Forsyth Creates collage calendars bring community art to Cumming Library

On Friday afternoon, Cumming Library hosted Forsyth Creates — Collage Calendars, a 90-minute adult craft session that invited participants to assemble monthly collage pages and build an easel calendar for the year. The event drew neighbors to the Cumming Meeting Room for a low-cost, hands-on creative activity designed to build community ties and widen access to arts programming.

Organized as part of the Forsyth Creates series, the program provided all supplies and required no prior experience, lowering barriers for adults interested in arts and leisure. Tickets were free and distributed on the day of the program on a first-come, first-served basis beginning 30 minutes before the 2:00 PM start time, a detail that encouraged early arrival and informal mingling among attendees before crafting began.

The library-based format matters locally because it leverages public space to deliver cultural programming without the price tag of private studios or classes. For Forsyth County residents, which include many commuters and busy households, a weekday afternoon session at a familiar civic location offered convenient access to creative outlets and social interaction. Programs like this help libraries function as neighborhood hubs where residents can learn new skills, relieve stress, and expand social networks without added expense.

Beyond personal enjoyment, the event feeds into broader trends in community programming and the local creative economy. Free, recurring offerings at public libraries increase foot traffic, which can raise awareness of other services such as digital resources, job support, and civic events. The Forsyth Creates series aims to connect adults across the community by staging hands-on projects that require minimal commitment yet deliver measurable social value in the form of participation and shared experience.

For Forsyth residents who missed the Jan. 9 session, the library recommends arriving early for future Forsyth Creates events due to the first-come, first-served ticketing model. For more information about upcoming programs, contact ask@ForsythPL.org or call 770-781-9840, option 3.

The takeaway? If you want a low-cost way to try a new hobby and meet neighbors, keep an eye on Forsyth Creates and plan to show up early. Our two cents? Bring a favorite magazine or image to personalize your collage and make the most of the social hour before crafts begin.