KEEPINTOUCH
GMAP, Inc. Board President
Sule
Sule Opio, a native Georgian was born 1951 in Broxton, Georgia. The youngest of four children, after high school graduation he attended the Atlanta College of Art and became involved with the Neighborhood Art Center.
This father of nine , started his first art business in Beckley, West Virginia designing and painting murals in 1974. In 1984 Sule co-founded and was president of Creative Co-OP, a collaboration of artists that hosted art gallery showings, produced television shows, music events, taught art in the Atlanta schools and more. Creative Co-Op existed for twenty five years. Currently, he works out of his own art studio in South Georgia on the family farm that has been around since the 1860s and is a master percussionist.
GMAP, Inc. Board Public Relations
Newton
Newton Collier, warmly known as "Newt", is a renowned trumpeter who has performed all over the wor;d with many notable artists. He's also a music historian and speaker.
This Macon native first discovered success as a teenager with the Pinestoppers, the original band that backed Otis Redding. But soon after graduatingg from Ballard Hudson High School, Newt's superior trumpet playing skills gained him high recognition and landed him a spot in the band of Sam & Dave.
Sam & Dave is best known for the chart-topping hit, Soul Man, which was inducted into the National Recording Registry ofthe Library of Congress.
Newt is a history maker, who continues to contributeto the rebuilding of Macon's music scene.
Newt has one daughter, and lots of relatives across and around Macon. Newt's life is a true example of a soulmaker.
GMAP, Inc. Board Member Charles
Charles Boyer Coad is a native of Atlanta. At an early age Charles became aware of his artistic abilities. He is married and has two children. Charles is presently employed by the Southern Company where he has been a dedicated employee for the last 25 years. Charles is not only a gifted visual artist, but he is a very talented percussionist. Charles is presently on the music staff at West Oakland Missionary Baptist Church in the Atlanta area. He attended high school at Therrell High and there he explored a variety of medians. This exploration led him to participate and display his work in several exhibits in the city. After high school Charles was accepted into the Atlanta College of Art. There he majored in woodcarving and painting. Charles worked as an arts and crafts instructor with the CETA Program at John F. Kennedy Middle School. He also served as an Arts Specialist for Atlanta Parks and Recreation. As his career moved forward he became interested in monumental sculptures. Through this interest he created several stone works and wood sculptures. Presently, Charles has created a program that he presents at schools, churches and homeless shelters. This program is entitled "Reducing Stress Through Art and Music". His future plans are to establish an art gallery, combined with an art school for talented adults, seniors and future artists.
GMAP, Inc. Board Secretary Samuka
Larry R. Cook also known as SAMUKA is an artist and writer originally from Savannah, Georgia. Upon receiving his B. S. degree in Art Education from Armstrong State College, he moved to Atlanta Georgia and quickly became a part of the blossoming art community there. He participated in Art Exhibits, School Art Programs, and Summer Camps and was co-founder of CREATIVE CO-OP, an organization dedicated to
networking with like mindede artists to produce exhibits, festivals, and provide art classes for community youth.
He has created several apparel designs via his fashion line , KWANZAA FASHIONS. He has written three (3) book.... a recipe book, “15 Delicious Veggietastic Dishes”, a book of poems entitled, “WORDS OF LOVE.” and “DREAMING I’M ABDUCTED” which chronicles his early childhood.