AMERICUS — Historic Building Drawings on Display in Museum

MONTEZUMA (May 2, 2009) Twenty-seven young artists helped the Montezuma Downtown Development Authority celebrate the buildings that have been the scenes of the town’s history since the early 1850s.



The Historic Buildings Drawing Contest was held in honor of the Georgia Cities Week theme, “Georgia Cities: A Story to Tell.” The Georgia Municipal Association hosts the commemorative celebration each year to pay tribute to the history and importance of the role cities play in economic development and quality of life. Stories about our founding, our rich history and the people that make Montezuma special were highlighted by the expressive art work of elementary, middle and high school students.



Drawings were displayed and voted on in the City of Montezuma’s tent at the Relay for Life event on April 25. Gift certificates for personal pan pizzas from Papa’s will be awarded to the top three artists in each grade. Many contest entrants participated in the Museum’s Buildings Drawing Class taught by Macon County High School’s media center director and art club sponsor, Rhonda Van Kampen. All of the Elementary and Middle School artists attend the Macon County school system, and most are students of Mrs. Patricia Welch.



Third grade winners are Elijah Akine’s picture of the McKenzie Agency and the Simply Gladis clothing shop, Shilow Flakes’ post office drawing and Daniel Yanez’s work which features the Montezuma Depot. Top forth grade pictures were Traveler’s Rest Bed and Breakfast by Daquan Hubbard, The McKenzie Agency and WMNZ Radio Station by Talesha Koonce, and the Montezuma Depot by Caitlynn Journey. The judging was most difficult for the fifth grade, which had 14 entrants. Leading honors go to Easter Perdido for her drawing of the Carnegie Library which now houses the Chamber of Commerce, Christopher Stewart for his Depot picture, and Dominic Perdido for his sketch of Traveler’s Rest. The middle school winner, Tommy Gaines, entered a perspective sketch of an entire block of Dooly Street buildings with palladium windows, awnings and a rear access staircase.



Macon County High School’s 16 year old Kiara Respert selected the historic Carter family home, formerly located on Artesian Street. Miss Respert sketched the home in detailed perspective from a historic photograph exhibited in the Museum. Fullington Academy’s 17 year old Kayla Edwards sketched her family’s cottage-style home, capturing multiple perspectives and the symmetrical architectural detail which characterizes the historic neighborhood.



Other talented competitors are Tia Respert, Jamari Lee, Lauryn Caraballo, Mariah Willis, Waylon Nowling, Ali Elyaman, Daince Le, Bradley Gaines, Tyra Sanders, April Braswell, Makayla Carter, Charles Flakes, Airean Martin, and Carolos Reyes.



The art show can be seen in the Macon County Historical Museum Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm or by calling (478) 472-4777 to schedule an appointment. Drawings will remain on display for the Youth Historical Variety Show performances to be held in the Depot freight room at 3:00 pm on May 16 and 17.