Kevin and Karen Cole, Fairburn

Background: Kevin is an artist and chairman of the Fine Arts Department at Westlake High School, and he takes a special interest in what other art educators are doing. The Coles focus their collecting on works by artists who also are teachers. It turns out there are many people in that category. They have about 350 pieces on their walls, with another 60 pieces under beds and in storage.

Joey Ivansco / jivansco@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Karen and Kevin Cole's favorite piece from their collection of more than 400 works of art is 'Thinking Churinga Scan,' a gift from artist Frank Herrmann, a professor and friend.

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Favorite piece: "Thinking Churinga Scan," by Frank Herrmann, dated 2000. Kevin Cole was introduced to Herrmann by a professor at the University of Cincinnati and the two artists became good friends. Both are interested in abstract work. "I dealt with a lot of African patterns in my work," Cole says. Herrmann is particularly interested in the art and symbols of the Asmat people, an ethnic group in New Guinea and one of the last Stone Age societies. Herrmann and Cole send images to each other for critique, and Cole especially liked this piece, which was inspired by the Churinga, a sacred object used in ceremonies.

The painting was a gift after Cole suggested Herrmann apply for a Guggenheim fellowship and wrote a letter of recommendation. Herrmann was a 2006 recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship.

Why they like it: The Coles like the tactile quality and the shapes of the painting. Says Kevin Cole: "Every corner you look at there's something interesting going on."

My Favorite Piece is a way to let Atlantans talk about the best-loved works in their collections. If you have a suggestion, email Kirsten Tagami at ktagami@ajc.com.