By: Dan Click
Grayson Gallery Director
The Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. will kick off the new year with an outstanding solo exhibit featuring works by the late Tom Whitaker, one of the most prolific and well-known artists hailing from Kentucky. An opening reception, free to the public with donations accepted at the door, will take place from 6 – 9 p.m. on F!nal Fr!day, January 28. Art will be on display until the middle of February.
Whitaker was extremely proud of his roots in Eastern Kentucky. Per his website: “Being a native of the head of a holler in Magoffin County, Kentucky was an asset for me”. Growing up among the sights and sounds of rural Appalachia, Whitaker has said that he was greatly influenced by those childhood experiences. His remaining body of work, now owned by his family, was first shown at the Salyersville Renaissance, located in Salyersville, KY. After his death in 2020, the life celebration and showcase of Whitaker’s art & music was organized by arts activist Jessica Salyer and the Whitaker family. An artist herself, Salyer, along with her husband Greg Salyer and fellow artist Erin Conley, began the process of accumulating, organizing and cataloging Whitaker’s life work for a successful exhibit in his honor.Â
There will be dozens of original pieces on display at the GGAC, primarily in watercolor and mixed media, with a wide range of subject matter. From his well-known landscapes and still lifes to portraiture (including self portraits) there will also be a little of the unique-to-Tom’s own character; works that really make you think. To see more of his work available for purchase, be sure to check out the website, as it remains active: http://www.tomjwhitaker.net/index.html. In addition to his unique talent in visual arts, Whitaker was also an accomplished musician and performed many times with his band, “Creeker.” Their CDs are still available (while they last) via the website noted above.
Due to this being a one-man show, only the monthly “People’s Choice” award will be given in January. Visitors will be asked to cast one vote for their favorite piece and a $50 cash award will be given to the Whitaker family during the announcements, planned for approximately 7:30 p.m. Artists, art teachers, collectors, curators and arts organizers are encouraged to attend the showing. Many will remember Tom Whitaker as not only an artist and a quite unforgettable person, but also as an exceptional and experienced art teacher, often selected as a Judge and/or Juror for a multitude of art competitions across the region for years.
During delivery of the work to the Gayson Gallery (brought there by the late artist’s son Mike Whitaker) GGAC Board member Tim Preston, who was a former student of Whitaker’s at Paintsville High School, was able to share some personal anecdotes about whom he called his “favorite teacher of all time.” Director Dan Click, along with arts organizer Jessica Salyer and input from the Whitaker family, hopes to make the Grayson Gallery the first stop among many other venues under consideration for a “traveling exhibit’ across the Commonwealth.
Another special treat for the opening will be entertainment by the latest iteration of musicians David and Teresa Prince as “Laid Back & Honey” as well as Luna of Luna & the Mountain Jets. Quite serendipitous, Laid Back’s “Magoffin County Cadillac” tune is a favorite of the families as well as all involved in this presentation. Refreshments will be provided by Sheila Sobra. Weather is expected to continue to be very cold so those who plan to attend should dress warmly on Friday evening.
Contact Dan Click, GGAC director via email: graysongallery@gmail.com or by Facebook for questions and more information
