Those of us who live, work, and play in the Golden Isles know that it’s a unique and special place. The natural beauty of our marshes and shorelines, Spanish moss-draped tree canopies, and acres of undisturbed maritime forest beckon visitors. They are intrigued by our rich history and cultural heritage. They enjoy our vibrant arts scene and plentiful options for delicious dining. They fall in love with our warm Southern hospitality. As an introductory gateway to the area, the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau Welcome Center on St. Simons Island reflects its surroundings. It too is charmingly unique.
When you think of a typical welcome center, art probably isn’t what comes to mind. Brochures and pamphlets about tourist attractions and local amenities, you expect; but fine art photography, handcrafted jewelry and pottery, you might not. Here, however, items that highlight our local artists are spotlighted and available for purchase among the myriad of other information that visitors find useful during their stay in the area.
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Your first clue that this Welcome Center, and this island, might be a little different, greets you outside the building at 529 Beachview Drive. “The Siren of St. Simons” is one of several of the iconic tree spirits on the island created
Golden Isles Welcome Center
by Keith Jennings and his son, Devon. The life-sized mermaid carving was commissioned by the CVB to turn a dead section of the tree, which had been hit by lightning, into a piece of art representing the character of the island. To find the other tree spirits “hidden” around the island, ask for a map from the friendly staff in the building. This artistic “treasure hunt” in nature is fun for all ages. You can dive deeper into the story behind the tree spirits by visiting the organization’s website at GoldenIsles.com.
When you step inside the Welcome Center itself, you find an open, sunny space, including an inviting seating area with comfortable furniture where you can rest and get your bearings or peruse some of the leaflets from the racks of helpful information the CVB provides. They offer welcome guides, brochures for local attractions and amenities, and this publication too! But even a cursory glance will tell you that this isn’t your typical visitors center.
On the walls you’ll see beautiful paintings by local artists. This revolving collection is curated and managed by Glynn Visual Arts, the previous inhabitants of the space, and our longtime community art collective. When the CVB chose this building as the Welcome Center, they forged a partnership with that organization to maintain high visibility for what they believe is an integral part of our island’s character—its art.
“The Golden Isles CVB is a partnership organization that works to not only promote this amazing community but also celebrate our rich history and culture,” said President Scott McQuade. “By showcasing the work of local artists and artisans, we can share their talents with visitors to the Golden Isles and support the local arts community, which is an essential part of the fabric of these islands.”
In addition to the impressive array of photography and paintings that capture Golden Isles beachscapes, marsh views, and other scenery, flora and fauna, there is a well-stocked gift shop offering other artisan creations. It’s a perfect spot for a traveler to find a souvenir or to pick up a hostess gift. The wide range of items have something to appeal to everyone.
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“Our goal for the Welcome Center store is to showcase a range of work by local artists and artisans and offer items that will spark great memories from a visit to the Golden Isles,” said McQuade. “Whether someone purchases a nature photograph, a hand-crafted piece of jewelry or pottery, an RSM Classic polo shirt, or a child’s toy, they are capturing a part of their experiences here and taking it home with them. It is also an excellent place for residents to buy gifts from their hometown while supporting other locals.”
The last point is one that can’t be emphasized enough. The Welcome Center isn’t just for visitors! Christy Lynn Wilson, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Golden Isles CVB, said of the Welcome Center, “It’s a place of discovery, not only for people visiting from outside the area, coming from out of state, or around the world, but also for those who live here. It’s somewhere that makes residents fall in love with this area all over again.”
McQuade shares that it was a sculpture of St. Simons Island historical icon Neptune Small that helped the CVB to learn how important it was to use the Welcome Center to let the community know what’s here. After its completion by local artist Kevin Pullen, the statue of Small was on display in the Welcome Center. Visitors who came in learned of Small’s heroic acts of service to the Butler family during the Civil War and took that history with them when they explored the island. Residents came in to see the figure of the former slave they’ve heard stories about and for whom the park near the pier is named. When the statue was purchased, people were still coming to look for it, and it was later replaced by another created by Pullen.
Golden Isles CVB President & CEO Scott McQuade and artist Kevin Pullen with Pullen's sculpture of Neptune Small
McQuade points to Kevin Pullen as a perfect illustration of our creative community reflected in the art at the Welcome Center. Pullen is a St. Simons Island resident who has just been named artist-in-residence at Glynn Visual Arts—a newly created position there. Pullen, who recently retired from teaching at the Golden Isles Career Academy, previously played the same role at the College of Coastal Georgia. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Hampton University, where he studied painting, drawing, design, metal sculpture and casting, and his art education credentials from Georgia State University. His masters degree in education leadership and curriculum was obtained at the University of West Georgia. The works of this talented painter and sculptor have captured historic and cultural icons and moments in history, as well as the nature that surrounds us. He’s been active in the Golden Isles art community both as an artist and as a member of the board of directors for GVA. Pullen is excited to reach broader audiences by presenting different new artists with more diverse styles and backgrounds. Glynn Visual Arts Executive Director Terri Evans is thrilled about the creation of the artist-in-residence position and to have Pullen as the first of many talented creatives who can fill this role in the future. There is no shortage of artists here!
The CVB estimates that its gift shop and gallery currently features art and handmade pieces from more than 50
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
local artists, as well as books by local authors, plus some stuffed offerings for children. In addition, the Welcome Center offers Golden Isles-branded items and attire with its distinctive live oak logo, so you can proudly represent our beautiful home or visitors can take home a souvenir of this beloved vacation spot.
Of special interest to golf lovers, and especially fans of PGA Tour veteran and World of Golf Hall of Fame inductee Davis Love III, the Welcome Center is the only location where you can get RSM Classic gear year-round. In fact, if you enjoy watching great golf and you’ve never attended the Fed Ex Cup tournament hosted by the Davis Love Foundation that takes place at Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside course, that’s something to put at the top of your to-do list! The tournament will be here November 15-21. If you’re here to see it, be sure to drop by the Welcome Center too! Not only is the art a lovely preview of what you can find on our picturesque island, and the array of information useful for discovering activities, the friendly staff members are engaging and eager to assist you in any way they can. Here, welcome is a feeling, not just a word.
Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau • 529 Beachview Drive • 912.638.9014 • goldenisles.com
