The Columbus Museum partnered with local artist Tony Pettis and The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia to facilitate painting classes and a community art project for youth living at Wilson Homes. 

Over the course of two afternoons in July 2021, participants worked alongside Pettis to create a collaborative artwork inspired by their favorite summer activities. Pettis demonstrated his techniques for creating abstract backgrounds before asking them to work together to cover a large canvas utilizing the techniques. 

This canvas was then used by Pettis to create a unique artwork for the Wilson Homes’ community room that takes inspiration from the earlier group discussion. Participants also had opportunities to create their own paintings to take home.

“Working with the kids of the Wilson Homes was a lot like the collaborative work I’ve always dreamed of doing,” said Pettis. “Kids are so powerful and filled with potential, this experience was awesome. So thrilled and humbled to have been a part of this.” 

The collaborative piece, created by Pettis and the program participants, will be on display alongside two of his other abstract paintings in Pettis’ show at the AC Hotel in Downtown Columbus, GA. The free event takes place Saturday, July 31 from 5 – 8 p.m. and is open to the public.