Artistic Encounters -Meet the Artist essentially takes the artist from behind the camera and welcomes them into the Blue Ridge PBS studio.  This provides our arts loving audience the opportunity to meet the featured artist while they introduce their works one on one. Specially curated pieces from their collection will be on display during the reception and for several weeks afterwards with many available to take home by making a donation to Blue Ridge PBS. Additionally, each artist will donate one piece to Blue Ridge PBS which will then be auctioned the night of the artist’s reception. Proceeds benefit the artist and Blue Ridge PBS so it may continue its mission of enriching people’s lives by providing educational, informational, and cultural programming that fills a unique role as a positive and lifelong resource for the communities we serve.

Willard Gayheart, a pencil artist from southwestern Virginia, represents Appalachia in a manner that is parallel to the kindness of his nature.  Originally from eastern Kentucky, Willard lives now in the tiny community of Woodlawn, Virginia. 

Willard’s presentations of the region’s history, people, occupations, pleasures, religion, and celebrations are drawn from his own experiences as a native Appalachian. His art has roots in his childhood, when he often drew unsuspecting classmates. 

His art is not an attempt to analyze a culture, nor is it an attempt to romanticize a region.  Willard is a talented artist with broad experience in the folklife of the mountains. Famous and less famous people are equal in their importance to Willard as he portrays them in his depiction of life in the mountains, long ago and today.  His art is not about change, but about preservation. 

Excerpted from the book, Willard Gayheart: Appalachian Artist, by Donia S. Eley

Reception: 

Thursday, April 24 from 4 – 7 pm

Exhibit & Sale: 

Weekdays, April 28 – May 9 from 1 – 4 pm
And by appointment. 

Admission is free. 
 Blue Ridge PBS: 1215 McNeil Drive, Roanoke, VA 24015

 

In order for the series to continue we need funding and artists! Please reach out to ArtisticEncounters@BlueRidgePBS.org

Recognizing and supporting Blue Ridge PBS’ artist series, Meet the Artist 

• Brenda Barksdale
• Anne and Curt Steele
• Ann Martyn 
• David-Charles Campbell 

Support this series  -Pledge Now!