VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts has received a $500,000 grant from the Atlanta-based Lettie Pate Evans Foundation to advance the development of the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station, which is a community resource designed to spark creativity, learning, and exploration for children and families throughout South Georgia.

The 10,000-square-foot interactive space is scheduled to open in May 2026. It will feature hands-on exhibits, STEAM-based activities, and immersive experiences that encourage curiosity and lifelong learning.

“This substantial gift from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation is a game-changer for our community,” said Turner Center Executive Director Sementha Mathews, Ph.D. “The Children’s Imagination Station will provide a safe, engaging, and educational environment where children can dream big and discover new possibilities. We are deeply honored by the Foundation’s confidence in our mission.”

The Lettie Pate Evans Foundation grant not only moves the Turner Center closer to its $8.5 million fundraising goal, but it also reflects a shared vision for accessible, high-quality learning opportunities.

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

The Turner Center invites community members, partners, and supporters to follow the progress of the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station at www.turnercenter.org/childrensimaginationstation. To learn more or pledge your support, contact Evelyn Langdale at (229) 560-1083 or Sementha Mathews at (229) 247-2787.

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