By Amanda Mickelsen
DULUTH, Ga. | Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 21, as Mosaic Georgia presents its sixth annual Mosaic Masterpieces Art Auction and Happy Hour at The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning in Duluth. This unique community celebration combines the best of Gwinnett County’s artistic talent with support for survivors of sexual abuse and violence.
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests will enjoy an eclectic mix of original artwork created by talented local artists, appetizers, beverages, a Silent Auction and live entertainment featuring both a caricature artist and live painter. The highlight of the evening will be our dynamic host, Kiana Dancie—celebrated Atlanta-based comedian, transformational speaker, best-selling author, and emotional intelligence coach—who will bring her humor, energy, and storytelling to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
The main event features an online art auction where attendees can discover and collect unique pieces while directly supporting both local artists and Mosaic Georgia’s vital mission. Guests also enjoy the opportunity to connect with 100+ neighbors, local leaders, and community advocates. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, community minded, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend an evening, Masterpieces offers something special for everyone.
Every ticket purchased and artwork bid supports Mosaic Georgia’s comprehensive services for survivors of sexual violence, including a 24-hour crisis line, advocacy, forensic medical care, legal aid, counseling, and healing programming. For nearly four decades, this trusted Children’s Advocacy Center and Sexual Assault Center has provided this vital support. In 2024 alone, they served over 3,300 people, 82 percent being children and youth under the age of 18.
Executive Director Marina Peed says: “This event perfectly captures what we’re about—bringing our community together to create something beautiful while supporting survivors. Every ticket and piece of art purchased helps us continue providing critical services to those who need them most.”
The 2025 Masterpieces event enjoys strong community support from local organizations. Various sponsorships demonstrate the widespread commitment to supporting the needs of survivors and their families in our area.
Located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway Building 300 in Duluth, The Hudgens Center provides the perfect backdrop for this intersection of arts and advocacy. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. Buy your tickets today and be part of something meaningful.
For tickets or more information, visit this site or send an email to Lacie Manning.
Changes, like a new cell phone, can bring a frustration
Spiders, needles, germs, heights—these are all common fears. But there’s one that quietly grips more people than you might expect: metathesiophobia—the fear of change. While it may not be as visible as a panic over spiders or as dramatic as a fear of heights, the fear of change can be just as paralyzing, influencing decisions, stalling progress, and quietly holding people back.
Change can feel like standing on the edge of a diving board. It’s scary but thrilling if you take that leap.
“The fear of the unknown can create a feeling of anxiety,” says Dr. David Ludden, Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) professor of psychology and chair of the psychology department. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 12.5 percent of adults experience some type of phobia in their lifetime.
While change goes back to the beginning of time, the pace from then to now continues to accelerate. Consider the automobile, said Ludden. Just over 100 years ago it was newly accepted as a widely used means of transportation.
“Today, it’s all about technology,” he says. “For example, take our cell phones. Something as simple as getting a new phone can cause anxiety and frustration. I just bought a new one and I’ve had to learn how to use it all over again. It functions differently and has features that I’m getting used to.”
Change, adds Ludden, isn’t a bad thing.
“Most change is for the better when you think about it,” he says can make things better.”
Fear aside, part of the challenge with change is people tend to resist it.
“It’s common to hear about the ‘good old days’ and how great it was then,” says Ludden. “However, many times that is a nostalgic, romanticized view of how things actually were.”
Both Ludden and his wife are avid readers.
“My wife has rows of books on shelves in our house,” he says. “And she asks me why I don’t read anymore. I tell her I read just as much, only on a screen.”
Like it or not, change happens.
“The idea of change can trigger negative reactions like anxiety,” feels Ludden. “Accepting that change is going to happen is a good first step. It’s part of what helps you grow personally. Many times, it’s not as bad as you imagined it would be.”
In the end, Ludden says change is inevitable, but how you approach it is what makes the difference.
“It’s okay to be afraid of change, but you shouldn’t let fear rule your life,” he emphasizes.
