Celebration and ribbon- cutting to be held for Friends & Stars, Inc.

Jul. 14—OCHLOCKNEE- Join Imagine Thomasville for an outdoor event to celebrate "The Pecan Orchard" and the ribbon-cutting of the Friends & Stars, Inc. on July 20, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration will include the artistic masterpiece created by Dixie Lee Hedrington-Miller, which was chosen by Governor Brian Kemp. This beautiful art piece will be featured in the Georgia State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion.

In 2010, the organization incorporated Friends & Stars, Inc., and obtained funding to open an Art Center in Lauderhill, Florida. They added children's programming and operated until July 8, 2016, when the organization moved to Ochlocknee, and bought a 7.5-acre campus.

In 2016, Friends & Stars, Inc., Executive Director, Dixie Lee Hedrington- Miller was awarded the African-American Achiever Award in Arts and Culture by JM family Enterprise, Southeast Toyota distribution, and JM Lexus. She became a Georgia Council for the Arts teaching artist in 2017. Miller has worked hard to bring a level of excellence to children and adults with disabilities in South Georgia and North Florida. Miller believes that it does not matter "who you are or where you live, everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of art."

Miller's joy of art was discovered when she was unable to purchase art for her new apartment after obtaining her first professional job. This love of art has led to several different awarded masterpieces, as well as a published art book, "A Journey Into My World of Art."

As a mother of a special-needs child, Miller was able to use the concept of art to help her son find his own identity through creativity. Knowing that services were limited for the special-needs population, Miller and her friends created the Circle of Friends & Stars in 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her flagship program the Saturday Activity Club served 50 to 75 stars each week over five years.

Friends & Stars, Inc., has had the privilege to see lives change every day through beautiful art. The public is invited to attend a celebration at 1570 Smith Road, Ochlocknee, Ga. This event will take place on Thursday, July 20 from 4:30- 7 p.m. This event will include a tour of the Friends and Stars campus, refreshments, and an opportunity to experience the beautiful art of the Stars.

To learn more about this Caring Community Supporting the ARTS for Individuals with Different Abilities serving people throughout the rural Southwest Georgia and North Florida area visit the Friends & Stars, Inc., website or social media page.