DAA 2025 Year in Review: A Year of Creativity, Community, and Celebration
As we look back on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for another remarkable year of art, partnership, and community impact. From markets to exhibitions to performance and collaborative fundraisers, the Dahlonega Arts Alliance has continued to grow in both reach and creativity. Here’s a look back at our biggest moments of the year—with a link to each full event recap so you can relive the highlights.
February – Valentine Art Market at Accent Cellars
We kicked off the year with love, art, and wine at our Valentine Art Market hosted by Accent Cellars. Local artists showcased heartfelt handmade pieces just in time for the holiday, and visitors enjoyed a warm, festive atmosphere. Click here to read the full blog post about the Valentine Art Market.
March – Spring Art in the Park
Spring brought sunshine, creativity, and our first Art in the Park of the year. Dozens of artists filled Hancock Park with color, craft, community spirit, and chainsaws! Click to read more about Spring Art in the Park.
April – Bear on the Square & Arts & Ales at 52 West Brewing
We were proud to sponsor Bear on the Square, supporting Dahlonega’s beloved Appalachian festival. Later that month, we hosted Arts & Ales at 52 West Brewing, a lively blend of local art and local beer.
May – Art, Wine & Jazz Festival + Summer Art Kits Packing Night
In May, we served as a sponsor for the annual Art, Wine & Jazz Festival, helping bring a weekend of culture and celebration to the square. We also hosted our 5th Summer Art Kits Packing Night, preparing hundreds of free art kits for local children with the Lumpkin County Library.
June – Summer Art in the Park & DAA Member Show
June was a creative double-header. We staged Summer Art in the Park, with artists sharing their handmade work under sunny skies, and opened our annual DAA Member Show, highlighting the amazing talent within our own organization.
July – Bingo Fundraiser with Georgia Mountain Unitarian Universalist Church
July brought joyful community energy with our co-hosted Bingo Fundraiser alongside the Georgia Mountain Unitarian Universalist Church. A night of friendly competition and patriotic fun helped raise support for DAA programming. Read the full recap from our July fundraiser
August – Kilts, Coos & Brews + Butterfly Bash 2.0
August was packed with fun! We joined 52 West Brewing again for Kilts, Coos & Brews, a playful Scottish-themed celebration with art, music, and (of course) kilts. Later in the month, we hosted Butterfly Bash 2.0 at the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm—a magical evening of art, wings, and community.
September – Art Pop at Accent Cellars & How I See Her Exhibition
In September we returned to Accent Cellars for Art Pop, a vibrant pop-up market showcasing creative makers. We also opened How I See Her at Old Storehouse Art, an intimate exhibition exploring friendship and identity through the eyes of local artists Juleah Everglade, Isabella Martino, and Aida Alarcón.
October – Spooky Art in the Park & Scares on the Square
October is always a favorite. Our Spooky Art in the Park brought Halloween magic to Hancock Park, while our volunteers joined the community for Scares on the Square, helping bring trick-or-treating fun downtown.
November – Christmas Art Market
We closed the year with festive cheer at our Christmas Art Market, where local artists shared handmade gifts, holiday décor, and winter-themed creations.
Member Moments – Celebrating the Achievements of Our DAA Family
2025 was also a year filled with outstanding accomplishments from our DAA members. Their creative work, service, and artistic leadership reached far beyond our regular programming—and we’re proud to celebrate their milestones.
Travis Burdick’s Film Featured by the Atlanta Film Society
Filmmaker and DAA member Travis Burdick had his work selected for the Atlanta Film Society’s 100 Feet of Film, a program highlighting innovative regional creators.
Click here to read our full post about Travis’s film The Last Ghoul
Hughes Taylor Releases New Album Roasted
Blues musician Hughes Taylor released his newest album, Roasted, bringing soulful guitar, rich vocals, and signature energy to fans across the Southeast.
Click to learn more about Hughes and his latest album
Juliet Rose Wins Award for DONE.
Author Juliet Rose was honored for her novel DONE., a compelling and emotional exploration of resilience. This award marked a powerful milestone in her literary career. Read more about Juliet’s award and writing journey
Bobby Youngblood Stars as Snoopy
DAA’s own Bobby Youngblood brought joy and humor to the stage, starring as Snoopy in Holly Theatre’s beloved production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!
Click here to revisit Bobby’s performance highlights
Tom & Betty Hubbard Named Volunteers of the Month
Longtime DAA members Tom and Betty Hubbard were recognized as Lumpkin County Senior Center’s Volunteers of the Month in April for their heartfelt dedication and service to local seniors. Read the feature on Tom and Betty’s volunteer work
The Menagerie Theater Ribbon-Cutting
Under the creative direction of Neva Garrett, The Menagerie Theater celebrated its official ribbon-cutting this year—a new home for performance, collaboration, and community storytelling. Click to learn more about The Menagerie’s opening
In Memoriam – Honoring Dan Tomberlin
We close this year with heartfelt remembrance of Dan Tomberlin, a cherished member of the Dahlonega Arts Alliance and a friend to many in our arts community. Dan’s creativity, kindness, and steady support enriched those around him and left a meaningful impact on our organization. His presence will be deeply missed, and we honor the legacy he leaves behind. Click here to learn more about Dan here.
Thank You for an Incredible 2025!
To our artists, volunteers, partners, and community supporters—thank you for making this year extraordinary. We look forward to creating, celebrating, and growing with you in 2026!