Explore Gainesville

Passage of Time - Voices of North Georgia
2026-04-17 19:30, 2026-04-18 19:30 (America/New_York) | St. Paul United Methodist Church, 404 Washington Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Our season finale concert, Passage of Time, will be held on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church (404 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501).
Step into a contemplative and moving journey through life’s most fleeting and beautiful moments. Passage of Time explores the rhythm of seasons and the ever-moving nature of time through a rich and expressive choral program. From the freshness of spring to the nostalgia of days gone by, each piece paints a vivid portrait of the moments that shape our lives.

Jazz at the Movies - Smithgall Arts Center
2026-04-17 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:00 | The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Russian-born pianist /composer Misha Stefanuk brings a string quartet and rhythm section together to celebrate jazz music performances found in the soundtracks of American cinema. As a distinguished jazz and classical pianist, organist, composer, author, and music educator who began playing piano at age five and composing by age nine, he received an extensive musical education in both Russia and the United States—studying at the Moscow Conservatory School, Moscow College of Improvised Music, Russian Academy of Music, Belmont University, Washington State University, and Boston University
Narration provided by Jazz Club Owner and Podcast Announcer Tamara Fuller.
Seating is first come, first serve. Gates open at 7:00pm, concert starts at 8:00pm.

Composition Strategies for Painting Success with Susie Baker - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-18 09:00 - 16:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Compositional Strategies for Painting Success: A successful painting starts well before the first brush stroke. Whatever medium you paint in or whether you paint in plein air or the studio, this workshop will give you the tools you need to compose and design compelling paintings. A morning of inspiring information followed by applying what we are learning in the field will prepare you to move forward artistically with more confidence.
Workshop fee: $450

The Beauty of Spring Watercolor Workshop - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Total with supply fee: $75 | Supply fee: $10
Celebrate the rich colors and gentle transitions of autumn in this inspiring one-day watercolor workshop. Designed for artists of all levels, this class invites you to explore the magic of fall through expressive brushwork, vibrant palettes, and creative techniques.
Students will work from seasonal photo references, capturing the essence of falling leaves, golden light, and cozy landscapes. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you’ll learn how to layer washes, blend colors, and create texture to bring your fall-themed artwork to life.

Mental Health Art & Creative Writing Contest - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-19 13:00 - 17:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Mental Health Art & Creative Writing Contest
Contest Day: Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 1:00-5:00 PM
Theme:
​​QVAC invites students in grades K–12 to participate in the Mental Health Art & Creative Writing Contest, an art competition centered on the powerful role that friendship, relationships, and connection have in shaping mental health. Students are encouraged to explore how genuine friendships can uplift, support, and strengthen emotional well-being.
This theme highlights the idea that when friendships are true, rooted in kindness, trust, and understanding, they can be a vital source of resilience and healing. Students may interpret this in any way that feels meaningful to them, whether through personal experiences, imagined scenes, or symbolic expression.
For students K-5, QVAC encourages parents to have this conversation with your students to help them explore the idea of true friendships.
Competition Details:
Students will create their artwork on-site with provided materials (electronic tools and pre-existing prompts are not permitted).
Cash prize awards: K-2: $100 | Grades 3-5: $100 | Grades 6-8: $100 | Grades 9-10: $200 | Grade 11-12: $300
Representatives of Best in Show from each grade level will be part of public art.
Reception & Awards Ceremony:
Date: April 20
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Winners Announced: 6:00 PM
​How to Participate:
Students are encouraged to pre-register by Friday, April 17, at 5:00 PM.
This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, recognize the talent of young creatives, and raise awareness about the powerful role genuine friendships play in uplifting, supporting, and strengthening emotional well-being. We look forward to seeing you there!

Elementary Art Explorations: Session 2 - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Elementary Art Explorations is a creative class designed to help young artists build confidence while experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques.
Students will explore painting, texture, layering, and mixed media through playful, hands-on projects inspired by real-world art and design.
Artists will learn how to mix colors, change value, create patterns, and use tools in new and exciting ways.
Each class encourages problem-solving, creativity, and self-expression while strengthening fine motor skills and visual thinking.

Digital Photography With Any Camera - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
2 sessions | April 24 & 25, 2026 | $140

Field Shoot (Botanical Gardens) 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Classroom instruction 6:00-8:00PM

Join award-winning nature photographer Larry Winslett for a special series of Digital Photography (with any camera) classes on April 24th and 25th!
Known for his stunning work capturing wildflowers, wildlife, rivers, and Georgia’s iconic granite outcrops—Stone, Panola, and Arabia Mountains—Larry brings decades of experience as both an exhibiting artist and dedicated educator. His photography has been featured in major publications, museums, and permanent exhibits, and he has taught workshops across North America.
In these hands-on classes, Larry will share his expertise in capturing the beauty of the natural world while offering practical techniques you can immediately apply in the field. Whether you’re looking to refine your artistic vision or strengthen your technical skills, this series offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most respected nature photographers.

Spring Pottery and Art Market - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-24 12:00 - 2026-04-26 18:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The Quinlan Visual Arts Center is proud to host the 4th Annual Spring Pottery and Art Market from April 24 through April 26. Come support local living artists! Open to the Public.
​
Market hours:
Friday, April 24: 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Saturday, April 25: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday, April 26: 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
770.536.2575 | INFO@QVAC.org

Expressive Art as Therapy: Grief and Loss with Dawn Columbo - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The arts can be supportive when experiencing grief and loss. Grief can be the end of a relationship, and/or the loss of a loved one. The act of creating something tangible can serve as a form of expression and allow your thoughts and feelings to guide and move you through the journey.
You can create your own art through monthly sessions. You can work at your own pace with at least 3 options available. The art materials/examples will be provided.
​No prior art experience is necessary. No pressure to talk. Just be present, and allow the process of creative writing, collage, painting, and other art forms be a catalyst for self-care.
Members: $40, Non-members: $65

Battle of the Bands - The Arts Council
2026-04-24 19:00 | The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The Arts Council is excited to announce the highly anticipated 2026 Battle of the Bands, taking place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Smithgall Arts Center. This annual showcase brings together the region’s most dynamic emerging artists for an unforgettable night of live music, competition, and community celebration.
Bands of all genres are invited to apply for a chance to perform on stage, connect with new audiences, and compete for top honors, including our grand prize of $1,000 and the opportunity to headline a show in the 2026/2027 season with 50% of ticket sales or our People’s Choice award which includes a cash prize and an opportunity to open at a concert. A panel of judges—featuring industry professionals, local musicians, and community leaders—will evaluate performances based on originality, musicality, stage presence, and audience engagement. Our people’s choice will be determined by who can raise the most funds for the Arts Council through donations.
Applications are open now through March 4, 2026. Interested bands can apply by submitting basic group information, music samples, and a brief performance proposal. An application fee of $100 will apply and selected finalists will be announced in March 2026.

Block pARTy - Vision 2030 Public Art
2026-04-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Grove Street Station, 610 Grove St, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Art for Public Art. Food Trucks. Music.
Art less than $100 for sale by Local Artists.
Silent Auction artwork.
All proceeds from this fundraiser go to place a new piece of public art in Hall County.
Details, Anna Hester, 678-617-0898.
PublicArtGainesvilleGA.com

Spring Concert: From Stage to Screen - Believers Concert Band
2026-05-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA, 30506, United States
Believers Concert Band Spring Concert
The Believers Concert Band has a real treat for you! You are invited to experience the magic of musical storytelling in “FROM STAGE TO SCREEN” – an afternoon of celebrating songs that made the leap from the theater to the silver screen. Featuring music from iconic stage productions that became legendary films such as West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Grease, the Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof and more, this program blends Broadway excitement with cinematic grandeur.
Please join us on May 3rd at 4pm at Gainesville First United Methodist Church!
Address:
2780 Thompson Bridge Rd.
Gainesville, GA 30506
Free admission.

Elementary Art Explorations: Session 3 - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-05-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-21 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States

Ekphrasis for the Masses - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-05-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Writing POETRY in Response to Art at the Q
Second Tuesday of each month at the Quinlan
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm I Open to the Public
What is Ekphrasis?
The word ekphrasis comes from the Greek language and is used for a vivid, often dramatic, verbal description of a visual work of art.
Ekphrastic poetry may include literal descriptions of a work of art, the poet’s mood in response to a work of art, metaphorical associations inspired by a work of art, or personal memories about a work of art.
Five ways to write an Ekphrastic poem or story.
– Describe what you see
-Describe what’s happening beyond the frame
– Write from the perspective of the artist
-Give voice to a major or minor character in the image
-Explain your response to the art
The “Q” continues to be a fountain of inspiration for artists, writers, readers and poets! Their walks through each gallery inspired by the art we see there have been rich in so many ways. It is a joy to have patrons of Ekphrasis return, eager to discover nuances. Please join QVAC for this welcoming and fun poetry session to learn more about ekphrastic poetry and to write poems of your own! All levels of writers and poets are welcome. Feel free to ask a Quinlan staff member for a chair if you wish to write in the presence of the artwork; sit in the Quinlan’s Sculpture Garden for some fresh air; take a photograph of the piece and write at your leisure.

Artist Showcase Reception - Gallery on the Square
2026-05-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Main Street Market, 118 Main Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The 13 artists of Gallery on the Square will be showing new artwork, in oils, acrylic, watercolor, pottery and sculpture. We will also be featuring a guest artist Jim Froelick who makes beautiful wood pieces. There will also be delicious appetizers.

Soap Making Workshop - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Soap Making Workshop
Thursday, May 14
6:00–8:00 PM
Fee: $60 class fee + $20 supply fee
All supplies are included.

Evenings of Intimate Jazz: Joe Gransden Ensemble - Smithgall Arts Center
2026-05-16 20:00 - 22:00 | The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The Joe Gransden and his eight-piece band brings the timeless swing and excitement of classic big band jazz into the modern age, led by the charismatic trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden. Known for their electrifying performances, lush arrangements, and infectious energy, this powerhouse ensemble delivers everything from Count Basie–style grooves to contemporary jazz favorites. With every note, they remind audiences why big band music continues to thrill, uplift, and bring people together for an unforgettable night of music.
Seating is first come, first serve. Gates open at 7:00pm, concert starts at 8:00pm.

An Evening with Governor and Author Nathan Deal - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
An Evening with Governor & Author Nathan Deal | My Travels Through the Valleys of Literacy
​Hors d’oeuvres and Wine | Door opens at 5:30 PM
​Join QVAC for an engaging evening with former Governor Nathan Deal as he speaks about the books he reads, literacy in general, and humorous stories from his journey from his childhood in Sandersville to Atlanta, Washington, DC, the Georgia Governor’s mansion, and beyond. Governor Deal will also talk about his children’s book Veto, the Governor’s Cat, and related topics.
At the event, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Veto, the Governor’s Cat.
Sponsored by the Quinlan Visual Arts Center and the Northeast Georgia Literary Society

Soap Making Workshop - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Soap Making Workshop
Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Fee: $60 class fee + $20 supply fee
All supplies are included.

Spring Exhibition Artist Talk - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-05-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Spring Exhibition Artist Talk
Open to the Public | Coffee & Light Bites
Participating Artists:
Tom Gonzalez
Ginger Licata
Mali Regan
C WEST

Midland Market - NoFo Brewing Co
2026-05-23 16:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-30 16:00 - 20:00 | Nofo Brewing Co., 434 High St SE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Discover Gainesville’s Midland Market, a vibrant artisan farmer’s market held every Saturday from 4–8 PM along the scenic Midland Greenway. Nestled beside a peaceful pond and surrounded by community favorites like a dog park and playground, this market offers the perfect outing for all ages.
Browse a curated selection of local artisans, fresh farm goods, handmade products, and unique finds while enjoying the natural beauty of the greenway. Located right next to NoFo Brew Co., it’s easy to make an evening of it—shop, stroll, sip, and relax in one of Gainesville’s most inviting outdoor spaces.
For vendor inquiries or additional information, please contact tallpineevents@gmail.com.

Summer Clay Camp - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-06-01 10:00 - 2026-06-05 13:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Instructed by: Lesther Martin
10:00AM – 1:00PM | $165
Welcome to our Clay Camp experience! Open to ages ten to fifteen.
Our program is designed to cater to individuals at every skill level, whether you’re just starting or have some experience with clay. We offer comprehensive instruction in throwing, trimming, hand-building, and glazing techniques.
Session One: June 1-5
Session Two: June 8-12
Session Three: June 22-26
Session Four: June 29-July 3
Session Five: July 6-10
Session Six: July 13-17
Session Seven: July 20-24
