Page 11 - Clayton Newcomers Guide 2022
P. 11
Brian Hebert
Executive Director, Arts Clayton
Clayton County is more than
just the home of one of the world’s
busiest airports. It is also home
to an outstanding quality of life
that includes world-class parks
and greenspaces, environmental
education, and a vibrant arts
and cultural scene.
Arts, Recreation and Friendly Cities
Clayton County Quality of Life is Superior
D iverse artistic offerings at By Michael Hall between the arts community and the
Arts Clayton combined with
Clayton County schools promoting and
teaching children about it.
the world-class Spivey Hall
mean residents don’t have
“Our community is working hard to
to leave Clayton County for cultural make it great for the adults here, but it is
experiences. Spivey Hall, at Clayton State also taking time to foster the students and
University, is considered an acoustically help them grow and have opportunities,”
superior performing arts center that Bailey said.
hosts everything from jazz and opera to The Clayton County Water Authority is
classical music and choir performances. taking a different approach to educating
The visual centerpiece of Spivey Hall is the the community.
breathtaking Albert Schweitzer Memorial “Innovation is really more about
Organ, a 79-rank, 3-manual, 4,413-pipe thinking outside the box,” said Bernard
organ that stretches from the floor to Franks, general manager of the Clayton
the ceiling. County Water Authority.
Beth Bailey of the Clayton County He is proud to contribute to making
Convention and Visitors Bureau grew up SPIVEY HALL Clayton County a great place to live in a
in Clayton County and said the cultural way unexpected from an agency charged
offerings have grown significantly in recent with providing water and sewer services to
years. Arts Clayton, an organization that Clayton’s communities.
has been promoting the arts in the county “It doesn’t get any Leaving the box behind in favor of new
since 1986, has been leading much of that better than Spivey Hall.” ideas is what led to the Newman Wetlands
charge, Bailey said. Center and community use buildings,
“Arts Clayton is in a renaissance right Beth Bailey of the Clayton County rooms and pavilions around the Blalock
now,” she said. “There is some new life in Convention and Visitors Bureau Reservoir, Shamrock Lake, and the J.W.
the arts in Clayton County.” Smith Reservoir.
The arts are thriving in Clayton County
in large part thanks to partnerships continued on page 13
claytonchamber.org • (678) 610-4021 QUALITY OF LIFE 9
