VISIBLE SCHOOL received a visit from Mayor A.C. Wharton last Thursday, drawing all staff and students into the weekly Application Seminar class.  Wharton came to share his passion and vision for the city as well as offer some encouragement to the students as artists.  Wharton told the Memphis story from a musical point of view, describing the golden years as a time rich in culture and music.  After the tragedy of MLK's assasination, the city took a turn and lost much of its musical richness.  Memphis spiraled into a season of shame, brokeness and pain.  Wharton's encouragement was that out of the compost pile of pain, grows the most beautiful flowers.  He commissioned the students as artists to draw upon the messiness of life and create beauty.  Wharton left with words from Alexaner Pope's An Essay on Man saying "hope springs eternal," and there is hope for Memphis.  VISIBLE SCHOOL was proud to  have the Mayor in our midst.  Thanks for your dedication and passion Mayor Wharton!