What makes you fond of your hometown or your alma mater? I think about this question often and I'm curious to know your opinions is on this subject. (Hit "reply" - let me know!)
I've made it my life mission to uncover this mystery, and as a result, I am so excited to share with you a project I've been working on for months: The Doors of Athens!
The Doors of Athens is a multi-product program I have been diligently creating since midsummer, and it is finally here, ready to share with you and the world, just in time for the holidays!
Short on time? Scroll down to the end to see the big reveal!
...or read on, if you want to hear the whole story.
For December and January, I'll only be in Athens for a short 6 weeks, but you know how much I love Athens. In the heart of Northeast Georgia, Athens was a location of safety and stability for my wandering 20-something self. Its history runs deep, and every one of us whom the city has touched has a unique and personal experience with it. Established concurrently with the University of Georgia in the early 1800s, Athens is a historic yet progressive city with a small-town feel. The 20 square blocks of downtown Athens host a collection of unique eateries, gift shops, art stores, boutiques, vintage shops, bars, music venues, and much more, attracting students, townspeople, and visitors alike. The motto “Shop local!” becomes more relevant and stronger every year, and is exactly what Athens needs to keep it vibrant and thriving; i.e., local small businesses.
To honor my beloved hometown and share the love, I have created a poster featuring 16 small businesses that are unique to Athens. As a special introduction, I am offering the first 100 posters, locally silk screened by hand, and signed by the artist (that’s me!), on my website and at a few locations around town (to be determined - I'll let you know where soon). I have poured my heart and soul into this project, and I hope it will be as meaningful to you as it is to me.
Since I began my art career, my artistic output has focused on the question of “What makes a place feel good?” My goal is to share the uniqueness of places, focusing on that which people tend to ignore when passing by.
Often when people are scurrying down the street, thinking of their destination, they get involved in their own thoughts and fail to observe their surroundings. Yet one of Athens’ treasures is its collection of interesting entrances—environments you recognize but may never consciously perceive. Transitioning from the public to the private sphere, from the outdoors to the interior, from the grand to the intimate, enables you to share a space with those you love or explore a totally new location.
My goal in creating this new art series is to bring attention to everyday experiences, the beauty of our town, and our affection for this place.
When I first heard the phrase place attachment theory from Madeline Blankenship of the Get Artistic program hosted by Creature Comforts Brewery, images of my beloved Athens immediately began to swirl in my head. This poster and exhibit were born at that moment. The exhibit aims to highlight the joy we experience when visiting our favorite businesses after our pandemic confinement, when we are free to move about again. I have highlighted my favorite businesses of Athens with their delightful architecture and inviting entranceways, and created, not only fine art paintings, but a poster for sharing, enjoying, and giving as gifts.
The Doors of Athens exhibition of original contemporary art paintings on silk will open December 10th at Creature Comforts Brewery in downtown Athens. I look forward to seeing you there!
Silk painting #5 (detail) in process
Here it is!!! The Doors of Athens poster is printed in dark blue ink on a beautiful off-white 100 lb. poster paper by the kind people at Indie South. At 18" x 24", your new poster will fit in a standard poster frame for display and protection to adorn your home, office, dorm room, or place of business.
Perfect for gift giving! Perfect for yourself! Buy your poster here, and come see the NEW artwork at The Doors of Athens exhibit opening December 10th. More details to follow, but mark your calendar now!