"Georgette E.Seabrooke Powell"(August 2,1916-December 27,2011)

Was born in Charleston,South Carolina,and grew up in the Yorkville neighborhood of New York

City.She graduated from Washington Irving High School,the prestigious Cooper Union fir the Advancement of Science and Art.both in New York City,receiving the silver medal for painting.At age 57,she earned her bachelor's of Fine Arts in Washington,D.C. As a teenager,Georgette studied with two great artists,James Lesesne Wells,at the Harlem Art Workshop and Gwendolyn B.Bennett,at the Harlem Community Center.She also studied with several Harlem Renaissance Artists,who inspired her and that she remained close to and they were August Savage,Romare Bearden,Charles Alston,& Jacob Lawrence.
While studying at Cooper Union,Georgeette was chosen at age 18,the youngest to receive the title "Master Artist",and was commissioned to be part of the Federal Art Project (FAP),for the Works Progress Administration (WPA),where she painted a controversial large-scale mural in the Harlem Hospitl.She was determined reflect of her environment and portray African-Americans in her piece-not illustrations commonly depicted in public works of art at that time---and she would not relent until her concepts were accepted.Today,her mural is being restored and can be seen in the Lobby of Harlem's Hospital's new wing.She was also selected to paint a mural of Queens General Hospital in Long Island New York.Georgette was a Registered Art Therapist,and worked in this capacity at the Department of Human Services,District of Columbia.She worked with
children &adults at Area B.Mental Health Clinic & D.C.General Hospital.Georgette founded Tomorrow's World Art Center,Inc.in 1975,formerly
called Operation Heritage,which she operated from 1969-1975.She served as an artist educator,mentor,and coach for numerous aspiring artists in the Washington DC,MetroThrough this organization she began sponsoring "Art in the Park," a community event that spanned 38
years,showcased aspiring artists.
Georgette has exhibited throughout the United States and other countries to
include Venezuela,Nigeria,& Senegal.She has received countless awards and honors to include the "2003 Visionary Leadership Project.","Legacy Keeper"from Dr.Camille O.Cosby,President & Co-founder & Renee Pouissant,Executive Director,Co-founder.She is in the D.C. Hall of Fame,receiving "The Legacy Award in Cultural Art," the Hall of Fame,D.C. Department of Recreation and parks,two Mayor's Awards from District of Columbia Mayors;The ageless Heroes Award for creavity,Blue Cross/Blue Shield,presented by the former President George HW Bush,
the Sojourner Truth Award,presented by the National Assocition of Negro Business and Professional Women's League,and many others.
Georgette was married to the late Dr.George W.Powell and raised three children.
She and George built a retirement home in Palm Coast,Florida.