.
Creation Social also offer entertainment and private events and parties. Thursday nights are karaoke with Michelle from Band X (Atlanta’s favorite party band). Weekends (Friday and Saturday) feature DJ disco nights with DJ Larryon, and be on the lookout for international nights (Latino, Bulgarian, Balkan, Turkish and more).
“One of our house DJ’s - VJ and DJ Jim Edwards - to our best knowledge is the only one of his kind in town to do both VJ and DJ,” says Vikram. “We also offer concerts, bands, and international pop stars to keep the energy high.”
Uthan Vivek, MD, FRCS (Glasgow), FACS
Mehul Joshi, DO, MS, RPVI
Visharad Patel, DO, MS, RPVI
James Res, DO, RPVI
M-F: 9AM-5PM cottonsteeldesign.com 770-361-8264
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