This is part of a series of monthly articles about people who support the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center.

Meet Jinx and Gordhan Patel, two scientists who have been married for nearly 60 years. She was research director at Athens Research and Technology, Inc., a biotech concern. He is retired from UGA after serving as department head of zoology, dean of the graduate school, and vice president for research, among other positions. This season they supported the Soweto Gospel Choir’s performance.

Visual arts and music have been integral parts of human existence as evidenced by artistic expression in cave art and development of musical instruments all over the world. As someone else has said, “music and art provide nourishment for our soul.”

Prior to coming to Athens in 1967, we were in St. Louis, where we had access to classical music performances at the Symphony Hall and jazz at various venues. Then in Buffalo, in addition to the concert hall, we attended chamber music performances by the Budapest String Quartet, who were resident faculty at the State University of New York.

Music and the visual arts have always been integral parts of our lives. When we joined UGA, Athens lacked venues for major musical events and we had to drive to Atlanta to attend concerts. Fortunately, in 1996, UGA built the Performing Arts Center and the Georgia Museum of Art. We, along with many other residents of Athens, have been supporting these University units to enable them to bring world-class symphony orchestras, chamber music ensembles, soloists and exhibits that make it possible for Athens and neighboring communities to enjoy music and art.

Learn how you can support the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center here.