The Georgia Fine Arts Academy invites the community to attend its 19th annual Café Apollinaire, an annual showcase featuring local artists, on Thursday, April 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the program starts at 7 p.m.

A fresh, adventurous blend of talent from the Athens area will celebrate this year’s theme, “Spectacle, Song and Surrealism!”

Dive into the raw, heartfelt storytelling of singer-songwriters Joe Leone and Tyler White. Theatre lovers will be treated to Bowen Craig’s latest comedic experiment and a poignant sneak peek of “Keeping Betsy,” a deeply personal musical-in-progress from Dodd Ferrelle and ToBoDo Arts.

The arts education nonprofit is also thrilled to premiere vibrant new shorts by student filmmakers Katie Phelan and Amanda Bastin, while student visual artist Carter Lemelin shares an intimate look at his latest creative journey.

Named after French poet Guillaume Apollinaire, the Academy organizes the event in memory of William “Bill” Bray, who founded the nonprofit in 1980. Bray’s mission in life was to mentor and encourage amateur artists, just as Apollinaire did in Paris before and during World War I.

Organizers describe Café Apollinaire as an “art-splosion,” which is free for all 18 and older. Refreshments available, donations appreciated. The event will be held at ATHICA, the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, located in the Leathers Building at 675 Pulaski St., Suite 1200 in Athens.

About Georgia Fine Arts Academy

The Georgia Fine Arts Academy, elevating the arts for 46 years running, exists to support the arts and humanities in Georgia. Learn more at georgiafinearts.org