🎉 Athens celebrates as Dawgs stomp Texas: Were you there?

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Square One Fish Co. offers a fresh take on Georgia-style seafood, right in the heart of Normaltown. Their menu features inviting shareables, hearty steaks, and coastal favorites—perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a laid-back dinner with friends. With its welcoming atmosphere and fresh flavors, Square One Fish Co. is an easy recommendation for anyone exploring Athens’ vibrant food scene.

Learn more here.

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Kristan Ryan is an Athens-local artist named Art Girl who's been painting since she was a kid. We asked her a couple questions to get to know her story: 

1.  What should Athens know about you?

I'm called a "Third Culture Kid" by American psychologists who refer to children who grew up in 3 different countries as Third Culture Kids because we are not like children who grew up in one place. I grew up in Germany, Morocco and the USA. I'm a self taught artist who has always been influenced by the German and Moroccan artists I knew as a child and by American artists who speak on the streets, on buildings or on trains by painting whatever they

have to say with their art. I have, of course, studied historical artists on my own to learn as much as I could about the art process. However, my art as I wanted to paint it has been influenced the most by

the experiences of women I grew up with in each country; their suffering, furry and joy about expressing themselves is what moves me the most, so I have become known for my original

paintings of women and girls who are or were suffering, but my work now includes men as well as animals expressing their anger or their sadness. 

 2.  Why should someone have one of your paintings in their house?

Many people are moved by my paintings of women and men crying, screaming, or sitting still as if they want to speak but can't. I include their stories with each painting so you can understand their feelings. I love painting famous musicians also and include one of their quotes that I find moving because, let's face it, that's what music is all about and most people listen to music when they are happy about love or sad about lost love, you name it, and they all have their favorites. Lots of people who have bought my paintings have said that they did so because until they saw my work, they were moved by the person's expression and even more moved once they read the story that accompanied it or the quote I sometimes include on the painting that tells what someone else has gone through that it turns out is also what the art buyer has also gone through.  I've had many buy my work and cry with the joy of knowing they are not alone. 

3. Has any painting or collection struck out as your best? 

Most galleries and shows love my series "Angry Females Done Swallowing Our Words", and I've now started an additional series called "Angry Males Done Swallowing Our Words".  These are tough times, so people are eager to be acknowledged for their feelings. However, my favorite painting I have done that was stolen from my art gallery when I first moved to Lexington, GA,  but returned to me several months later was my painting of my "Angry Mother Cougar." She's my favorite because I and others can feel her anger for any reason she might have, but I'm also moved by it because I always feel she's speaking to me and others about standing up for ourselves, particularly as females. 

Come by her Art Studio! You can call/text her at 706-338-6845 or visit the studio at 104 West Main St. Lexington, GA 30648.

The Gist: No. 5 Georgia dominated No. 10 Texas on November 15 before a sold-out crowd of 93,033. Gunner Stockton threw four touchdown passes and the Bulldogs outscored the Longhorns 21-0 in the fourth quarter, including a successful onside kick.

Why It Matters: The win boosted Georgia's playoff positioning and marked their third straight victory over Texas in two years.

Read more here.

The Gist: Nearly 50 community members gathered on Branch Street November 13 to celebrate Athens Area Habitat for Humanity's second home dedication. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home went to a family of four as part of the 63-home Micah's Creek affordable housing project in east Athens.

Why It Matters: The project offers zero-interest mortgages with payments around $399 monthly, creating homeownership opportunities for families earning below 80% of area median income.

Read more here.

The Gist: The Northeast Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Black Business Expo November 15 at Georgia Square Mall. The event highlighted Black-owned businesses from 13 counties, featuring workshops, a golf simulation zone, and an on-site media studio for recording business promotions.

Why It Matters: The expo created networking opportunities and customer connections for Black entrepreneurs across northeast Georgia.

Read more here.

🎭 Mary Poppins Jr. | Morton Theatre | Athens | 11/21-11/22 | More Family-friendly musical where Mary brings magic to the Banks home.

🎨 OCAF Holiday Market | Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation | Watkinsville | 11/21-11/23 | More Juried market featuring local pottery, paintings, jewelry, and handmade treasures.

✨ Winter WonderLights | State Botanical Garden | Athens | 11/21-12/30 | More Half-mile illuminated trail with s'mores, hot chocolate, and dazzling displays.

🍽️ Banquet of Blessings | The Classic Center | Athens | 11/24 | More Free community meal with fellowship, food, and support during Thanksgiving.

🎬 Wicked Screening | Bogart Library | Bogart | 11/23 | More Enjoy songs, snacks, and the film before the sequel arrives.

🛍️ Athens Farmers Market Holiday Market | Bishop Park | Athens | 11/23 | More One-of-a-kind gifts, baked goods, and locally grown holiday treasures.

🎸 Yacht Rock Schooner | The Foundry | Athens | 11/21 | More Smooth Steely Dan tributes and classic yacht rock vibes.

🤘 Athens Rocksgiving | Live Wire Athens | Athens | 11/21 | More Rock bands kick off the holidays with high-energy performances.

🎵 Bottomland | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 11/21 | More Athens roots music collective delivers soulful original Americana sounds.

🏃 Turkey Trot | Athens Area | Athens | 11/28 | More Start Thanksgiving morning with a festive community run.

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