New exhibits explore natural beauty of central Georgia

Published 9:26 am Friday, August 2, 2024

Allied Arts opened its doors Friday evening for the unveiling of two new exhibits — the “I Love Georgia” Plein Air Exhibit and the Robert Jorns Exhibit.

The event began with a reception, welcoming guests to explore the artistic offerings.

The “I Love Georgia” Plein Air Exhibit features pieces celebrating “the beauty of Georgia through the eyes of talented artists,” according to the Allied Arts website. The exhibit highlights the first-, second-, and third-place winners, Audrey Crumbley, Krista Kugaraj and Ansley Browne, respectively. Their works offer visitors a vivid representation of Georgia’s landscapes and culture.

The Robert Jorns Exhibit showcases a collection described as “an unparalleled display of his most thought-provoking and engaging works.”

His exhibit features art created with acrylic, casein, oil, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, color pencil and dry brush, monotype, serigraph and white line printmaking.

Jorns, who began his artistic journey at age 7 with paint-by-numbers sets, has since developed a versatile career spanning more than 65 years.

“I was given a paint by numbers set. I did that, then started painting on the back of the box, scraps of paper, and scraps of board,” Jorns recalled. “I walked down the street and sold my paintings. I used the money I got from doing that and doing yard work to buy more painting material.”

A self-taught artist, Jorns hadno formal art training except for a high school art course. He honed his skills while working in the art department of an Atlanta printing company, a newspaper advertising department, and freelancing for organizations including the United States Navy and The Coca-Cola Company. His academic achievements include fine arts degrees from Wesleyan College and the University of Georgia, funded through scholarships. Jorns’ professional career included stints in graphic design and creative directing, from which he retired at age 49. He then worked as a college professor until the age of 62.

In recent years, Jorns has faced significant health challenges, including a terminal lung disease diagnosis at 66, when he was given six months to live, a heart attack, and four heart operations within a three-month span.

Despite these hardships and spending 18 months in hospice care, Jorns continues to create art.

“When I was so sick, the Lord healed me,” Jorns said. “I was told that there was more I had to do and that’s what I am doing. I am painting and telling my story of faith and my belief, sharing what I have to give people through my art.”

Due to his health, Jorns has had to modify his creative process. Now living at home and on oxygen for more than 12 hours a day, he can no longer stand to paint or work at an etching press.

Jorns said he finds inspiration for his art through his travels and the surroundings of his Middle Georgia home.

“I’ve adapted,” he said.

Both the “I Love Georgia” Plein Air Exhibit and the Robert Jorns Exhibit are on display at Allied Arts until Aug. 22.

For more information visit www.milledgevillealliedarts.com.