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Georgia Youth Travel to Beijing

The journey of seven high school students to Beijing, China this summer actually began in December, 2007, when each young person was selected by individual clubs of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. In addition to being nominated by their individual clubs, interested students had to apply in writing and successfully complete an interview process with project leaders and staff.

The Youth Art Connection is a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Director Rebeca DesMarais, provided the following description of The Beijing Program:
The Beijing Program includes an international children's art exhibition - "Peace, Goodwill and Friendship through the Olympic spirit"-, a trip to China in June, 2008, and the interaction with the Xi'an Terracotta Warrior at the High Museum of Art in fall/winter 2008-2009. International Paint Pals, a program of the Youth Art Connection and a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta's Arts & Cultural Enrichment Program, is organizing the children's exhibition and is facilitating the overall Beijing Program. The trip to Beijing will coincide with the opening of the exhibition in Beijing, China on June 1, China's National Children's Day. Seven Boys & Girls club high school members have been selected to participate in The Program. The Beijing Program began in January, 2008 with monthly preparation meetings and extends into fall 2008 to coincide with the Terracotta Warriors Exhibition. On the June Trip, members will visit the ancient capitol of China, Xi'an, to the the terracotta Warriors firsthand and will then share their experiences with other Club members in the fall of 2008 as field trip "guides" on visits to the High Museum.

Through the Georgia Graduation Stories blog postings over the next few months, you will meet the young people, hear about their preparations for the trip, feelings they have about the opportunity, and (keep your technology fingers crossed) news directly from China during the trip. This group photo was taken with Sherea M. Lloyd, 4th grade teacher at Wynbrook Traditional Theme School in DeKalb County. She spoke to the group in February about her experience on the television show, Survivor-China.

Visit the Youth Art Connection Gallery to view the best works of Boys & Girls Club members in a variety of media and on a rotating exhibit schedule. You will be greeted by P.T., the hospitable Gallery Cat.