ABOUT
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a welcoming art organization that empowers members to reach their full potential, celebrates differences, and embraces diversity. We aim to inspire a culture of kindness and understanding, uniting artists and art lovers from diverse backgrounds.
Our Mission
We are an organization where the practice of contemporary and modern art is encouraged and supported. To cultivate artists through fellowship, education and the exploration of creative techniques and processes. To expand awareness of contemporary and modern art with the public through exhibitions and educational programs. CAAGA is set up as a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Objectives
- To enhance and grow the contemporary art presence in our local community, regional area and beyond.
- To maintain our presence through live and virtual exhibitions, lectures, and gatherings.
- To organize and promote visits to art galleries, museums, and installations.
- To use our combined strength to encourage and grow artists in the development of their artistic pursuits through educational opportunities.
- To give back to our community through our talents, time and resources
Our FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Bettina Dickson Rusher
Bettina has been a full-time artist for the past eight years, following more than four decades as a part-time artist after earning her degree in Fine Art and Interior Architecture/Design. In 2019, she and her husband, Jim, relocated to Saint Simons Island, Georgia.
Shortly after arriving, Bettina noticed a distinct gap in the local art scene—most galleries and shops in the area lacked original modern and abstract expressionist artwork. Over time, particularly after the COVID-19 shutdown, it became clear that there were indeed talented artists on the islands and the mainland working in this genre, but their creative voices were largely underrepresented.
A natural connector and leader, Bettina has long enjoyed bringing like-minded individuals together around shared passions. Drawing on her experience managing teams and leading committees in her corporate career, she began laying the groundwork for something new in the summer of 2023. She initiated conversations with fellow abstract artists and local arts organizations to explore interest in forming a collective, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. At the time, support for abstract art in the area was minimal, with few classes offered and limited exposure for artists in the genre—but that was beginning to change.
By the end of 2023, a core group of four artists—including Bettina—and our advisor, Kevin Pullen, formally established CAAGA: Contemporary Art Alliance of Georgia. With its mission and by-laws in place, CAAGA launched its first website in May 2024.
The organization’s official debut took place on the evening of November 14, 2024, and was a resounding success—14 works of art were sold during the launch event. Since then, CAAGA has continued to grow in both membership, its support for artists through continued education and its commitment to giving back to our community. Our future is bright.
To learn more about supporting CAAGA, please contact Bettina at 912-602-9635. There are several ways you can contribute and help further our mission and goals.
Our AdVISOR
Kevin Pullen
Kevin Pullen, renown southeast artist is CAAGA's advisor. Kevin’s love of art began as a child in Plainfield, NJ. His passion was fueled by childhood visits to the nearby art museums in New York City. He has a bachelor of arts degree from Hampton University, where he studied painting, design, drawing, metal and sculpture.
FROM KEVIN:
"When I was in preschool, my favorite time of day was when I was allowed to draw and paint. As I got older, this love never faded and eventually I went to college to study art."
"I use several different media, such as clay, acrylic paints, and pastels. I believe that working in a variety of media enhances creativity and allows the message to speak with different voices in my artistic process. Each idea manifests in its own individual style."
"I enjoy hiking in my spare time and many of my pieces are directly influenced by these hikes in nature. I love recreating plants and wildlife in my work."
