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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 FARMERS AND CONSUMERS MARKET BULLETIN – 404-656-3722 – agr.georgia.gov PAGE 9
GeorGia Grown ProFile: Rhonda Griffin Fine Art

By Alexandra Woodford
Market Bulletin intern

Rhonda Griffin is the owner of Rhonda Griffin Art and paints can-
vases and found materials with colorful depictions of her favorite mus-
es -- Georgia-grown commodities. Griffin obtained a Bachelor of Fine
Arts from Valdosta State University, where she discovered her love for
Georgie’s Drive painting things around her. She lives in South Georgia and is constantly
surrounded by agriculture.
“I stay very busy painting cotton bolls, peanuts, peaches, pecans and
Thru Jefferson corn,” Griffin said.
Alongside canvases, she also paints on reclaimed antique bricks that
come from torn down, dilapidated buildings in Barney. The brick can-
Hello! I’m Georgie, the Georgia Grown mascot. I travel
the state of Georgia promoting our state’s No. 1 industry – vases – mostly depicting cotton and peanuts – are a hit among her con-
agriculture! As you may know, Georgia is home to some of sumers. She also paints watermelons, cabbage, citrus, squash, honeybees,
the greatest inventors and innovators in our country’s history. florals (i.e. magnolias), and the occasional rooster. Griffin paints from
One of those great innovators was Crawford W. Long. Orig- a studio within her home and sells her pieces at fine art shows, agricul-
inally from Danielsville, Dr. Long set up a medical practice ture-related shows, and retail stores in Tifton, Albany and Hahira.
Griffin first heard about Georgia Grown through the owners of Bur-
in Jefferson where he decided to try and help his patients
cope with the pain of surgery by putting them to sleep us- ton-Brooks Orchards, who are also Georgia Grown members. It is
ing ether. On March 30, 1842, he successfully sedated James through this connection she was influenced to join. She wanted to start
Venable and removed a cyst from his neck. When he awoke, promoting her art to larger audiences including those with an interest in
Mr. Venable said he felt no pain during the operation. As you agriculture.
can imagine, prior to that discovery, even minor surgery was To Griffin, being a member of Georgia Grown means that she can pro-
nearly impossible. Jefferson is also famous for something mote her love of art “with subjects that are important to this program.”
else involving sleep: The World’s Largest Mattress! Cotton She has benefited from her membership through networking opportuni-
Mill Interiors has been home to the record-holding mattress ties and a successfully expanded target audience within the agribusiness
since 2013. It measures more than 3,000 square feet and sphere.
weighs more than 4,500 pounds. The mattress is bigger than -Shop with and learn more about Rhonda Griffin and all of our Georgia
72 king beds, 96 queen beds, 110 full beds, 156 twin beds, or Grown members through our website at https://www.georgiagrown.com/.
1,536 of Morty’s pet beds! The owners wanted to build the
oversized mattress to highlight the importance of getting a
cook GeorGia Grown:
good night’s rest.
Pantry raid! Recipes for social distancing

Editor’s Note: If you’re a practical stocker who keeps certain Directions
staples in your pantry year-round, Georgia Grown Executive In a medium pot, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil then
Chef Holly Chute has some recipes to help you avoid the lower heat and simmer 10 minutes.
grocery store a little longer. We wish you great health and *You can use any combination of herbs and spices that you
good eating!
have on hand.
Beans & Rice Soup Pasta Surprise
Ingredients Ingredients
1 qt chicken, beef or vegetable broth 1 lb cooked pasta, rotini, shells or elbows
1 can beans, any kind, drained & rinsed 2 cups cheese sauce (recipe below)
1 cup cooked rice 1 pkg frozen mixed vegetables
1 Tbsp taco seasoning or 2 tsps chili powder, 1/2 tsp Salt & pepper
granulated garlic and 1/2 tsp dried oregano * Optional: ¼ cup dry ranch dressing mix
Optional: 1 cup cooked meat (chicken, ground beef or
anything you have on hand) Directions
½ cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic Combine cream sauce, ranch seasoning if using, and
Georgie the Georgia Grown Mascot visits Jefferson, home of The sautéed with 1 Tbsp oil vegetables in a medium pot. Heat on medium-low heat until
World’s Largest Mattress. (Lee Lancaster/GDA) vegetables are hot. Add pasta to pot, mixing well. Adjust
seasoning. Serve hot.
Cheese sauce
Ingredients
2 cups milk
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
¼ cup grated parmesan or ½ cup grated cheddar or pepper
jack
Directions
Melt butter in a small pot over low heat. Whisk flour into
butter, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring for 1-2 minutes,
then slowly whisk in milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring milk
to a boil then turn off heat. Season with salt & pepper. Add
cheese, mixing until melted.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Quesadillas
Ingredients
1 5-inch flour tortilla*
1 Tbsp peanut butter or any nut butter
2 tsps jelly or jam
½ tsp butter
Directions
Spread peanut butter and jelly over one half of tortilla. Fold
tortilla in half. Heat small skillet over medium-low heat with
½ teaspoon butter. When butter sizzles, put folded tortilla in
skillet. Cook about 2 minutes per side or until golden.
*You can use any size tortilla that you have, just increase
amount of peanut butter, jelly and butter. You can also
substitute cream cheese for peanut butter and add fruit if
desired.