October is an exciting month at Studio 101 in Woodstock as the Arts Alliance of Georgia celebrates Art in Nature with the grand opening of the nonprofit’s Community Garden and a number of other exciting events and exhibits.

The Community Garden, which is a total of 20,000 square feet, offers spots in various sizes for raising vegetables, herbs, cut flowers and plants.

The grand opening is Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 13 and 14. Spots are available in 5x10, 10x10, 10x20 and 20x20 sizes for the gardener. Drip irrigation will be provided so no daily watering is required.

Retired Certified Operator of the Department of Agriculture and Master Gardeners will be actively involved in the community garden.

Tea plants (Camellia Sinensis) will be offered for sale with proceeds supporting the Community Garden. Black, green and oolong teas come from this variety of camellia and tea lovers can now grow and harvest their own tea. During October’s Art in Nature the one-gallon, 12” to 24” plants will be $25.

A gallery exhibit will show nature theme-related art of leading artists Lori Jenkins, Kim Bates, Rene Gallet, Jeremy Byers, Jill Slavin, Gabrielle Perry, Billie Mathis, Jeanyne Rankin, Judy Prettyman, Linda Maphet, Regina Hines and Linda Boyer.

Work includes water colors, oils, photography, yard art, pottery and baskets. All art in exhibit will be for sale. “Think of the imaginative and creative, one of a kind gifts you can give for the holiday,” said Boyer, publicity chair for the organization.

Weekend Workshops will be led by Della Lago, herbalist; Cathy Dobson, weaver; Billie Mathis, water color; Angel Stewart, glass; Jill Slavin, pottery; Regina Hines, basketry and Zerah Wilson, sew a garden apron.

Photographer Kim Bates will be leading a field trip into the garden to see and photograph plants in a new light. Gabrielle Perry will be demonstrating pottery on a wheel.

On Oct. 27 a variety of events for children and adults include pumpkin carving/adults only, with a $10 entry with $50 prize and pre-registration required.

smART Saturday for kids starts Oct. 27 with a garden stone project and creative pumpkins. The day continues with pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, and a costume parade.

The Chili Bowl fundraiser offers participants the chance to purchase a hand-built pottery bowl of some of the best chili around with all the accompaniments, enjoy friendship and chili, and keep the bowl.

For updates on workshops, schedules and fees check the website www.artsalliancega.org.

Contact the Arts Alliance through email art@artsalliancega.org for pre-sales, more info and volunteer opportunities.

The Arts Alliance of Georgia Studio 101 is located at 101 Emma Lane, Suite 110 in Woodstock.

The Arts Alliance of Georgia, is a nonprofit visual arts organization whose purpose is to further the growth and development of visual arts in Cherokee County and the surrounding area.

“It is our goal to foster and promote excellence among our members and associated artists, and to promote interest and appreciation in arts through education, exchange of ideas, and exhibits,” Boyer said.