Friend to Atlanta Public Schools donates rare artifacts
When diagnosed with epilepsy six years ago, Robert Noland was forced to downsize his home, leaving little room to display his treasures. On March 5, a few of his artifacts found a new home at Atlanta Public Schools.
Noland donated two bronze sculptures created by Ron Cummins – an artist Noland says he met and supported in the 1980s while working in the oil business in Oklahoma. Cummins, Noland says, was the protégé of Harry Jackson, a prominent artist known for his paintings and bronze sculptures of cowboys and Indians.
Noland first attempted to donate to a school in his north Fulton County neighborhood to no avail. When he contacted APS, he was received warmly by Debra Joseph, administrative assistant to Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen. It was then that he knew APS was the right fit for his works of art.
“We are thrilled to receive such prized possessions of not only artistic but historic value. Mr. Noland’s generosity will long be appreciated in the APS Archive,” said Sheri McEachern, social studies coordinator K-5.
Noland’s commitment to public education and service is a continuation of the legacy of his late father, Paul Roland, former mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and emeritus professor of animal science at the University of Arkansas, where he taught for 43 years.
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