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Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
9/25/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - The latest work by a group of artists under the direction of Northwestern State Professor of Art Dr. Bill Bryant will be on display in the Orville Hanchey Art Gallery Oct. 5-30. The exhibit will be in the Closet Gallery on the second floor. Admission is free and open to the public. The gallery is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Most of the work will be watercolors done during a trip to Uncertain, Texas. Those who will have work on display are Bryant, Jay Dunahoe, Nan Bland, Waldean Shaw, Charles Harrington, Jerry Martin, Marce Larche, Betty Smith, Hazel Nowlin, Mina McKaskle, all of Natchitoches along with Kathleen Hundley and Ina Cowin from Alexandria.
According to Bryant, Uncertain is a community on the northwest side of Caddo Lake that was an important port when there was considerable water traffic in the area during late 19th and early 20 century. Because of the unusual geological position of the lake and its sources, the lake has the tendency to rise and fall with considerable changes in the water levels. The port was one of the most susceptible to being landlocked, so the mariners simply called the port uncertain.
The group stayed in some bed and breakfasts on the lake which was close to a gallery and building to work in. Bryant has been acquainted with the area since he was a student of Don Brown who taught at Centenary College. Don Brown was the brother of Cracker Brown, a long-time coach at Northwestern. Don Brown was a close friend of artist Thomas Hart Benton.
"Many of the works in the show are inspired by Don Brown's work. He always like to paint cypress trees like gothic cathedrals," said Bryant. "Many of the painters in this group have traveled with me for several years to paint and study in various parts of the world."
Bryant said the group is planning a trip to Greece that is open to anyone who is interested in traveling and painting. Details will be released once they are finalized.