Complicated Christmas Star by O.V. Brantley, 2011.
The holiday season is one of the best times to be a lawyer. Why? There are so many parties!
Try not to miss any. (For you workaholics, it’s a great way to network).
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Subtle Struggle Toward the Dream #2, 45 x 45 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2011
The Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) held its annual fundraising gala Saturday, July 23, 2011. I donated my original art quilt called Subtle Struggle Toward the Dream #2 to the auction. Proceeds from this gala are used for scholarships for female African American law students.
Have you made a comittment to help a young person get through law school? Do you remember to periodically thank all the people who helped you?
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District 7, 84 x 84 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2004. A gift for Commissioner Bill Edwards.
A six-year long dream of Fulton County Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards came true Saturday night when residents of Fulton County celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Wolf Creek Amphitheater. India Arie headlined the program with performances also by Jean Carne, T. C. Carson and Chanda McKnight.
Approximately 5000 people attended the free concert, and it was clear the citizens of South Fulton were thrilled to see such a wonderful use of their tax dollars. Many Fulton County employees, as well as other members of the Board of Commissioners, worked hard to make the amphitheater a reality. It was a magical night.
Because of his unwavering dedication to his district (where I happen to be a resident), Commissioner Edwards inspired me to make the quilt shown here which is simply called District 7.
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Recently I was honored to be asked by City Attorney Nina Hickson and City Manager Crandall Jones to make a presentation to the East Point City Council during its annual retreat. I spoke to the Council on the topic of Council / Staff relations. I titled my paper Would You Act Like That In Front of Your Grandmother?! (How Good Council/Staff Relations Can Minimize Public Risk and Improve Public Image).
I illustrated my presentation with quilts to show that each person is part of a bigger picture. Shown here is my quilt Fulton County Attorneys which is a signature quilt made during my tenure as the Fulton County Attorney. Each staff member signed a block in the quilt.
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- A Bouquet in Red and White by O.V. Brantley
Lawyers are notorious for getting their lives out of balance. We, as a group, are so driven to win that we lose sight of the bigger picture.
Whatever you feel about the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, the holiday is a good reminder to stop and affirmatively remind the ones we love that they are still number one in our lives.
The law is important, but not as important as the ones we love.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Evora's Earth, 85 x 96 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2001.
Often we do not take the time to appreciate each other. Small pleasantries can go a long way in creating warm personal relationships. Conflict can be kept at a minimum when those with whom we interact feel appreciated.
This Thanksgiving, remember to kiss the cook. That food did not jump from the farm to your plate by magic.
Evora’s Earth is a quilt that celebrates nature’s bounty and my mother Evora Hicks. She was a great cook!
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- African Starry Night by O.V. Brantley
Atlanta has always fancied itself an international city, but it was truly in rare form last week when it hosted the “Experience America” tour for visiting ambassadors. A welcoming reception was held at the McKenna Long law firm, and many local dignitaries attended. I attended primarily so that I could continue to promote my mediation practice that focuses on local government issues.
Mayor Kasim Reed was on hand to welcome the ambassadors, and most of the Atlanta City Council was present, including City Council President Ceasar Mitchell. Attorney General Thurbert Baker and Police Chief George Turner were also there to welcome the international visitors to Atlanta. It was truly an inspiring evening as Atlanta sought to build ties of friendship and business with other nations.
The evening was particularly poignant for me because the two loves of my life (quilting and mediating) intersected in a most unexpected way. A mere three days before the reception, the American Embassy in Quito, Ecuador purchased one of my handmade quilts for an upcoming exhibit. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the ambassador from Ecuador was at the reception. I was able to meet him as well as local staff members from the Ecuadorian Embassy here in Atlanta.
The quilt that made such a memorable night possible is called African Starry Night. Apparently, it may serve as my introduction into international mediations as I plan a trip to Ecuador next year.
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- Will Litigate For Food by O.V. Brantley, 2006.
Writing about power lunches made me think of my quilt Will Litigate for Food. Hopefully your marketing or lack thereof has not reduced you to litigating for food.
This quilt is a signature quilt signed by the staff of the Fulton County Attorney’s Office. As with all my signature quilts, it is a lot of fun to read the creative messages left by the staff.
Will Litigate For Food was featured in a quilt exhibit held at the Art Station in Stone Mountain, GA. Unfortunately, the picture does not do justice to this beautiful quilt.
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