Legacy of a Local Legend
Donation protected
As many of you know, I embarked on a labor of love this summer, interviewing friends and family about my mom and dad for an oral history. As I continue on this journey, I'm creating ways to shine a light on the impact their lives had on so many. I'm excited to announce the first of these opportunities: an exhibit and accompanying documentary style video entitled "Legacy of a Local Legend" featuring the stories, art and music of my father, Whit Connah.
Sycamore Place Gallery will host the launch of the exhibit and an opening night tribute event in spring 2018. After the launch, I aim to take it to other galleries and institutions.
If you've experienced Whit's art or music, you know he's one of Atlanta's hidden gems. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. Check out this rendition of Georgia Crawl with his wife, Barbara Panter-Connah, and Michael Daves.
In addition to this GoFundMe campaign, I'm seeking funding through an arts grant from Idea Capital Atlanta. This is the first time I've ever written a grant! I'll learn in January whether I'll receive funding from Idea Capital, and I'm optimistic that I've got a good shot. That said - the experience in and of itself was a tremendous exercise in shaping the vision for this project. My goal for this campaign is to double the $1,800 I have requested to receive from the grant: I'm aiming to raise $3,600 over the next 4 weeks.
All monies raised from this campaign (and the grant if awarded) will be used for a successful launch of the exhibit and production of the documentary video. Both the exhibit and the video will showcase my father's art, excerpts from stories, photos, live performances and recordings of his original songs - performed not only by him, but also other musicians he's inspired. Any funds raised in excess of the goal will go towards taking the exhibit to other galleries.
Whether playing on stage or jamming with neighbors, Whit thrived on gathering with other musicians. His musical ability and soulful intensity served to raise the level of any musical session. When he perceived musical or artistic talent in anyone around him, he encouraged them.
Whit inspired hundreds of people, not only in his living, but in his dying. In April 2016, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and proceeded to squeeze the most out of his last few months of life straight from his bed. On any given day, you could find him enjoying a meal, singing and playing music with visitors. I’m not sure he realized the legacy he was leaving and the sense of community he was building.
Your support is greatly appreciated! And it is needed for the success of this project. Together, we can share Whit's legendary talents with broader audiences and keep his legacy alive for generations to come. By giving, you are participating in something greater than the production of an exhibit and video - you're opening an opportunity for others - maybe even yourself - to be motivated to sing, play an instrument or create art.
I'll leave you with one example: Thomas Helland, a friend in Atlanta's music community, said this on his blog after attending Dad's memorial service in September 2016: "On Saturday, inspired by what I had witnessed at the memorial service, I passed on my much anticipated day & night of college football and brought out a mandolin that has found a home in our house. I have never played the mandolin before, but I learned a couple of chords and away I went, offering mainly “ambience” notes but they fit in with the more experienced notes of my friends. For about five hours I did my best and certainly felt a release of emotion that was much needed, and I look forward to continuing the learning process!"
https://tdawgpresents.com/2016/09/06/remembering-whit-connah/
My hope is that Thomas will be playing that mandolin for years to come! And that countless others will be motivated in a similar way.
Thank you so much for reading our story and considering a gift.
Amy Connah Hudson
Sycamore Place Gallery will host the launch of the exhibit and an opening night tribute event in spring 2018. After the launch, I aim to take it to other galleries and institutions.
If you've experienced Whit's art or music, you know he's one of Atlanta's hidden gems. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. Check out this rendition of Georgia Crawl with his wife, Barbara Panter-Connah, and Michael Daves.
In addition to this GoFundMe campaign, I'm seeking funding through an arts grant from Idea Capital Atlanta. This is the first time I've ever written a grant! I'll learn in January whether I'll receive funding from Idea Capital, and I'm optimistic that I've got a good shot. That said - the experience in and of itself was a tremendous exercise in shaping the vision for this project. My goal for this campaign is to double the $1,800 I have requested to receive from the grant: I'm aiming to raise $3,600 over the next 4 weeks.
All monies raised from this campaign (and the grant if awarded) will be used for a successful launch of the exhibit and production of the documentary video. Both the exhibit and the video will showcase my father's art, excerpts from stories, photos, live performances and recordings of his original songs - performed not only by him, but also other musicians he's inspired. Any funds raised in excess of the goal will go towards taking the exhibit to other galleries.
Whether playing on stage or jamming with neighbors, Whit thrived on gathering with other musicians. His musical ability and soulful intensity served to raise the level of any musical session. When he perceived musical or artistic talent in anyone around him, he encouraged them.
Whit inspired hundreds of people, not only in his living, but in his dying. In April 2016, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and proceeded to squeeze the most out of his last few months of life straight from his bed. On any given day, you could find him enjoying a meal, singing and playing music with visitors. I’m not sure he realized the legacy he was leaving and the sense of community he was building.
Your support is greatly appreciated! And it is needed for the success of this project. Together, we can share Whit's legendary talents with broader audiences and keep his legacy alive for generations to come. By giving, you are participating in something greater than the production of an exhibit and video - you're opening an opportunity for others - maybe even yourself - to be motivated to sing, play an instrument or create art.
I'll leave you with one example: Thomas Helland, a friend in Atlanta's music community, said this on his blog after attending Dad's memorial service in September 2016: "On Saturday, inspired by what I had witnessed at the memorial service, I passed on my much anticipated day & night of college football and brought out a mandolin that has found a home in our house. I have never played the mandolin before, but I learned a couple of chords and away I went, offering mainly “ambience” notes but they fit in with the more experienced notes of my friends. For about five hours I did my best and certainly felt a release of emotion that was much needed, and I look forward to continuing the learning process!"
https://tdawgpresents.com/2016/09/06/remembering-whit-connah/
My hope is that Thomas will be playing that mandolin for years to come! And that countless others will be motivated in a similar way.
Thank you so much for reading our story and considering a gift.
Amy Connah Hudson
Organizer
Audrey Ferguson
Organizer
Lilburn, GA
