The Orly Tragedy Through the Eyes of Artists

On May 9, 1962, a group of Atlanta’s cultural and civic leaders, including many Buckhead residents, embarked on a three-week European adventure and ambassadorial mission organized by the Atlanta Art Association. On June 3rd, the group’s chartered Boeing 707 crashed upon takeoff from the Orly Field near Paris, France. One hundred and thirty people died, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in history up until that time. Many who formed the heart of Atlanta’s art and cultural establishment perished, including many Atlanta artists. On June 3, 1966, exactly four years after the Orly crash, ground was broken for the Atlanta Memorial Arts Center, a legacy that enriches the city to this day.

 

Buckhead Heritage, in partnership with The Millennium Gate Georgia History Museum, brought to life the story of the Orly tragedy through the works of nationally renowned artists including:

 

Todd Murphy, Meg Aubrey, Bonnie Beauchamp-Cooke, Dennis Campay, Carolyn Carr, Deborah de Juan, Ben Jennings, Morgan Kendall, Hailey Lowe, Margaret Motley, Steve Penley, Peter Polites, Dawne Raulet, Rossin, Serge Ruffato, Tracy Sharp, Jill Steenhuis, Lou Steed, Ken Bazzle and Katherine Bell McClure.

 

These artists contributed original works interpreting the Orly Air Crash and its transformative effects on the cultural scene of the city.

 

 

Proceeds from the auction will support the Cultural and Historical Resources component of the Buckhead Collection Greenspace Plan. For more information on the Buckhead Collection, visit www.livablebuckhead.com.

 

Buckhead Heritage extends a special thank you to The Millennium Gate Museum and our exhibit Curator, Katherine Bell McClure, for making this event possible.

 

The program was presented in part sponsorship with Jerry Dilts Catering, Finest Event Rentals/Services & Accessories, and Reece Tent Rental.