| arts |
“ Friends and Stars , Inc .” are Superstars by Margo Hamilton | photography by Dixie Lee Hedrington-Miller
Dixie Lee Hedrington-Miller
Dixie Lee Hedrington-Miller is a force to be reckoned with . This African-American business owner , award-winning artist , art teacher and mother doesn ’ t let anything stop her once she sets her mind to it .
In 2010 she set her mind towards creating a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of children and adults with disabilities through artistic expression . Inspired by her own love of the arts and her passion for people with disabilities , Dixie founded her nonprofit organization “ Friends and Stars , Inc .”, which became a 501 ( c )( 3 ) in 2013 .
As a Georgia Council for the Arts Teaching Artist , Dixie shares the joy of creating art with students of all ages .
By providing specialized , individual attention specific to each student ’ s needs , Dixie and her team help kids discover their own unique artistic expression .
As a result of her work with disabled individuals she received the JM Family Enterprises / JM Lexus African- American Achiever Award in Arts and Culture .
Recently , I visited her at her 7 acre home and student campus in Ochlochnee , GA . As I pulled into the driveway , I couldn ’ t help but notice the 3 enormous brightly colored pencil sculptures on the front lawn , promising an artistic adventure . Whimsical splashes of art are scattered throughout the expansive property . In fact , Dixie hosts the campus as a field trip destination for local schools .
After our tour , we settled in to chat in the main educational center . I asked her how she came to create “ Friends and Stars , Inc .”
“ As the parent of a child with a disability ( her son is deaf ), and in an age where public schools have little funding for the arts , I found very few creative outlets for my son . I realized there was a huge opportunity to provide disadvantaged individuals , especially those with disabilities , with an inclusive , creative environment that would allow them to thrive and participate in artistic activities that build self esteem .”
Herrington-Miller receives African- American Achievement Award .
“ I realized there was a huge opportunity to provide disadvantaged individuals , especially those with disabilities , with an inclusive , creative environment that would allow them to thrive and participate in artistic activities that build self esteem .”
36 February | March 2023 Thomasville Scene