Gospel music is its own art form, evolving its various styles through time. Haynes writes many of her songs, tending to favor more traditional piano and organ pieces. The Lighthouse Gospelettes have been in Athens for more than 20 years. Even technical support is family-based. In addition to spirit-lifting sounds, Amanda Elizabeth Neal's circa 1912 quilt, part of the museum's current ''Athens Treasures'' show, will be on display.
Families can make their own quilt squares with materials provided by the museum.
Another artistic aspect of the day is the event's logo, designed by Dr k Davis, a member of the ''us'' artist group, which is composed of UGA students, faculty, staff and alumni, and dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity in the arts. In addition to spiritual nourishment, the physical kind is also offered with a traditional Southern brunch. Catered by Carlos Johnson, the buffet features salmon croquettes, cheese grits casserole, ham and biscuits, quiche, fruit, and pastries. After attending a gospel performance at Timothy Baptist Church, the Australians told DeVaughn that the performance was the best thing they had done in America. One of the main reasons we wanted to do this event is to bring people of different races together, in an environment where they simply have fun,'' explains Turner.