The latest exhibition in this long-standing showcase for outstanding regional contempo-rary art focuses on the engaging folk-infused works of Ted Whisenhunt. An Alabama native currently living and working in the mountains of North Georgia, Whisenhunt creates sculpture and mixed media paintings inspired by a nostalgic look back at the rich culture of rural Appalachia. Many of the artist’s pieces have kinetic elements that add a touch of whimsy and invite viewer interaction to help bring them life.
Whisenhunt recently described the inspiration for his art: “The hard scrabbled lives of the people of the Appalachian region during the 1920s and 30s continues to be a theme in my work, stemming from my interest in the old-time string band music of that era. The ‘make shift’ mechanical elements of my sculptures are inspired by the attitude of this era, when people made their own tools and created sawmills and grist mills with what they had available to them.”
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Whisenhunt graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Birmingham-Southern College. He subsequently studied ornamental iron, blacksmithing, and metal fabrication techniques under noted Birmingham artisan Robert Lehman. Whisenhunt went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Florida State University, and to study traditional Italian oil painting at the University of Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. His professional teaching career includes chairing the Art Department at Judson College in Marion, Alabama for eleven years prior to arriving at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia in 2009. He is currently Chair of the Art Department and Associate Professor of Art at Young Harris College, and enjoys teaching courses in drawing, painting, and sculpture. In his spare time, Whisenhunt plays with the old-time string band Cornbread & The Butterbeans.
Organized by HMA.
Gallery Walk & Reception with Ted Whisenhunt
Sunday, July 15 | 2-4 p.m.
Members: Free | Non-members: Included with general admission
Learn more about the nostalgic works included in this exhibition during an informative tour led by the artist.