$500,000 Grant Fuels Development of Children’s Imagination Station

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts in Valdosta, Georgia, has secured a significant grant of $500,000 from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation. This funding will be directed towards the creation of the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station, a new community initiative aimed at fostering creativity and learning among children and families in South Georgia.

Set to open in May 2026, the 10,000-square-foot interactive facility will offer a variety of hands-on exhibits, STEAM-focused activities, and immersive experiences designed to stimulate curiosity and promote lifelong learning. The Turner Center’s Executive Director, Sementha Mathews, Ph.D., expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support, stating, “This substantial gift from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation is a transformative boost for our community. The Children’s Imagination Station will provide a safe, engaging, and educational environment where children can dream big and discover new possibilities.”

The Lettie Pate Evans Foundation is known for its commitment to enhancing educational and cultural initiatives that benefit Georgia communities. The investment in the Imagination Station aligns with a broader mission to ensure accessible, high-quality learning opportunities for all. This grant also brings the Turner Center closer to achieving its overall fundraising goal of $8.5 million for the project.

Evelyn Langdale, Chair of the Imagination Station Fundraising Committee, highlighted the significance of the grant, noting, “This project has been years in the making, and this funding brings us closer than ever to opening doors for families across the region. It’s more than a museum—it’s a hub for creativity, connection, and a pathway to future career possibilities.”

Community members and supporters are encouraged to stay updated on the progress of the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station by visiting the Turner Center’s website at www.turnercenter.org/childrensimaginationstation. Various opportunities for public involvement, including naming rights, sponsorships, and end-of-year contributions, remain available. Each donation helps move the Turner Center closer to realizing this vital resource for children and families across South Georgia.

For more information or to pledge support, interested parties can contact Evelyn Langdale at (229) 560-1083 or Sementha Mathews at (229) 247-2787.