Infusion of the arts in the library environment—by showcasing diverse works from local artists, increasing opportunities for people of all ages to expand their knowledge of and appreciation for art, and stimulating potential artists—was the driving force for the Rowan County Public Library Art Collection.
The construction of a new building offered both opportunity and space for the development of a permanent art collection, and the W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Foundation provided funding. A myriad of Rowan County artists, representing varied techniques and media, responded to the call for art, and a jury chose the works to be exhibited.
From the portico to the vestibule and throughout the library, visitors will encounter not only oils, acrylics, and watercolors, but will also view sculptures, photography, quilts, pottery, and more. Additionally, some of the works are further described with video presentations and samples of materials provided by the artists. Local historical significance for certain pieces is noted, as well.
With special thanks to the W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Foundation for their contribution, the Rowan County Public Library is honored to present this collection that demonstrates the wide-ranging talents of Rowan County artists. We especially wish to acknowledge the efforts of Matt Collinsworth and Adrian Swain, both of whom were instrumental in the completion of this project. The complete collection offers an environment rich in information, inspiration, and vision.
All artist information is current to the best of our knowledge, but please contact us with corrections.
See part one (1) of the collection here.
See part three (3) of the collection here.
Additional Items
America: Unraveled and Rewound
Following a childhood spent in Wisconsin, Ohio, South Dakota, and Colorado, Bet Ison and her husband Cecil settled on his family's farm in Rowan County. With graduate degrees in anthropology and library science, Bet has been an archaeologist and a librarian. She has completed over 50 unique quilts.
Earth & Air
Following a childhood spent in Wisconsin, Ohio, South Dakota, and Colorado, Bet Ison and her husband Cecil settled on his family's farm in Rowan County. With graduate degrees in anthropology and library science, Bet has been an archaeologist and a librarian. She has completed over 50 unique quilts.
Akhal-Teke II
David Kemp's career as an artist has taken many twists and turns, from his life as a student at Ball State University through various occupations, and finally back to painting. He is currently pursuing development of a watercolor technique that will allow him to define his signature style by applying it to acrylics, as well.
Epiphany
David Kemp's career as an artist has taken many twists and turns, from his life as a student at Ball State University through various occupations, and finally back to painting. He is currently pursuing development of a watercolor technique that will allow him to define his signature style by applying it to acrylics, as well.
Mare & Foal
Before his retirement, Allen Lake worked as a professor of biology at Morehead State University. He pursued an eclectic array of artistic interests, from visual media to music and collecting. Mr. Lake died in 2011.
Southwestern Star
Linda Lowe earned her masters in library science from the University of Kentucky, and worked as a cataloger at Camden-Carroll Library of Morehead State University until her retirement. She enjoys photography, crafting, and quilting, and has contributed extensively to the holdings of Morehead State University's Appalachian Collection.
Merrill Lowe was born in Big Caney Creek, near the border of Elliott and Rowan Counties. She and her husband raised five children in the Elliottville area while she worked at sewing factories in Morehead and Olive Hill, and in housekeeping at St. Claire Regional Medical Center.
The Reading Tree
"Sherenshnitte" is the term Carol Maxwell uses to describe her beautiful paper cuttings. She developed her own style of cutting, using both scissors and knives, and says she attempts to make new shapes each time she cuts. Each piece is an original, one-of-a-kind work drawn from memory and imagination. Carol began exhibiting in the 1980s, and her work is owned by numerous private and corporate collectors in Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
Portrait of James Still
Born in Lexington, Sam McKinney spent his childhood in Fleming-Neon in southeastern Kentucky. After completing a bachelors and masters in art from Morehead State University, he and his family made their home in Morehead. Sam has been a figurative freelance painter and sculptor for over 30 years, and oils, watercolors, and sculptures in bronze, stainless steel, and acrylic are nationally collected.
Dissected Icosahedral Forms in Space
A faculty member at Morehead State University's Department of Art and Design, Gary Mesa-Gaido teaches digital art, animation, painting, and foundations. His works include sculptures made of wood and/or aluminum painted with encaustic pigment mixed with beeswax, and large-scale panoramic photographs assembled from digital montages. Gary has participated in over a hundred juried and invitational exhibitions at the regional, national, and international levels.
Hawk's Dream
A lover of creativity and mixed media, Jerry Mifflin has always enjoyed working with wood. He has developed his own art form called "flat panel intarsia," which he teaches online. Jerry has shown in numerous galleries and exhibitions, and his works have appeared in various publications.
Ancestor's Pitcher
Gina Boyd Mullins was born in Huntington, West Virginia, and made Kentucky her home in 1963. Her artistic training began with no formal training beyond a couple of workshops, and the intent of her work is to portray each subject in a way that conveys subtle personality.
Geese Nesting
Gina Boyd Mullins was born in Huntington, West Virginia, and made Kentucky her home in 1963. Her artistic training began with no formal training beyond a couple of workshops, and the intent of her work is to portray each subject in a way that conveys subtle personality.