By CARMEN LINDSEY
carmen.lindsey@galfnews.com
ROCHELLE — Carolyn “Wac” Stephens, owner and operator of Dirt Road Gallery, will be showcasing one of the finest collections of Wilcox County art at Jim Fitzgerald’s Braziel Mercantile November 3 and 4.
“Jim Fitzgerald has so graciously offered us his store for the Fifth Annual Dirt Road Gallery Art Show,” said Stephens. “A retired enterior designer, he is one of the most avid art patrons in the county.”
A tireless supporter of the arts, Stephens says Wilcox County residents and those in the surrounding area are becoming aware of the county’s capacity for art. “The community is becoming art conscious. People are aware of the beauty of art as well as the fun of art,” said Stephens. “We have had a lot of response from the community. We have people from out of state and out of the county who will come to see the show.”
The art show will feature new paintings from emerging contemporary artists in the county and the surrounding area. Students taking lessons from Stephens focus their paintings on themes like nature, people, floral, animals, and still life. Budding artists will be able to showcase their work for hundreds of visitors to view.
Carolyn Wilson, one of at least 14 students intending to exhibit work at the show, paints objects her son, Cannon, is interested in. “I give most of my paintings away,” Wilson said. “As a rule, I don’t sell. Most of my paintings are for my husband and son.”
Wilson, a retired teacher from Wicox County Middle School, says she’s a story teller first and a painter second. “Things that I paint are things I’m passionate about,” she said.
For Stephens, teaching artists how to create a piece of art is a source of enjoyment. “You don’t have to paint a masterpiece or make money. The idea is to help beginners. Alot of people in the area are interested,” she said. “People assume that you can come take one or two lessons and that’s all you need. That’s not true. Each painting presents you with a different stroke or value.”
Stephens, who has been painting for most of her life, said most kids are very good at art and just need encouragement. According to her, painting can be done inexpensively and with a great deal of fun.
Ellen Breedlove Davis, a watercolor artist, also teaches students at Dirt Road Gallery and comes down from Gainesville, Ga. to give at least 3 workshops a year. Students interested in watercolor lessons can contact her at yellowcreekart@aol.com. Her Web site is www.ellenbreedlovedavis.com.
Carolyn Stephens, who teaches at least 5 oil painting workshops a year at her gallery, can be reached at 229-365-7339. Her Web site can be viewed at www.dirtroadgallery.com.
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