Town’s Barbara West Portrait Group exhibit Jan. 6-15
The group has been holding the exhibit in Farragut for about six years, artist and BWPG facilitator Debbie Barnes said.
“We started when Lauren Cox was (then Special Event and Program coordinator in Town Hall),” Barnes said. She recalled shows taking place during early voting in Town Hall.
“There would be so many people looking at our work, it was such a blessing,” Barnes added. “It’s an honor to be there — anytime you can show work.”
The group currently averages 20 members who come from all walks of life, and from other countries, who range in skil from beginners to professional artists, Barnes said.
“We really have a diverse group,” she added. “Some of these artists in this group have taught at the University of Tennessee; they have graduate degrees and they have taught at different high schools.
They use a variety of media.
The group also includes photographers, teachers, architects, doctors, nurses, scientists and homemakers.
Barnes pointed out member Owen Weston “is an incredible artist, an incredible photographer.”
“Although the common thread is art, the group tries to provide a strong sense of community — an important gift as they move through life,” Barnes said.
The group meets from 2 to 4 p.m., every Wednesday and Saturday in Knox County churches to draw and paint.
The open studio is $5 to attend with a live model — no instruction provided.
For more information about BWPG, contact Barnes at 865-661-1213 or visit http:/www.facebook.com/TheBarbaraWestPortraitGroup.
For more information about the exhibition, contact Brittany Spencer at bspencer@townoffarragut.org or call 865-218-3378.
