There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes.
Telfair Museums announces two sculpture exhibitions opening at Jepson Center
Telfair Museums announces two exhibitions to open at the Jepson Center in August. “Richmond Barthé: Harlem Renaissance Sculptor” opened to the public on Aug. 4 and “Created Beasts: Sculpture by Ulysses Davis” will be presented on Aug. 25.
“Richmond Barthé: Harlem Renaissance Sculptor” (Aug 4–Nov 9) will celebrate Richmond Barthé (1901–1989), one of the foremost African American sculptors of the 20th century, noted for his portraiture work and idealized nude figures executed in cast bronze. This exhibition presents a survey of Barthé’s career through two dozen of his finest creations, organized by Los Angeles-based Landau Traveling Exhibitions, under the curatorial supervision of esteemed art historian Dr. Samella Lewis.
Following the opening of Richmond Barthé, on August 24, “Created Beasts: Sculpture by Ulysses Davis” will open and remain on view through Dec 17. The exhibition will highlight depictions of creatures, real and imagined, in the work of Savannah woodcarver Ulysses Davis (1914–1990).
For more information regarding the upcoming fall exhibitions and accompanying events, please visit telfair.org.
City designates Virginia Edwards-Maynor Way
The City of Savannah designated a portion of Hopkins Street as Virginia Edwards-Maynor Way on Tuesday, Aug. 8. The honorary designation was approved by the City Council on June 22, 2023.
Edwards-Maynor, a Savannah native, joined the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) as a teacher in 1970. She served as principal at George W. DeRenne Middle School’s original location at 3609 Hopkins St.
The building on Hopkins has since been renamed the Building Bridges Academy Middle School, after DeRenne Middle School was moved to its current location on Clinch Street.
Edwards-Maynor was promoted to executive director of middle and high schools for SCCPSS in 1989. She would go on to become the district’s deputy superintendent of instruction. In 1998, Edwards-Maynor became the first SCCPSS African American female superintendent. She remained in that post until she retired in 2001.
The honorary street name designation is intended to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community. The designation does not interfere with the official name of the street.
One Love Animal Rescue to host Pawhibition, a 1920s themed fundraiser
One Love Animal Rescue will host the Pawhibition Auction and Fundraiser on August 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Savannah Station, which will feature a night of music and dancing, culinary tastings of Savannah and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit One Love Animal Rescue, a Savannah based 501(c)3 on a mission to save abandoned, neglected, abused, and unwanted pets. Tickets can be purchased at charityauction.bid/Pawhibition.
United Way of the Coastal Empire announces vice president of resource development
United Way of the Coastal Empire welcomed Andrew Konkel as the organization’s vice president of resource development. In this role, Konkel will lead the organization’s year-round fundraising efforts with the support of key volunteers to ensure United Way has the financial resources to accomplish its mission to improve lives.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the team at United Way of the Coastal Empire. I look forward to meeting more of our dedicated donors and learning more about the communities we serve. The chance to make an already incredible region an even better place to live, work, and play for everyone is motivating. To do it alongside so many great people is the icing on the cake. Let’s get to work!” said Konkel.
The Wisconsin native assumed his new position in June and already loves his new home in Coastal Georgia.
“We are excited to welcome this seasoned professional to our staff,” said Brynn Grant, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “His many years in the nonprofit sector, including the past six years with another United Way organization, are impressive, and will benefit this organization and our entire region.”
Seimitsu hires chief investment officer, Scott Cunningham, JD
Seimitsu Corp. has announced that Scott Cunningham has joined the Savannah-based Telecommunications company specializing in fiber based high-speed broadband and IT services as its chief investment officer. Cunningham will be taking point on leading investments for Seimitsu’s expansion in the Southeast.
“Scott’s two decades of capital markets experience and having worked with institutional investors on multiple projects will be an incredible asset and we look forward to having him onboard,” said Seimitsu chief operating officer Keith Fletcher.
“Having the opportunity to lead Seimitsu’s Investments Office was truly an opportunity I felt I could not pass up,” said Cunningham. “I am grateful to be joining Sam, Keith and the rest of the team at Seimitsu as we seek to deploy on and continue to build-out what will truly be the most advanced and secure fiber optic network in the Southeastern United States.”
This article appears in Connect Savannah | August, 2023.