Studio 116 is celebrating one year of growing community through the arts with anniversary events on Friday and Saturday.

“This is our 2nd Annual Summer Slam! and, as part of the celebration, studio 116 is hosting an art mentoring program from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday for students in grades nine through 12 who have an interest in drawing, painting or sculpting,” said Chris Rich, studio 116 co-director. “The mentoring program is free and a gallery showing of the work produced and a reception will be Saturday immediately following the Independence Day Parade, which begins at 9 a.m.”

Students from Brundidge and Pike County will receive first priority. Space is limited and students who would like to attend the mentoring program are encouraged to call (334) 268-4436.

Also on Saturday, studio 116 will host a community potluck supper at 6 p.m. to celebrate its first anniversary on Main Street.

“We invite everyone to come out and meet some of our local artists, see new artwork and join the community of studio 116,” Rich said. “Then, we hope everyone will hang out and support our live local music event with ‘2 Peace and a Biscuit’ in concert at 7:30 p.m.”

Rich said the musical group has an upbeat style and is just fun.

“They play acoustic instruments and play original music, as well as covers from the 1960s and up,” he said. “They are great musicians and good entertainers.”

The Summer Slam! is a great way to celebrate America’s independence in a small town, downtown way and a great way to celebrate a year of art and community for Rich and his wife, Sara.

“The amazing thing for both of us is what we have learned about the community,” he said. “Not just the way the community has embraced us and expressed appreciation for what we are doing, but the diversity of talent we have in the this area.”

Rich said studio 116 has gone from relative obscurity to national attention in about a year.

“The level of talent of artists and musicians is stunning and we are just breaking the surface,” he said. “We are so thankful for the support we have received and are looking forward to the next year. We invite everyone to come out and celebrate with us on Friday and Saturday.”

Studio 116 is located on South Main Street in downtown Brundidge.