Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1540272
October/November 2025 | maconmagazine.com 77 brought her to more representational art, like portraiture. Her ability to capture the likeness of people is in the documentary and shows her as a gifted artist. More abstract art was something she leaned into heavily, until she was infamously told no. But "The Faith of the Dreamer" is helping Gwendolyn to hope, heal, and help humanity with the intensity of her past. I had stopped making social commentary work," back then, but shared she is now planning a future, long-term exhibit of 10 to 12 different stories of groups that have reconciled, along with collaborating with Macon-based artists on a public mural. Reconciling, has played a major part in Gwendolyn's return to this art. "I came to a place of forgiveness, which brought me incredible peace," she said. Two new works have been conceived Mom's art was kind of a background character, and I wanted it to be more in the forefront." Khary reflected on how proud he is that Gwendolyn's work will forever grace the walls of his home, as a marker of her legacy. "The excuse that [the professor] made was that her art was too controversial, and art was, I guess, too upsetting for some people. I noticed that, over the years, growing up with my mom, that her art had become safer. I challenged my mom to paint the way she used to paint. That, for me, was part of this journey," he said. "I think that the making of this film was literally rehashing my mother's journey, but also, it is extending the journey," he added. Hope, help, and healing A deep dive into the rejection of Gwendolyn's art and her time as a student soon after desegregation "It was marvelous. It's a piece of Americana. This is another step that will inspire other people, especially Mercer students. It's a powerful artistic expression as well. Art can never be forgotten." ABOVE A standing ovation greets Gwendolyn, bottom right, during the premiere of "The Faith of the Dreamer." RIGHT: From top, Gwendolyn with Sarah Gardner at a Q&A following the film, Gwendolyn poses with Sam Oni immediately after the premiere.