Athens Today - August 1

1. Although it is still about 8 weeks away from the first day of Autumn, summer for Athenians is winding down. Clarke County Public School begins one week from today, on August 8. The UGA fall semester will commence two weeks from today, on August 15.

2. The Farm Cart will make its appearance at The Normal Bar sometime later this month, so you can enjoy your favorite local eats at your favorite local watering hole.

3. The Kress Collection is an enormous collection of European works of art which were donated, by Samuel Kress, to regional and academic museums throughout the nation between 1929 and 1961. The Georgia Museum of Art currently holds a collection of 15 Italian Renessance Paintings, and, in parnership with the Kress Foundation, is accepting submissions of responses to these paintings in the form of essays, songs, pictures, recipes, etc. All ages and levels of education are invited to participate in the Kress Project, now through February 1, 2012. The responses will be judged and 24 participants will be chosen for publication and awarded a prize of $500 each.

4. The ACC Federation of Neighborhoods will meet at tonight at 7:30pm to discuss pet overpopulation, adoption, spay & neuter, and other animal welfare issues affecting Athens-Clarke County. This independent, non-partisan organization exists to inform citizens about local issues affecting them. Athenians from every neighborhood are invited to attend, as public comment is an integral component of all programs.

5. Georgia teen Robbie Smith constructed a guitar out of the ruins of the Georgia Theatre, which will be auctioned off at a show on October 10. The guitar has been signed by members of Widespread Panic, Avett Brothers, Drive-By Truckers and Randall Bramblett, so far. Tickets are $5 and proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Georgia Theatre.