Atlanta Chapter

The Society, Incorporated, Supporting The Arts, Greater Atlanta Chapter Celebrates Twenty Years of Everything That is Art

By Terri Vismale-Morris

The year 2020, marked the 20th Anniversary of The Society Incorporated, Supporting the Arts, Greater Atlanta Chapter (GAC). Since the organization’s inception in 2000, Atlanta has evolved into one of America’s most recognized cities for the Arts, and GAC has played a supportive role in the city’s thriving arts community. Over the past two decades GAC has donated close to $200,000 in scholarships and awards to youth in the arts and arts organizations. Collectively, the chapter has produced educational programs that expose students to various art forms, art history, and renowned artists based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Program highlights include:

The Kevin Cole South Fulton High Schools Juried Arts competition is now in its 15th year and produced in collaboration with the Southwest Art Center, Fulton County and Atlanta Public school systems art departments. Cole, a generous and outstanding artist donates his time, energy and engages his colleagues to assist students in developing their work and presenting it in a professional manner. The annual event provides awards for participation including the Leanora Davis Award granting a grand prize of $1000 for a graduating senior.

Dr. Joyce F. Johnson, a charter/life member of GAC, conducts the annual Dr. Joyce

Johnson Organ Recital and interactive hands-on pipe organ tutorial workshop for underserved elementary and middle school students. Dr. Johnson is professor emerita of music at Spelman College and an internationally renowned pipe organist.

Since 2000, GAC has partnered with prominent individuals, civic organizations, and local corporations to support the

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Talent Development Program (TDP) founded by Azira and Jesse Hill. TDP develops classically trained high school students interested in a future career with a professional orchestra. GAC presents graduating high school seniors with a monetary gift annually. Many of the students are accepted into prestigious music schools like Julliard and Berklee College of Music.

GAC’s annual scholarship High Teas and Art Auctions are signature events that serve as the financial lifeblood of the organization. In 2018, the Cocktails and Creativity Art Auction raised the initial funding to award a minimum of $25,000 in scholarships over the next few years. Chapter members remain committed to maximizing technology to host fundraising events, while continuing collaborations with strategic partners in Atlanta, GA.

The Society Incorporated, Supporting the Arts, Greater Atlanta Chapter was established in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. The chartering members led by President Leanora Davis and Mrs. Patricia Parrish-Stokes wanted to establish a significant women’s organization dedicated to friendship and Youth in the Arts. Members of the organization are avid art collectors, gallery owners and businesswomen who utilized their influence to cultivate relationships with the Hammonds House Museum, the Carlos Museum of Art at Emory University, City of Atlanta, Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Spelman College, and the High Museum of Art. Several members joined the Collector’s Guild for the National Black Arts Festival, support the BronzeLens Film Festival, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, and the Southwest Arts Center.

Lady Aline Rivers-Jones Scholarship

Kayla Marcus

2016 Aline Rivers-Jones Scholarship recipient Kayla Marcus is an award-winning filmmaker based in Atlanta and has recently graduated from Clayton State University with a B.A in Film. She currently works as a freelance writer and a Production Assistant for films and tv shows filmed across the state of Georgia.

Established in 2004, in memory of one of the Greater Atlanta Chapter’s charter members, Lady Aline Rivers-Jones, this annual scholarship award is presented to gifted students to support the continuance of their education in the arts.

GREATER ATLANTA CHAPTER FOUNDERS

Lady Leanora Davis Lady Patricia Parrish-Stokes

CHARTER MEMBERS

Lady Sylvia S. Brewer Lady Darlene Charles Lady Beryl Clark Lady Kaneta Lott-Cuffie Lady Mary Dickens Lady Michele Gandy Lady Billie Greenwell Lady Joyce Johnson Lady Aline Rivers-Jones* Lady Kim Lewis Lady Rubye McClendon* Lady Janis Alexander Perkins Lady Bucilla Petross Lady Renee Sanders Lady Delores Shelton* Lady Karen Spencer Lady Joanna Sutton* Lady Betty Walker Lady Karon Williams Lady Barbara Wiltz

*Deceased