November 4 marked the opening of the second wing of the Bethune Art Gallery in the Georgia World Congress Center's Building C. The original gallery opened last fall and both overlook Bethune Elementary School, which is located across Northside Drive from Building C. This year the project focused on the artwork of Romare Bearden, an African-American collage artist of the mid-twentieth century. The students went on a field trip to the High Museum to see the Bearden exhibit last spring and then created their own collages.

The gallery displays the artwork of the students and the opening was attended by the Bethune Elementary fifth grade, parents of these students, Art Teacher Gwen Bealer, Principal RoseMary Hamer and members of the GWCC staff. The students enjoyed inspiring remarks from Khalil Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the GWCCA, who encouraged them to work hard and continue with creative pursuits. Each student was presented with a certificate for participating in the project and then was given the opportunity to see their artwork on display.

The Georgia World Congress Center looks forward to continuing this artistic tradition with the students of Bethune Elementary and hopes that this project will inspire future creative endeavors.