‘Legacy’ opens at the Johnson Center for the Arts

The Johnson Center for the Arts is featuring the work of three Alabama landscape artists in its lower galleries this spring.

“Legacy” showcases the artwork of Cynthia Farnell, Chuck Hemard and Allyson Comstock. Threads of nature, place, culture and history run through their work, said Morgan Drinkard, Johnson Center director.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to work with these three artists,” Drinkard said. “They have compiled this exhibit showcasing scenes from Southern landscapes and it is stunning. They have captured and created scenes that are beautiful and very representative of our surroundings.”

Farnell, an Alabama native who lives and works in Georgia, conveys her experience of place as it is connected to the flora and fauna of her 1920’s urban Atlanta neighborhood.

“The camellias, wisteria and magnolias captured in her photographs create a connection to the neighborhood and its history but more broadly they give a sense of place,” Drinkard said.

Hemard lives in Georgia and works in Alabama. Drinkard said his beautifully evocative photographs explore the remnant landscapes of old-growth longleaf pinelands nestled in the Southern landscapes.

Comstock has lived and worked in Alabama for 23 years and draws upon the Southern landscape in her highly textural handmade paper-pieces.

“These three artists approach the Southern landscape from different perspectives but they convey a deep regard for place and history,” Drinkard said. “‘Legacy’ is a beautiful and powerful exhibit and we are extremely proud to bring it to the Johnson Center.”

The Johnson Center for the Arts is located at 300 East Walnut Street in downtown Troy.

Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.