Another idea is to make another two blocks and put them in the middle of the two blocks. It's ok if they're in different colors because they will be flanked on either side of the ones you have now.

Short version: Put a column of something else in the middle. lol

I like #1 better. My reasons why (personal opinion only): It is more cohesive, has a better flow and is more powerful than #2. It looks like one united design. The three vertical colored sections outside of the black/brown sashings unite the whole thing beautifully, adding an 'encompassing' circular effect and making it softer yet still strong. The black/brown would be repeated at the bottom, right? The other one (#2) is choppy and looks like four separate parts to me.

If I were going to make #1 any wider, I'd just add black/brown borders to match what you already have for the sashings. That way the colored piecing will float and remain the focus. I'd love to hear more details about the class. Intuitive design by any chance?

I agree, option #2

Option 1 for me.

For me I would put a solid red border which matches the reds in the panels around opion 1

I prefer #1, but would like it even more if you made it more unbalanced. For example, if the 2 dark bands fell in different areas rather than directly across from one another. I think it would look more intentional that way. You could even keep it balanced but opposite if you put one dark band perhaps 1/3 of the way down from the top and the other 1/3 of the way up from the bottom.
Or you could have more bands on one side, of different widths. Perhaps 2 on one side and 3 on the other; some narrow and some wider.
Your quilt is going to be awesome, no matter how you end up finishing it, I think it's wonderful now!!!

I like option 1 but as is, without another border. I am guessing you don't have enough of your original fabrics to add more of the columnar strips to the sides to get your desired width. I wouldn't sew it together yet until you find your additional fabric. Once you have it, see if using some of it in a center section in addition to borders would look good--this might help tie it altogether.

Thanks for all of the inputs! I'll be checking out options for coordinating fabrics this weekend and will let you know what I find :-)