The Arts Development Council of Georgia (ADCG) held its General Membership/Open Meeting at the restored Four-room School house in Union Point, Ga  on Wednesday, June 6. The host of the meeting Lee Nelson, Union Point's Better Hometown manager said it was a great opportunity to showcase the town and it's revitalization efforts.

"It was wonderful for Union Point," Nelson said. "We hosted attendees from the state government and tourism officials, plus a multitude of talented artists and interested business men."

ADCG board member Gilda Watters, the Managing Director of the Georgia Tourism Foundation gave a presentation on the relationship of arts, tourism and economic development to the attentive audience of 45. She said she was delighted with the restoration of the 4-room school house and the museum in the two back rooms. Watters noted Union Point's rich history and asked for some of the museum information to be sent to her offices.

Russel Carlson, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Georgia Lieutenant Governor's Office also gave a brief talk  He said the Lt. Gov. understands economic development and educational needs are very important to the revitalization of small towns. He also noted the important impact the arts community has on these communities and he emphasized his office is behind the activities of organisations like the ADCG.

Mayor Lanier Rhodes and Better Hometown chair, Jill Rhodes attended the meeting and were pleased to welcome the state officals, Mayor Jim Lukens of Watkinsville, Director of the Athens Visitors and Convention Bureau, Chuck Jones, and all the attendees.

"I was proud of the job we did in hosting the meeting," Mayor Rhodes said. "We were also proud to show the folks around Union Point."

The audience came from various parts of the state including Villa Rica, Athens, Sparta, Alpharetta, Columbus and Augusta. After the meeting many of the participants visited The Point of Art Gallery. Owner Anne Jenkins said it was very stimulating because she got to trade ideas with other gallery owners and artists.

"It was exciting exchanging our ideas and working out how we can help each other," Jenkins said.

The town of Union Point continues it's drive to revitalize with a concert at the old movie theatre on Saturday, June 16.