This ‘Gospel of the Rock’ mural was painted primarily by inmate artists at the Miller County Jail. People from Florida State University Department of Art Education assisted. The dedication of the mural “Gospel of the Rock,” was held on Friday afternoon February 5, as part of the Creative Communities Conference.

Jennifer Trawick, executive director of the Colquitt Miller Arts Council, welcomed the group to this special event. Jennifer thanked Sheriff Buddy Glass, Lavon Cook and Charles Boyd for their cooperation in making this project a reality. She also thanked Maureen Cook and Dot Wainright for their fund-raising that helped provide the funds. Jennifer then introduced Corey Thomas, city manager.

Corey thanked the arts council for the contribution it makes to the community. He cited the honor of Colquitt being “Georgia’s First Mural City” and the tourism magnet

created by the project.

Joy Jinks introduced Dave Gussack, chair of the Department of Art Education at Florida State University. Together, they told how the idea of collaboration between the Arts In Prisons program and some of the trusties in our local jail resulted in the mural. The stories surrounding the “Gospel of the Rock” are unique subject matter.

Julie Argue, a graduate of the Florida State University art department, talked about her experience working with the trusties and what it meant to her. Enoch Norris and Bubba Reagan were in attendance, and shared their feelings about the experi- ence. These young men put their hearts and hard work into the project and have made a contribution to the community that they can be very proud of.

Karen Kimbrel then told the stories from the mural. Every mural is unique. Each is painted by artists who have different styles, but none have more stories to tell than “Gospel of the Rock.”