The Averitt Center for the Arts is getting ready for its Fourth of July weekend celebration. Known as Statesboro’s “heart of art,” the Averitt Center activities focus on All-American family traditions like the circus and modern art exhibitions.

“Due to the high price of gas leaving less spending money in our pockets, we want our patrons to be able to take advantage of their hometown community art center,” said executive director Tim Chapman.

The weekend kicks off July 1, with F1rst Friday activities downtown.  A new Main Gallery exhibit, Calm and Clamor opens at 7 p.m. and will feature paintings by Christopher Paul and sculpture work by Duke Oursler to create an artistic collision between nature and the man-made. Georgia Southern University master of fine art student Layton Hall also will have an exhibit opening of his photography in the Legends Gallery.

The Averitt Center for the Arts is also clowning around on the holiday weekend, with the arrival of the NoJoe’s Circus Clown Show. Students have the opportunity to be a part of NoJoe’s Circus Clown Camp, and the “class clowns” will present a Camp Show on July 1 starting at 6 p.m.  Tickets are $5 for general admission.

The NoJoe’s Circus Clown Show also will be performing their national award-winning acts in a spectacular performance on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Emma Kelly Theater.  Tickets are $10 for general admission.

Those who want to strengthen their funny bone can sign up for Balloon Twisting 101 on Saturday from 1-3 p.m.

For information, contact the Averitt Center at (912)212-2787 or go to averittcenterforthearts.org.