Dear Members,
Happy New Year! It is an exciting time of renewal and reconnection at Telfair Museums. I am thrilled to welcome 2025 with a year of remarkable exhibitions, impactful outreach, and engaging programs and events. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Telfair Ball, an outstanding evening that that supports artistic excellence and educational outreach at Savannah’s premier cultural institution.
This year’s theme, Le Printemps en Provence, hosted by esteemed Telfair Ball Chairs, Dolly Chisholm and Graham Sadler, will be an evening to remember. We hope to see all of our Director's Circle members on this magical night–and for those who are not already, there is still time to join and to purchase your tickets!
Our year of exhibitions begins with the opening celebration for a fascinating exhibition, Venice and the Ottoman Empire . You are formally invited to experience a spectacular evening introducing more than 100 paintings, costumes, textiles, and more from Venice’s largest and oldest museums. This exciting exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the center of exchange from the 15th through 18th centuries with items that are not often exhibited outside of Italy, giving Savannahians and guests of the hostess city a chance to marvel at international treasures here in your museum.
I am looking forward to 2025 and beyond and hope to see you very soon. Your continued support of this beloved institution is greatly appreciated.
With my warmest regards,
David Brenneman Executive Director/CEO
COVER: Venetian painter; Doge Francesco Morosini offers Venice the reconquered Morea, late 17th–early 18th century; oil on canvas; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - Museo Correr, Cl. I n. 2301. BACKGROUND: Mariano Fortuny's textile factory in Venice; Cape, c. 1930; printed silk velvet; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - Palazzo Fortuny, TO155 OPPOSITE: View from the front porch of the Owens-Thomas house. Photo by Adam Kuehl Photography.
January 31–May 4 | Jepson Center
For nearly three centuries, the Venetian Republic played an uneasy game with its neighbor on the Adriatic Sea, the powerful Ottoman Empire. Amid frequent conflicts, the Republic kept strong trade relations with the Ottomans to maintain its political independence and economic power. Merchants traveled throughout the Empire and imported coveted spices, sumptuous textiles, and elaborate metalwork to feed Western Europeans’ eager appetites for Near Eastern and Asian goods. In turn, Venetian artisans adapted their neighbors’ decorative traditions into varying media for wealthy consumers at home, from rich silk fabrics to gilt book bindings. Additionally, artists in the city represented these luxury items in their paintings, placing a decidedly Venetian twist on their subjects. These unique designs later inspired 20th-century textile and fashion designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo (1871–1949) to use new tech-
nologies to create similarly luminous fabrics that are still manufactured in Venice and prized by connoisseurs today.
In this exhibition, Venice and the Ottoman Empire brings more than 100 artworks from Venice’s largest and oldest museums to Telfair for a rare glimpse into this intriguing center of exchange. It features paintings, textiles, leatherwork, metalwork, and ceramics from the 15th through 18th centuries that are not often exhibited outside of Italy, including artifacts recovered from a sunken ship. Garments from Mariano Fortuny’s personal collection and examples of Fortuny’s domestic and liturgical work will also be featured. We encourage visitors to come and enjoy this multi-sensorial experience of one of history’s most fascinating and complex international relationships.
MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY Bob Faircloth, the Littlejohn Family Foundation, and Linda McWhorter.
EXHIBITION INVESTMENT IS PROVIDED BY the City of Savannah and the Georgia Council for the Arts.
ANNUAL EXHIBITION SUPPORT BY DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE COUNCIL MEMBERS: Anonymous, Mrs. Cynthia Willett, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hinnant, Leslie and Angus Littlejohn, Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Sayer, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Sheriff, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bogert, Mrs. Inge A. Brasseler, Kerry and Lillian Breitbart, Debbie and Dale Critz, Lila and Dale* Critz, Mr. Robert F. Faircloth, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Gantt, Lindsay and Brent Harlander, Mr. and Mrs. David C. Johnson Jr., Catherine and Doug Johnston, Pamela and Marek Lewanda, Wilson Morris, Mr. and Mrs. J. Herbert Ogden Jr., Thomas V. and Susan G. Reilly, Cathy and Philip Solomons, Pamela L. and Peter S. Voss, and Ms. Susan A. Willetts and Mr. Alan K. Pritz.
Organized by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia and The Museum Box and presented by Telfair Museums.
Venetian painter; Portrait of Doge Andrea Gritti, 1525; oil on canvas; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - Museo Correr, Cl. I n. 0064
Venice and the Ottoman Empire
JOIN US FOR THESE RELATED EVENTS. FULL DETAILS AT TELFAIR.ORG/EVENTS
Opening Event
January 30, 7:30pm | Jepson Center
Lunch and Learn with art historian Lindsay Alberts
February 7, 11:45am | Jepson Center
Director’s Circle Reception & Talk
March 12 | Jepson Center
Members’ Reception & Scholarly Discussion
March 13 | Jepson Center
Free Family Day
March 29
OPPOSITE: Venetian craftspeople; Cuoridoro fragment of wall decoration with pomegranate and tulips, 17th century; gilded and silvered leather, embossed and painted; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - Museo Correr, Cl. XXI n. 0263. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: Venetian painter; View of Constantinople, second half of the 17th century; oil on canvas; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - Museo Correr, Cl I n. 1284. Venetian craftsmanship; Lamp,16th century; openwork bronze with partially gilded patina, chased, engraved; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - Museo Correr, Cl. XI n. 0765. Ottoman Turkish craftspeople; Kaftan, second half of the 19th century; silk satin; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia –Palazzo Fortuny Collezione Mariano Fortuny, inv. 303. Petros Baronyan (al-Barun al-Mukhtari, Armenian, active 18th century); Qibla (Mecca indicator) finder panel with case, 1738; ink and tempera on paper glued on wood, framed in painted wood; Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia – Museo Correr, Cl. XXIX n. 0053.
CLOCKWISE: Ellsworth Kelly (1923–2015); Red Orange/Yellow Blue, 1970; 3 color lithograph on special Arjomari paper; bequest of Dr. David M. Hillenbrand, 2021.4.1. Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997); I Love Liberty, 1982; screenprint on Arches 88 paper; Kirk Varnedoe Collection, Telfair Museum of Art, Savannah, Georgia, Gift of Dorothy Lichtenstein, 2006.17.2. Joni Mabe (b. 1957); The Official Elvis Prayer Rug, 1988; lithograph on paper; museum purchase, 1994.7.25.
Primary: Artists Working in Red, Yellow, and Blue
February 28–July 27 | Jepson Center
Red. Yellow. Blue. From ancient Greece to the modern era, this triadic scheme has impacted artistic practice and culture on a global scale. Collectively known as primary colors, they serve as the foundation of color theory in art. Defined by a set of colors that, when mixed, form the basis of all other colors, primary colors are the building blocks of the color spectrum. This bold trio can evoke emotion, convey messages, and influence our perceptions of the world, and it presents endless possibilities for creativity and expression.
Primary colors’ distinctiveness has inspired renowned artists. For example, Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein's I Love Liberty (1982), featured in this exhibition, masterfully combines this limited palette with one of the nation’s most famous
symbols, the Statue of Liberty. Likewise, American abstract artist Ellsworth Kelly, drawing on his study of color theory, explores the purity of color and form in a series of simple squares in Red Orange/Yellow Blue (1970).
Drawn from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, Primary: Artists Working in Red, Yellow, and Blue explores how artists have utilized primary colors in adventurous ways to elicit brilliant experiences. In addition to Lichtenstein and Kelly, energetic and dynamic compositions by Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, and Malcolm Morely, among others, will introduce viewers to the expansiveness of a simple palette.
This exhibition is organized by Telfair Museums and curated by Ahmauri Williams-Alford, assistant curator of historical interpretation.
Craft Along the Coast & Stay Awhile:
Interiors in Art
Telfair Academy
In March, two exciting new installations featuring works from the museum’s permanent collection will debut in the Telfair Academy's upper galleries. Galleries 1 and 2 will explore traditions and innovations in craft in coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry, including woodworking, basketry, silversmithing, architecture, and more. These works will be mounted alongside some favorite paintings of Savannah scenes, like Augusta Denk Oelschig’s Old City Market , to help visualize the different locations where they were made and sold. Featured artists include Ulysses Davis, Arthur Dilbert, Vernon Edwards, and Julia Owens. Visitors will also be invited to trace silversmithing in the city of Savannah with a map feature, connecting examples of different silver firms’ work to their ever-changing locales in this dynamic, artistic city.
Gallery 4 will host an installation that invites visitors to spend more time examining works of art, looking for compositional elements and tiny details they may not typically notice. Stay Awhile: Interiors in Art will include many works from Telfair’s collection that depict interior scenes, like the elaborate parlor in Julius Stewart’s Intimate , the sparse workroom of Walter MacEwen’s The Lacemakers , and the imaginative rooms in Robert Lindsay Walker’s drawings of houses.
Continuing Exhibitions
Norman Rockwell and Peers: Illustrating Childhood
Through January 5 | Jepson Center
#art912 Of One Mind Through February 9 | Jepson Center
Jim Campbell: Thresholds of Perception Through April 6 | Jepson Center
Dirt and Stardust Through April 27 | Jepson Center
One Museum, Many Facades Ongoing | Telfair Academy
Before Midnight: Bonaventure and the Bird Girl Ongoing | Telfair Academy
CAM Ongoing | Jepson Center
Boxed In/Break Out–Call to Artists
Applications due January 24
Telfair is excited to offer local Chatham County artists an opportunity to feature their art in a museum-sponsored public art installation activating six windows facing Barnard Street. Artists should submit a detailed plan for how to utilize all six windows in a cohesive manner through self-created art that fulfills the following criteria: creativity, originality, feasibility, visual appeal, resourcefulness and suitability in the space. The project will be on view June 13, 2025–April 2026.
Boxed In/Break Out is part of Telfair Museums’ #art912 initiative, dedicated to raising the visibility and promoting the vitality of artists living and working in Savannah. Learn more at telfair.org/boxed-2025
TOP TO
BOTTOM: Vernon Edwards (1940–1999); Harriet Tubman (1820–1913), 1982; mahogany and paint; mus eum purchase, 1997.22.1.
Julius LeBlanc Stewart (1855–1919);
Intimate , 1897; oil on panel; bequest of the artist, 1920.2.
PULSE Art and Technology Festival
Telfair Museums’ PULSE Art and Technology Festival returns for its 18th year featuring a must-see exhibition and lecture by pioneering electronic artist Jim Campbell, a showcase of projects by local artists working in digital media, and programs for all ages. The festival kicks off with a members’ opening and lecture by Jim Campbell, as well as an installation of technology-based artists’ projects including interactive art, work incorporating AI, and a video lounge with projections by local artists. Friday’s schedule includes
EXHIBITIONS
a tech talk for students fourth grade and up, a curator’s tour, and an Art and Film night with a classic sci-fi anime screening, demos by local artists, and a studio art making project. The festival ends Saturday with a morning workshop for youth, a Free Family Day with game demonstrations, family art making, and a cool, new performance by returning PULSE artists of the Tybee Ballet Theatre.
Investment provided by the City of Savannah, Georgia Council for the Arts, and The William T. Morris Foundation.
Jim Campbell: Thresholds of Perception on view through April 6
PULSE Local Projects Showcase January 16–February 10
SCHEDULE
January 16
Jim Campbell Members’ Reception & Opening Lecture
Members FREE | $20 Non-members Reception 5:30pm
Lecture 6:15pm Jepson Center
January 17
PULSE Tech Talks for Students
Members & local students FREE 11am | Jepson Center
Curator's Tour
Members & local students FREE 2pm | Jepson Center
PULSE Art & Film Night
Members FREE | $10 non-members 6pm | Jepson Center
January 18
Workshop: LED Light Sculptures
Ages 10–16
FREE w/advanced registration 10am | Jepson Center
Free Family Day
Local residents FREE 10am–5pm | Jepson Center
Artist demos and performances from 1–4pm
January 24
Lunch & Learn: Jim Campbell
Members FREE. Sponsored by Telfair Contemporaries 11:45am | Jepson Center
Michael Betancourt; Mnemonic Fields, 2024; 30p HD movie, 2:00 minutes, stereo.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January
March
February
April
Artful Tales Story Time
Fridays at 10:30am | Jepson Center
Free for Telfair members and included with general museum admission
Let your little ones' imaginations soar during our new Artful Tales Story Time in the Telfair Children's Art Museum. This enchanting program is perfect for young art lovers and curious minds, combining the joy of storytelling with the wonder of art. Each week, our skilled storytellers will bring captivating tales to life, encouraging creativity and imagination in a vibrant, art-filled setting.
Art Start: Stroller and Toddler Tours
Third Thursday of every month
10:30–11:30am | Jepson Center
$5 per child | Adults: members free, non-members $12
Great days start with art thanks to our new and combined programs! Once a month, our youngest patrons are invited to the Jepson Center for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, expressive babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome here. Come play and learn with us!
Of One Mind
January 16
Venice and the Ottoman Empire
March 20
Free Family Days
10am–5pm, Activities 1–4pm
FREE admission to the Jepson Center for local residents (Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Liberty, Bulloch, and Beaufort Counties).
PULSE Free Family Day
January 18 | Jepson Center
Celebrating this year’s PULSE Festival, tech-related projects and game demonstrations, a multimedia dance performance and art-making activities will be offered for visitors of all ages.
Venice and the Ottoman Empire Free Family Day
March 29 | Jepson Center & Telfair Square
Free and open to all local residents. Explore the world of Venice and the Ottoman Empire and enjoy family art making, music, and demonstrations presented by Savannah’s Society for Creative Anachronism chapter, the Shire of Forth Castle.
Super Museum Sunday
February 9, 12–4pm | All three sites
Free for all visitors. Telfair once again will participate in the annual Super Museum Sunday in association with the Georgia History Festival. Enjoy the newly opened Venice and the Ottoman Empire and other exhibitions at the Jepson Center, take in the splendor of the historic Telfair Academy, and step through the halls of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Family activities will be offered at the Jepson Center only.
Investment is provided by the City of Savannah, the Georgia Council for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and Colonial Group, Inc.
Unleash Your Creativity in the Drop-In Studio
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–2pm
Thresholds of Perception February 20
Primary April 17
Events subject to change. For the most current information, visit telfair.org/museum-events or scan:
It's your turn to be the artist! Join us in our studios for a variety of artmaking projects. All ages and experience levels are invited to take part in an array of creative mediums including watercolors, collage, calligraphy, origami, coloring books, and more. Each month features a special project designed to connect with an exhibition at the museum and a studio assistant is always nearby for encouragement and guidance. Included in the cost for an admission ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Adult Classes
Register at telfair.org/classes or call 912.790.8823
Listed costs cover all classes offered in each course. Choose Session where applicable.
Studio Art Club
Program coordinator: Kip Bradley
Wednesday mornings, 10am–1pm
Wednesday afternoons, 1–4pm
Session 1: Jan 8–Mar 5 | Session 2: Mar 19–May 14
Session 3: May 28–July 23
Members $65 | Non-members $85 | Bring your materials
The tricky part of the painting is not always the “how-to” but sometimes just the “when.” A good practice to follow is setting aside time each week specifically for art. This studio program provides studio space for artists to work independently in a quiet and safe social setting with a teacher on hand to provide guidance when requested. Each session includes a new, fresh, fun-themed still-life arrangement, or you can bring your own inspiration and work with the media of your choice.
Figurative Art Club
Program coordinator/instructor: Stephanie Tugurian
Session 1: Jan 9–Mar 6 | Session 2: Mar 20–May 15
Session 3: May 29–July 24
Members $110 | Non-members $125 | Bring your materials
Work from a live model in the media of your choice and see how fellow artists work as well in this safe and social open-figure studio. With each session you attend, you’re not only building your skills but also enriching your passion for art. Students are encouraged to work independently or get help from a participating instructor.
Life Portraiture Art Club
Fridays, 11am–2pm
Session 1: Jan 10–Mar 7 | Session 2: Mar 21–May 16
Session 3: May 30–July 25
Members $120 | Non-Members $135 | Bring your materials
This course is for intermediate painters who want the richer experience of working directly from a live model in an extended pose rather than from secondary sources. While no formal instruction will be provided, the interactive experience of working in a group is a valuable improvement tool. In addition, individual assistance will be available to those who desire it. Often, a second pair of eyes is needed for the work.
Plein Air Art Club
Program coordinator: Kip Bradley
Mornings, 9am–12:30pm | Afternoons, 2–5pm
Session 1: Jan 10–Mar 7 | Session 2: Mar 21–May 16
Session 3: May 30–July 25
Members $65 | Non-members $85 | Bring your materials
What is plein air art? As its name suggests, to paint “en plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and in this class, you’ll meet on-site around the greater Savannah area for some outdoor painting (come prepared to enjoy light walking as well). All sessions allow painters to work independently but with a teacher to offer guidance when requested. Work in the media of your choice alongside fellow painters for added inspiration. Participants can come to multiple sessions or change between sessions as needed.
Spring Things: Themed Still-Life Painting
Instructor: Kip Bradley
Tuesdays, 2–5pm, Jan 21–Feb 25
Members $175 | Non-members $195 | All materials provided
The greater the excitement and passion you have for a subject, the happier you’ll be with the outcome. A fun still-life is an excellent way to learn to paint and build new skills. In each session, students will create a painting from a fresh-themed still-life arrangement inspired by the spring season. Learn paint application, color mixing, and understanding of the structures that create the illusion of space and volume while strengthening observational and creative muscles.
Making a Photograph in Paint Through Observation
Mondays, 1-4:30pm, Jan 20–Feb 24
Members $175 | Non-Members $195 | All materials provided In this beginning-to-advanced studio-based class, students will be guided through creating a painting from their chosen personal photo. This class will take a slow approach, first discussing design and composition with in-class exercises, followed by an exploration of color theory and color mixing strategies. Finally, the last three classes will be utilized to draw and slowly paint a finished work on canvas.
Drawing Basics
Tuesdays, 10am–12pm | Jan 21–Feb 25
Members $175 | Non-members $195 | All materials provided This class will explore drawing techniques and a variety of drawing media. Each week will feature a different material and process. It is a perfect class for new artists wishing to improve their drawing skills and advanced artists looking for new challenges. Through demos and practice, students will learn to draw from direct observation, gaining a sound understanding of materials and processes. For all skill levels.
Painting with Color
Thursdays, 10am–12:30pm, Jan 23–Feb 27
Members $175 | Non-Members $195 | All materials provided With a specific focus on color, this acrylic painting class is designed for all experience levels. They say everything to learn in painting happens on the palette. If you're unsure how to make orange or feel overwhelmed selecting colors at the art supply store, this class is for you. The more colors you make, the more you see. In this class, we will explore basic color theory, various artists, color selections, and their reasoning to better understand the elements of color. This class will provide a strong understanding of the properties of color and enable more informed color decisions.
Traditions in Landscape Painting (Studio Class)
Mondays, 1–4pm | Mar 3–Apr 14 (no class March 17)
Members $175 | Non-members $195 | All materials provided
In this beginning-to-advanced class, students will be guided through the process of creating master copies to study their technical processes and mark-making. Working in oil paint, students will learn to transfer images from photos by making studies from early English and French plein air artists to contemporary painters. Each class will explore an individual artist or genre with a discussion of unifying or key techniques of each artist or style. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of landscape painting while developing individualized approaches and personal styles. For all skill levels.
Oil Painting: Intro to Landscape Painting
Instructor: Kip Bradley Thursdays, 9–11:30am
Session 1: Mar 6–Apr 10 | Session 2: Apr 24–May 29
Members $175 | Non-members $195 | All materials provided
There is no better way to enjoy the day than to paint it! Painting on location throughout downtown Savannah, this spring session will focus on the combination of architecture and nature found in the views of our city’s beautiful squares. Start with the basic materials, add the right tools and techniques, and let painting outdoors become a lifelong passion. Learn to work in oils to create impressions. Explore painting techniques, composition, color, and creative expression in an upbeat and encouraging atmosphere. Practice brushwork, layering, applying paint to the surface, and color-mixing techniques, and use them to express yourself in color. The class meets on-site around the Savannah area, with light walking.
Youth Classes
Youth Painting & Drawing
Instructor: Autumn Gary
Ages 9–12 years | Mondays, 4:30–6pm
Session 1: Jan 20–Feb 24 | Session 2: Mar 3–Apr 14
Members $115 | Non-members $135 | All materials Included
This afternoon class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle school students improve their drawing and painting skills, build portfolios, and develop good art-making habits. Every day is a new creative exploration for seasoned preteen artists and newcomers. As naturally creative individuals, students will be given a voice in their growth while learning traditional drawing and painting skills. Lessons and projects will work on-site and at outdoor locations near the museum. Location details will be emailed to registrants a week prior to the first class.
Youth Painting and Drawing
Instructor: Autumn Gary
Ages 12–16 years | Wednesdays, 4:30–6pm
Session 1: Jan 22–Feb 26 | Session 2: Mar 5–Apr 15
Members $115 | Non-members: $135 | All materials Included
This afternoon class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle and high school students improve their drawing and painting skills, build portfolios, and develop good art-making habits. Every day is a brand-new creative exploration for seasoned young teen artists and newcomers. As naturally creative individuals, students will be given a voice in their growth while learning traditional drawing and painting skills. Lessons and projects will work onsite and at outdoor locations near the museum. Location details will be emailed to registrants a week prior to the first class.
Digital Photography
Instructor: Autumn Gary
Ages 12–16 years | Fridays, 4:30–6pm | Mar 7–Apr 11
Members $115 | Non-members: $135 | All materials Included
Join us at the Jepson Center as we encourage young, budding photographers to develop their skills. We believe that all young people are artists. With that in mind, we will approach photography as professionals do, studying the elements of art. Class will meet outside as much as possible as we explore our environment in Telfair Square and other nearby locations. Location details will be emailed to registrants a week prior to the first class. We will use DSLR digital cameras and learn about exposure and a few historical methods involving film. Photography is fun and accessible to everyone!
Featured artist workshop
Learn to Paint Gorgeous Flowers
Instructor: Diane Reeves
Apr 26–28
Members $350 | Non-members $375. Bring your materials. Award-winning artist and seasoned instructor Diane Reeves is mainly known for her vibrant paintings of fresh flowers, and she’s excited to help others create their own beautiful florals.
Diane’s engaging teaching style, clear explanations, and valuable demonstrations make learning new concepts and skills straightforward and enjoyable. Participants learn to quickly recognize and capture the primary forms of assorted flowers, maintain lovely luminescent color, and apply specific and exciting brushwork. Demos will include ways to keep colors and values accurate and achieve gorgeous translucency and lovely edges for both petals and foliage. Each morning, we will focus on specific concepts and include a demonstration of painting of garden flowers, such as roses and hydrangeas. Each afternoon will include plenty of one-on-one assistance as participants apply their new skills and concepts while painting floral setups. Diane’s goal is for every participant to leave with valuable insights and confidence in painting beautiful flowers.
Beginning and advanced painters are invited to attend this workshop, though some prior painting experience is helpful.
Veterans Guided Open Studio Program
Saturdays, 1–4pm
For more information, contact Kip Bradley at 912.790.8823 or email bradleyk@telfair.org
This program provides a calm, open studio approach with guidance in drawing and painting by an experienced instructor and is open to all veterans. No prior experience making art is needed. Veterans also participate in occasional tours of major exhibitions. Artists can either work independently or with a teacher when guidance is needed.
Drop-In Studio
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–2pm
Free with museum admission. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Join us in our studios to unleash your creativity! Work at your own pace and comfort level through an array of creative mediums like watercolors, collage, calligraphy, origami, coloring books, and more. Each month features a special project designed to connect with an exhibition at the museum. A studio assistant is always on hand to answer questions and assist.
affinity groups
Telfair Contemporaries
Led by contemporary art enthusiasts, Telfair Contemporaries (TC) welcomes anyone with an interest in modern and contemporary art to come meet with fellow contemporary artists in their studio environments. The mission of TC is to promote the museum's goals and its commitment to developing awareness, understanding, and appreciation of modern and contemporary art. For more information, visit telfair.org/tc
Lunch & Learn: Jim Campbell Curator's Tour
January 24, 11:45am | Jepson Center
Sponsored by Telfair Contemporaries. Telfair members only.
Join Harry Delorme, Telfair Museums' director of education and senior curator, for a closer look at the exhibition Jim Campbell: Thresholds of Perception. You’ll learn about the works on view then enjoy a themed lunch at your leisure in the Wildflower Café*.
*Café does not take reservations; seating is first come, first serve. Lunch may be ordered online in advance and picked up after the tour if you are unable to dine in.
Friends of African American Arts
TC Gallery Visit with Cleo the Project Space March 27, 6pm | Offsite
FREE and open to Telfair Contemporaries members only. Pre-registration is required; register at telfair.org/tc
Cleo the Project Space welcomes TC members to learn more about the mission of the gallery during a conversation with Executive Director Jeanette McCune. Attendees will also gain insight into the current exhibition on view.
FAAA members enjoy social and cultural activities that allow par ticipants to expand their personal networks, foster appreciation for African American art and culture, and experience the remarkable cultural landscape of the Southeast. For more information, visit telfair.org/faaa .
FAAA Exhibition at Savannah State University
Savannah State University, Kennedy Fine Arts Gallery
Exhibition: February 5–March 29
Opening reception: February 7, 6–8pm
Artist talks: February 21, TBD
Free admission and open to the public.
FAAA presents a members' exhibition The Artists' Manifest, exploring how creative expression defines individuality and self awareness.
Gari Melchers Collectors’ Society
W.W. Law Lecture
February 13, 6pm | Jepson Center
Presented by the Savannah Black Heritage Festival and FAAA.
Free admission and open to the public.
GMCS supports and promotes the expansion of the museum’s permanent collection and provides its members with exclusive programs and educational opportunities to enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of art. For more information, visit telfair.org/melchers
Friends of the Owens-Thomas House
FOT members are especially interested in architecture, decorative arts, and history. Their contributions support continued preservation and interpretation efforts at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, public programming, and emerging scholarship. Members enjoy special access to tours and lectures, invitations to events, and exclusive visits to museums, historic homes, and private collections. For more information, visit telfair.org/fot
FOT Tour: The Printmaker’s Inn
February 18, 5:30pm
Join the Friends at The Printmaker’s Inn for a behind-the-scenes tour of two uniquely joined dwellings in Savannah’s south historic district! We will learn how the property’s owners carefully paired a local 1884 Italianate style house with a 1693 Georgian home they relocated from Connecticut.
FOT Presents: Dr. Philippe Halbert
March 20, 5:30pm wine reception, 6:15pm talk
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Savannah and stay in the Owens-Thomas House, FOT welcomes Dr. Philippe Halbert, Richard Koopman Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Wadsworth Atheneum, for a special talk about French communities and decorative arts in the American South.
FOT Garden Party
April 24, 5:30pm
Celebrate spring at this favorite annual event! Enjoy refreshing beverages and delicious treats in the blooming Owens-Thomas House garden.
directors circle
We are truly grateful to each of our Director’s Circle members for their generous support. Their annual gift to Telfair represents an important investment in our children, our community, and the cultural arts scene in Savannah and the region. Director’s Circle patrons enjoy greater access to the museum and its curators through an array of enhanced benefits, and experience the joy of knowing they are helping to sustain the museum for future generations.
For more information about joining Director’s Circle, please contact Rana Edgar at 912.790.8865 or edgarr@telfair.org.
Membership begins at $1,500.
Director’s Circle members receive all standard membership benefits, plus:
Unlimited guest passes
Exclusive exhibition previews, receptions, and dinners
Eligibility to purchase tickets to Telfair Ball
Domestic and international travel opportunities with the museum director and curators
Facility rental eligibility at the Telfair Academy and Jepson Center
And so much more!
Gifts Given in Tribute
July 19–October 15, 2024
HONORARY GIFTS
In Honor of Bonaventure Don Tamy S. Chelst
In Honor of Tracey E. Shankweiler Tamy S. Chelst
In Honor of Leslie and Angus Littlejohn
Mrs. Ann W. Kelly and Mr. Charles McIlvaine
Member Spotlight: Kim Dubois
I fell in love with art when I discovered the works of Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden on the pages of Ebony Jr magazine. Visiting the Baltimore Museum of Art and seeing elements of my family’s journey from North Carolina to Maryland depicted in Lawrence’s Migration series solidified my appreciation of African-American creative expression. As a former U.S. diplomat, I promoted the best of American culture to foreign audiences spanning multiple countries including Lagos, Kabul, Oslo, and London. As the Chairman of Friends of African American Arts, I get to promote Savannah’s cultural heritage and extraordinarily talented artists.
CAM Theme Refresh Soon to Debut
It is hard to believe that the Telfair Children’s Art Museum has already been open and welcoming visitors for well over a year. While the current iteration is still wildly popular with regulars and first-time visitors alike, plans are already underway to refresh CAM’s theme.
As our visitors and members know, CAM is currently an exploration of the Impressionist gems of Telfair’s collection. Our vision for the update also celebrates treasures from our collection. CAM’s next phase will focus on the work of Savannah artist and sailor William O. Golding, who was featured in Telfair’s 2022 exhibition, The Art of William O. Golding: Hard Knocks, Hardships, and Lots of Experience Golding’s work is only represented in a few collections and Telfair is proud to be one of them.
This virtual Golding exhibition will greet visitors with imaginative and whimsical imagery while they follow his amazing adventures around the globe. For this ambitious project, Telfair has again partnered with FREN Design, Inc. to create an experience that is unique to Telfair Museums for our visitors and members. We look forward to sharing more information as the design process progresses and new installation dates are finalized.
Thank you to our generous donors who support the upcoming refresh to CAM: Mrs. Cynthia E. Willett, PNC Foundation, Great Dane, Colonial Group, Inc., Georgia Ports Authority and Jackie and Stephen Rabinowitz.
If you would like to contribute to this fun and fresh experience for visitors of all ages, please contact Lauren Grant at 912.790.8866 or grantl@telfair.org.
Thousands of Students Served by Programs
Telfair’s commitment to serving K-12 students expanded in 2024 and continues in 2025 with museum visit programs at three different grade levels as well as new outreach in area classrooms. The museum has more than a century of experience offering school programs and is currently visited by almost 9,000 students per year for guided tours.
The museum seeks to reach students throughout their academic progress with programs that connect to curriculum standards and support critical thinking, essential skills, and creative expression, beginning with the earliest learners. Just recently, the museum hosted nearly 3,000 fourth graders from the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools who explored language arts connections and storytelling in original paintings by Norman Rockwell and other great illustrators on view at the Jepson Center.
During their visits between October and December, the fourth graders discussed and wrote about works in the galleries and created their own narrative figure drawings, which will be on view in the Jepson Center’s Community Gallery during the month of March for Youth Art Month. Thanks to a grant from PNC Bank, more than 700 Pre-K students visited the Jepson Center in 2024 for curriculum-based tours and art making. The museum also piloted new outreach lessons in schools for PreK students in fall 2024, with a nursery rhyme reading and art activity linked to the Norman Rockwell and Peers exhibition. Additionally, the museum visited schools to present programs for 500 fifth graders as part of the Massie Center’s History on Wheels program, with art activities led by the museum’s Tenenbaum Education Fellows.
Moving up in age, around 800 eighth grade students are visiting the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters and Telfair Academy this school year with a focus on social studies. All of these programs include hands-on art making activities for students to reinforce concepts discussed during the visits, and create experiences that are intended to spark a lifelong love of art and history.
Inaugural Palette to Palate Competition a Huge Success!
Palette to Palate blended a mastery of flavors with the beauty of art. FARM Hospitality Groups’ chefs from Common Thread, FARM Bluffton, Strange Bird, Flora and Fauna, and Wildflower Café, shared their culinary talents in this inaugural competition. Contestants combined traditional techniques with avant-garde innovation, weaving together ingredients as though they were strokes on a canvas, and creating edible works of art that dazzled both the eye and the palate.
Patrons feasted, then voted for their favorite culinary masterpiece. The winner was Daniel Aranza, Chef de Cuisine of Strange Bird, with his plate inspired by La toilette d’ Herminie by Henri Caro-Delvaille. Aranza's Pato en Mole Blanco bite, featured duck breast, white mole, pumpkin, citrus, and hibiscus. We look forward to hosting this event again next fall and tasting what the next winner will create!
Thank you to the generous sponsors of the 45 th annual Telfair Ball
Diamond
Critz Auto Group
Evans General Contractors
Georgia Power
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Kim Lyle Berkshire Hathaway
Staci Donegan Real Estate
Platinum
Amazing Event Rentals
AUGUST–Floral and Event Design
Berkshire Hathaway Realty Group
Bouhan Falligant
Ron & Bernice Gantt
Glow Medical Spa
Joe and Melinda Herring
Hinnant Foundation
J. L. Williamson Law Group
Josh and Kelley Keller
Minis and Company / South State Wealth
Morris Multimedia
Mariner Group
Palmer & Cay
PNC Bank
Red Diamond Coffee & Tea
Rhodes Risk Advisors
Savannah Distributing Company
Kim and Mark Smith
Sterling Seacrest Pritchard
Stifel
Thurston Group
Truist
Cindy and Don Waters
West Construction Company
Mrs. Cynthia Willett
Susan Willetts and Alan Pritz
Le Printemps en Provence
will unveil a captivating evening inspired by the idyllic aromas, flavors, and landscapes of Provence. An atmosphere of pure enchantment the spirit of joie de vivre a coalescence of support for this treasured institution’s education programs, community outreach, exhibitions, and more.
Contact Lauren Grant today for sponsorship opportunities or to purchase your tickets: grantl@telfair.org | 912.790.8866
FEBRUARY 22, 2025 | THE RIVERFRONT AT EASTERN WHARF
Telfair Museums is thrilled
to partner with
VyStar Credit Union Corporate Spotlight
My personal connection to the Telfair was a result of working on staff for many years with the Savannah Music Festival (SMF) . Many of our classical concerts were held at Trinity Church on Telfair Square and when time allowed, I would run over and peek at the new exhibits and collections at the Jepson Center and the Telfair Academy. The SMF board chairperson at the time was Mr. Dave Neises and the Neises Auditorium is located within the Jepson. It was a great opportunity to experience firsthand a piece of his family’s legacy and contribution to our community.
One of my favorite VyStar-related memories with Telfair Museums involves our 2023 Good Is Everywhere free-day experience–our first in Georgia. This partnership allowed our credit union members and community partners free access to visit Telfair Museum's three sites over a period of seven days. This occurred during our second year of the Good is Everywhere celebration. For two weeks in September, we honor the good in our communities. At VyStar, we believe in leading by example, and we are committed to making a difference for our members and for the nonprofit organizations that make our communities a better place for everyone.
Why does VyStar support local nonprofit organizations like Telfair? VyStar’s purpose is to Do Good. As a part of this promise, we amplify the good being done in our communities by partnering with local organizations, like Telfair, that share a similar purpose and make a positive impact on the places we call home. VyStar has longstanding relationships with many destinations and nonprofit organizations in each community we serve, and we are excited to now partner with Telfair Museums.
Your favorite artwork at Telfair? Most recently, I enjoyed the Norman Rockwell & Peers: Illustrating Childhood exhibit. I've always found the use of illustrative art to tell a story fascinating and a perfect vehicle for people to use their imagination in a creative and impactful way.
Which of the three sites is your favorite and why? My favorite is the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. As a National Historic Landmark building, this historic home does a fantastic job of telling the entire story of the wealthy families that owned the home and of those enslaved people who built, lived, and worked in the home.
Q&A with Luella Sanders, AVP, Regional Community Engagement
TELFAIR MUSEUM OF ART, INC. PO BOX 10081 SAVANNAH, GA 31412
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Please help us thank our corporate and foundation partners for educational, programming, and exhibition support.
LITTLEJOHN FAMILY FOUNDATION
KIM LYLE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Jepson Center
owens-thomas house & slave quarters