There was a packed house on Saturday night at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art with more than 375 in attendance at the Metro Montage X Opening, a juried exhibition of Georgia Artists. Many of the expected community players and politicos were there. But the wonderful thing is that museum is drawing people and families from all walks of life and from all over.

Earl Reece, executive director of the Strand Theatre, was on point when he said, "Sally (Macaulay) has made art cool." Indeed, she has as director of the MCMA.

Here's a handful of who was there: Ardy Arani, Heidi Bowman, Brian Buckalew, Holly Comer, Anna Cole, Terri and Steve Cole, Nikki Davidson, Dot and Bill Dunaway, Claire Dunaway, Sandy and Nancy Edwards, Linda Flournoy, Jennifer and Tim Fox, Patricia Garrett, Steve Imler, Melvin and Janet Jackson King, Kristy Kueber, Michael Leidel, Hugh Macaulay, BJ and Ellis Malone, Mazi Mazloom, Pat McDonald, Ginger and Doug Pisik, Bonnie Reavis, Earl Reece, Bert Reeves, Christy and Eduin Rosell, Doug and Bunny Sucher, Phyllis Sullivan, Carol Thompson, and Maura and Bob Wright.

The first place winner, Carla Sanchez, was awarded $1,000 for her oil titled "First Blush of Spring." Ed Cahill won second place and $500 for his oil and acrylic piece titled "Hilton Head Shrimper." Mike Nalley won third place for his photograph titled "Fallen Ceiling" and was awarded $250.

Adrianna Del Collo, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art judged the exhibition. Eighty pieces from more than 300 submitted were accepted for a montage of mediums.

Visit www.mariettacobbart museum . org or call (770) 528-1444 for more information.

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On July 10, Judge Joanne Elsey and Judge Juanita Stedman went to see the musical "I Dream" at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. The musical celebrates the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tony Desario Hoops, co-owner of Satoria Boutique & Spa in Marietta, stars in the production playing the role of William Allen. The play runs through July 31. Jasmine Guy directs the play. There is already talk that the play is headed for South Africa and Broadway.

At the end of the performance, the judges met Hoops in the front of the theater and he introduced them to the cast and the producers.

Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit @bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-7122.