‘Roots of Our Art” receptionFive women who galvanized the visual arts in Athens, Tenn., will be recognized with an exhibit later this year, and organizers of the show are hoping to borrow more examples of their work.
Four of the featured artists – Ethel Carroll, Betty Grater, Francis Graves and Rhodelle Cunningham Miller – were founding members of Athens’ Community Artists League. The fifth, Martha B Hale, was a longtime art teacher at Tennessee Wesleyan College.
“Each represents a lifetime of dedicated work and passion for the visual arts, punctuated by love for her community,” says Lauren Brown Shepherd, executive director of the Athens Area Council for the Arts, in a news release.
All were prolific talents who taught and supported other local artists as well as sold, donated and created commissioned work for families, local businesses, churches and others, Shepherd says. “Because their work is so widespread, AACA is asking community members to submit digital images of work to be considered for the exhibit.”
Shepherd says the council’s visual arts committee will include as many works as space allows. Images should be emailed to programs@athensartscouncil.org by Friday, Aug. 15, for review by the committee. Those who loan work to the exhibit will be credited as donors.