Sophomore Caroline Cole admires the Stratford Connections Art Exhibit in the Parker Buzzell Gallery. (Photo by ANNA PAREL, Gazebo Staff)

Stratford is hosting a week-long “Celebrating Art,” beginning Sunday with a student art exhibit and reception.

The event has been in the making for the past two years, said Kathleen Medlin, the school’s director of institutional advancement.

“The most important detail to know is that there is something for everyone,” said Medlin. “Whether you are a sophisticated art aficionado or a casual art enthusiast, there is a part of this event for you.”

Celebrating Art is the result of a unique partnership beween Stratford, Wesleyan College, Mercer University, the Macon Arts Alliance and Museum of Arts & Sciences.

Silent auction kicks off weekend with Teachers’s Treasure

It will have a fundraising component, incorporating photography, painting, and sculptures from the Stratford community, as well as others. The event will include a number of pieces for purchase, and the money made from these sales will go towards Stratford’s various projects.

Students and their families can sign up for a number of activities, including glass blowing, pottery, and painting.

There also will be a silent auction, with participants bidding for “Teacher Treasures.”

The celebration takes the place of the annual magazine drive, which had been ongoing for more than 40 years.

The following is a schedule of events.

OCTOBER 17-NOVEMBER 18

Stratford Connections Art Exhibit – Open during school hours, this exhibit will feature works from artists who are Stratford parents, alumni, faculty, grandparents, former parents, former faculty and others. Some works are for sale. Cost: No admission fee. Location: Stratford Academy, Parker Buzzell Gallery

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

Student Art Exhibit and Reception – 3:00-6:00 p.m. – Eagle artists from Beginners to grade 5 will study art masters and create their own masterpieces. Upper and middle school students will participate voluntarily. These framed pieces will be on display and available for purchase. Reprints/additional products will also be available. Location: Grady Smith Gymnasium

Teacher Treasures Silent Auction – 3:00-6:00 p.m. – During the student art exhibit, a special Teacher Treasures event will take place. Stratford faculty members have donated unique and exciting experiences for families to bid on in a silent auction format. Some items include: Head of School for a Day, math tutoring sessions, and “A Night at the Academy” scavenger hunt and party. Location: Grady Smith Gymnasium

OCTOBER 24-29

Gallery 6010 – Open daily, this juried artist marketplace will feature hundreds of original works of art by more than 50 artists from across the country. Cost: No admission fee. Times: Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday 12 noon-3:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12 noon. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24

Gallery 6010 – 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. & 5:00-7:00 p.m. – Juried artist marketplace will feature hundreds of original works of art by more than 50 artists from across the country. Cost: No admission fee. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

Visiting Artist-in-Residence – 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. – Children’s silhouette artist, Beth Pray, will create a treasured family heirloom of your child with hand-cut artwork. Sittings by appointment only. Each appointment receives two framed silhouettes of same sitting. Cost: $65/sitting. Limited sittings available and prior reservations required. Email [email protected] or call 478-477-8073 x614 to schedule an appointment. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

Gallery 6010 – 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Juried artist marketplace will feature hundreds of original works of art by more than 50 artists from across the country. Cost: No admission fee. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

Artistically Speaking featuring Bo Bartlett – 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Bo Bartlett, is a world-renowned American realist painter who makes his home in Columbus, Ga. This lecture will delight art lovers as he walks guests through his unique style of painting. Cost $30/ticket. Wine and cheese reception included. Tickets: Email [email protected], call 478-477-8073 x614 or  purchase tickets online. Location: Idle Hour Country Club

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Gallery 6010 – 12 noon-3:00 p.m. – Juried artist marketplace will feature hundreds of original works of art by more than 50 artists from across the country. Cost: No admission fee. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

Lunch and Learn featuring James Farmer – 12 noon-2:00 p.m. – Author, Southern Living editor, designer, gardener, cook, and writer, James Farmer entertains as he creates living art for our homes and lives. Lunch catered by Fountain of Juice. Cost: $50/ticket. Tickets: Email [email protected], call 478-477-8073 x614 or purchase tickets online. Location: Stratford Academy, Cantrell Lower School

Visiting Artist-in-Residence – 12 noon-3:00 p.m. – Art instructor and encaustic painter, Kim Chesney, will demonstrate her unique style of painting utilizing heat, wax and pigment. Cost: No admission fee to view demonstration. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27

Gallery 6010 – 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Juried artist marketplace will feature hundreds of original works of art by more than 50 artists from across the country. Cost: No admission fee. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

Little Dragon Glassblowing Workshop – 12:00 noon-7:00 p.m. – Schedule a private 20-minute session with a glassblowing expert and create your own keepsake. Ages 8+. Cost $60/person. Reservations required. Schedule your appointment at [email protected] or call 478-477-8073 x614. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

Gallery 6010 – 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Juried artist marketplace will feature hundreds of original works of art by more than 50 artists from across the country. Cost: No admission fee. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

Visiting Artist-in-Residence – 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Hot Glass Academy will demonstrate the art of glassblowing using a specially-designed mobile unit. Cost: No admission fee to view demonstration. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

Gallery 6010 – 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon – Juried artist marketplace will feature hundreds of original works of art by more than 50 artists from across the country. Cost: No admission fee. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center

Little Dragon Glassblowing Workshop – 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – Schedule a private 20-minute session with a glassblowing expert and create your own keepsake. Ages 8+. Cost $60/person. Reservations required. Schedule your appointment at [email protected] or call 478-477-8073 x614. Location: Stratford Academy, Science Center.