The “Watcher” stands appropriately close to the front door of the Fountain City Art Center. He’s a big, cheerful rooster with a pitchfork tail created by sculptor Frank Harvey, one of some 25 artists whose work is on display at the Fountain City Art Guild Holiday Show.
The show is in the art center’s Parkside OpenDoor Gallery, 213 Hotel Ave., on the edge of Fountain City Park, and will continue until Jan. 14.
“Watcher” stands three feet high and is an absolute steal at $80. He is part of a stunning and colorful collection of paintings, prints, jewelry, notecards, whimsical ornaments and other works of art on display in the holiday show.
The best-selling items are probably B.J. Clark’s hand-painted greeting cards, displayed on a tall vertical rack.
Fountain City Art Center director Heather Fielden at her desk, surrounded by art
Heather Fielden, the art center’s new executive director, who came on board in August when founding director Sylvia Williams retired, said that many of the artists were (and still are) students at the art center’s classes. Some of them are retirees, like pharmacist Holland Rowe, whose woodworks are among the most popular items on display, and retired Central High School teacher Stan Kelly, who is an accomplished landscape painter.
Fielden jokingly refers to herself as a “reformed banker” and said she has always loved art and music. She’s a graduate of Carson-Newman College (now University) who did volunteer work for nonprofit organizations.
“When this opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance,” she said.
“Calla Lilies” by Dawn Hawkins