GHS recently processed and digitized the Art from the Heart collection (GHS 2824), which was gifted to the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) in 2021. Consisting of more than 216 image files arranged by date, this collection is comprised of art that was created during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The largest daily newspaper in the Southeast, the AJC created the Art from the Heart Campaign, asking students across Georgia to use their creativity while quarantining at home during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Submitted to the AJC from May 1, 2020, through June 1, 2020, children ages 13 and under created artwork that expresses appreciation to front line workers. Following the campaign, on June 21, the AJC featured a special print issue dedicated to the submissions, as well as sharing many online.

“This collection harkens back to the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, from the perspective of Georgia children who lived through it,” said Nate Pedersen, GHS Manager of the Archival and Reference Team. “Undercurrents of gratitude and hope run through the whole collection. The wide variety of mediums on display is very appealing: there are drawings, paintings, chalk art—even digital art. It’s inspiring to see such a range of artistic skillsets from children all over the state.”

From grocery staff to medical professionals and first responders to sanitation specialists, children spent time creatively depicting the efforts of those Georgians who were essential to helping us through the pandemic. Sprinkled throughout the artwork are supportive messages, stating “we love you” and “we appreciate you,” as well as wishes for frontline workers to “stay safe” and “have hope.” Some even thanked their educators—both the professional teachers working virtually and the parents and guardians lending a hand at home. One child depicted Georgia frontline workers as heroes in their own way, stating, “not all heroes wear capes.”

As we near the four-year anniversary since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Art from the Heart collection provides a unique perspective of a pivotal time in history in our recent past, preserving the story of how children’s lives were disrupted and transformed.

GHS is proud to have a long-standing partnership with the AJC, serving as a repository for much of the AJC’s history, which can trace its roots to 1868. GHS also has a complete run of the AJC on microfilm, as well as letters and papers from its editors, including Clark Howell and Ralph McGill, and papers from its reporters, such as Bill Rankin, Steve Oney, and Jim Galloway.

Explore the Art from the Heart collection in the GHS collection.