B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 61 With a dream to one day become a book illustrator, Maricela Mendoza is benefiting from art education classes sponsored by the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts at Echols County High School. original piece of art shows much more than viewing the digital image,” Davis said, “and they could connect to the artwork even if they never knew what the artist had in mind when he or she created the piece.” Davis was recently contacted by the administration at Echols County High School and asked to teach art education classes. “The counselor at Echols County High School contacted the Turner Center regarding several very talented high school students that would benefit from some art instruction, since the Echols County School System has no art classes at any level,” Davis said. “I was able to set up after-school drawing classes twice a week for any student interested in taking art classes.” The classes are focused on the traditional elements of art, the study of color, realism, and painting. With the expense of art supplies, Davis said most of the students had not experienced anything more than paper and pencil drawing. “When a person is interested in art, he or she will usually begin with paper and pencil since those materials are readily available and inexpensive,” Davis said. “Paint, on the other hand, is more expensive and harder to teach yourself. I will continue with painting and add three-dimensional in the spring.” Davis plans to continue the Art Talks and classes at Echols County High School, with the goal to expand art education programs in surrounding communities in the near future. “We learned that if you build it, they will come,” Davis said. “With incentives, strong programs, and solid groundwork, the Turner Center can become a legitimate educational resource for students and teachers in the region.” Though the NEA grant has expired, Davis said the education programs will continue and new initiatives developed through a grant from Guardian Bank. “Guardian Bank is proud to fund a new partnership with the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts,” said Guardian Bank Chief Executive Officer Parrish Clark. “Our team was eager to be involved with the opportunity to develop and enhance educational opportunities in the arts for children, young adults, and adults in Valdosta and the surrounding area. “We read with great interest how this partnership will provide unique opportunities and instruction in a variety of artistic offerings. This is the type of program that fits well with Guardian Bank’s own strategic plan and its focus on opportunities to enhance education, support economic growth, and improve quality of life in our area. We are pleased to be an integral part of how the newly developed concept will open creative pathways for people of all ages.” Davis said new initiatives include developing career pathway classes to help students learn marketable skills including photography, photo editing, web design, and video editing. “It would be very difficult to add these programs without the support of Guardian Bank,” Davis said. “Their support is allowing the Turner Center to offer computer-based art and to expand our traditional art classes in such a way that expands our reach tremendously to the region’s population.” B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 61