The Harriet Tubman African American Museum located in Macon, Georgia

Otis Redding Week

The Tubman Museum played an active role in the week-long tribute to Otis Redding in September of 2007 with the culmination of a Youth Art Contest based on Otis Redding’s musical works.

The contest, titled From the Words of Otis Redding, generated a tremendous response in the community. Many impressive works of art were created by Bibb County students age 14-18 from the following schools: Central Fine Arts Magnet High School, First Presbyterian Day School, Jones Co. High School, Mt. DeSales Academey, Perry High School, Westside High School and Warner Robins High School.

Under the rules of the contest, the inspiration for the artwork had to come from the following Otis Redding songs:

• I’ve Got Dreams to Remember
• Hard to Handle
• Respect
• (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay

The winners are:
1st Place, LeGarret George
2nd Place, Morgen Montgomery
3rd Place, Jin Park
Honorable Mention, Charity Wilcoxson

The judges included:
Dr. Elizabeth Bailey – Professor of Art, Wesleyan College,
Butler Brown – Artist & Gallery Owner,
Professor Bobby Dickey – Head of the Fine Arts, Humanities & Mass Communications Department at Fort Valley State University,
Mrs. Chi Ezekwueche – Artist & Community Leader,
Ms. Holly McDowell – Vice President & Corporate Controller for Security Bank,
Mrs. Zelma Redding – Widow of Otis Redding.

The Awards Banquet was held on Tuesday September 11, 2007 with the winners, their families, the judges, the sponsors and many supporting art enthusiasts in attendance. The artwork was on display from September 4th – 14th.

Event sponsors include The Tubman Torchbearers, Alphagraphics & Security Bank.