Baldwin County history told through art

By Allison Marlow
Posted 10/6/17

Baldwin County has a rich, interesting history that has been told through books, oral history presentations and even theater. Now, you can see how the county has changed over time, through an …

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Baldwin County history told through art

Posted

Baldwin County has a rich, interesting history that has been told through books, oral history presentations and even theater. Now, you can see how the county has changed over time, through an artist’s eye.

This month the Foley Art Center is helping to kick off the Alabama bicentennial celebration by using art to show residents how Baldwin County has looked at different times during the past two centuries.

The display features a multitude of Baldwin County artists who work in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylics, charcoal and photography. Many of the pieces are on loan from private collections. Visitors can purchase prints of some select artists as well.

Zana Price, Foley Art Center board member, said once the entire collection was in place, it was a breathtaking snapshot of time.

“You can see and appreciate the view of our area through these artists,” she said. “It’s very gratifying to see. It’s really a trip down memory lane to places you know and some places that no longer exist.”

Price said the exhibit has inspired current artists to also paint the county as it looks today. Many of those original pieces are for sale.

One long-time Baldwin County artist featured in the project is John Lewis of Bay Minette who restores old and damaged photos, breathing new life, and often color, into the faded photos.

Lewis first used a variety of media, including oils, chalk and pencils, to restore the photos. Now, his art has entered the high tech world and he uses computer-based art programs to re-imagine the historic images.

Lewis also creates original art. His work can be found on display throughout the county in many government buildings.

The display runs at the Foley Art Center, located at 211 N. McKenzie Street in Foley, until Tuesday, Oct. 31. The center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.