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Driving down International
Blvd, in the heart of Atlanta Georgia, my heart was pounding faster by the moment as I approached The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. In a matter of minutes, I would be up close and personal with the work of a 17 year old Art Prodigy being exhibited in the Peachtree Galleria Ballroom who is none other than Amanda Dunbar..... ( A week prior to this day, I had come across the advertisement to this event in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution which requested the need for an admission ticket... I called the 1-800 number, spoke to a Mr. Lewis who then gave me my instructions for entering the exhibit hall.) I parked my car, walked through the main lobby and made my way up four sets of escalators to where I then walked down the center of the hotel towards a large crowd that was gathered just outside the Peachtree Galleria Ballroom. Women, men, and children were gathered around enjoying tastes of a variety of food placed around on large trays, followed by a drink of their choice. Over to the left of the ballroom entrance was a table set up with Amanda's first book, entitled "Guided by Angels." A line had already formed in the anticipation of owning their own personal copy of the book while others waited patiently for the doors to the ballroom to open. The media had had an hour and a half behind the closed doors prior to the General Public being allowed in. That time was nearing and I was becoming anxious.
As 6:00 PM neared, I walked up to one of the guards and asked him when the doors may open. To my pleasant and shocking surprise, he responded by opening the door and allowing me to walk on in... I walked into a room full of people, captivated by the art work that stood before them. Amanda's works of art stood all around the room calling out to be seen. I did not know where to start. My attention was drawn to several TV's that were strategically placed around the room. Each one was playing a taped segment from the Oprah show and other shows Amanda had done around the country. Nearby was a table which had copies of Amanda's colored brochures printed by New Millennium Publishing company. Come to find out, the publishing company was also taking orders for purchase of Amanda's art work right there on the spot. I took a few of the brochures, and began my personal tour and first hand experience with Amanda's original works of art. I started over in the section that displayed "The Children." The gentleness and sweet innocent look on these faces moved me. Amanda had captured the true essence and spirit of a child's curiosity and their beauty. Many of the original paintings already had large red labels that marked SOLD on them. I was not surprised. Having worked my way down the first row of paintings, taking pictures along the way of my favorite ones, I began to listen to the comments of the on lookers. Only words of amazement and praise could be heard. A few of the little girls could be heard saying, "Mommy, that looks just like me playing." Sure enough, Amanda's paintings did look a lot like the little girls standing around. As I turned around to continue my tour, I heard the sound of piano music coming from up by the stage. I slowly approached and found Amanda's sister playing background music which was very soothing. I noticed the steps leading up to the stage behind her so in anticipation to the unveiling coming up shortly, I did not move. Up on stage, against a golden, pinkish lit up curtain, was an easel, draped in a large black velvet clothe. This was to be the official unveiling of Amanda's painting for the 14 year old Welsh soprano, Charlotte Church's new CD cover. I began to see some movement over by a door which indicated to me that soon the two girls would be coming out. I never imagined that I would be this close to them. Soon, Amanda and Charlotte came through the door and stood right in front of me waiting to be introduced onto the stage. They both looked radiant and thrilled to see such a crowd of fans. Amanda was first introduced and as she walked on stage the cheers were all consuming. Amanda walked up to the microphone and thanked everyone for the support and warm welcome. She then introduced Charlotte who also was cheered and applauded as she walked up to the microphone. In Charlotte's sweet Welsh accent, she also thanked everyone and then proceeded with a personal and very touching performance of "La pastorella dell'Alpi" followed by what Amanda announced was her favorite "My Lagan Love." While Charlotte sang, you could see Amanda and the adoring fans, moved to tears as Charlotte sang here final lines.
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Charlotte
and Amanda stand in front of "Charlotte"
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Charlotte
and Amanda begin signing away!
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Charlotte
and Amanda examining a serigraph
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Charlotte
and Amanda signing a serigraph
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Amanda and Charlotte then announced that they would now unveil the painting Amanda had done for Charlotte's new CD. Charlotte joked that they had thought of having Amanda sing and Charlotte present one of her drawings, but Amanda then replied that she could not sing, and Charlotte followed by saying that she could only draw stick figures. They approached the covered easel and as they revealed the gorgeous portrait of Charlotte, Amanda informed us that she had painted this in one night. Hard to believe, but so beautiful. The applause was grand. Both girls bowed and walked off the stage. A few moments later, Charlotte and Amanda were walked across the stage once again, where they would sign
50 serigraphs on canvas of Charlotte's new CD cover. I was lucky enough to be sandwiched directly in front of the two girls with a sea of people behind me. For one hour I chatted with them, took pictures and well, I lived a dream I never imagined I would live. Amanda and Charlotte were most willing to sign everything their adoring fans put in front of them; CD covers, books, programs, even pieces of paper. After one hour, I felt that I needed to move on and let others gain access to these two wonderful personalities. It was time for me to view Amanda's other works of art. From the abstract, to the classical, her paintings took hold of you. They each told a story with such grace and purity that it captured your soul each time.
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Charlotte
and Amanda signing various items.
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Charlotte
and Amanda signing various items.
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Charlotte
and Amanda Simile for the Camera.
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The
Dunbar Family Poses for a shot.
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As I left the ballroom, I knew that one day I would have to own one of Amanda's original paintings. For now, I will be happy with a serigraph that I ordered and the chance I had to be there in person with such a talented young lady who captures the spirit of the human soul.
- Genevieve, Atlanta, Georgia
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