As we got started this year, an amazing contribution was made to the Center.  Through the generosity of Anne Cox Chambers, and the hard work of Mason Murer gallery in Atlanta, the Benny Andrews series of paintings depicting the life events of John Lewis were donated to the Center.  These paintings were featured in a recent children's book on John Lewis' courage called JOHN LEWIS IN THE LEAD.

Benny Andrews was a Georgia born artist who became famous for his folk art style and socially aware topics.  His series on John Lewis' life shows the important moments before and during his civil rights work.  The series shows a young John writing a letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., marching in Selma, AL and leaving the hospital after receiving a concussion.  The scenes are moving, personal and very engaging due to the medum used.  Several of the paintings have an almost three dimensional quality given Benny Andrew's use of cloth, paper and other materials.

The Tubman Museum in Macon, GA has a long tradition of showcasing African American artists, especially those dealing with social issues.  There is no better place to show these works before the Center opens.  I hope everyone to make it to Macon to see the show.  It runs Dec 21, 2007-April 13, 2008.

DS