In the 1970s, Western North Carolina was the cradle of an artistic movement known today as the Blue Ridge Realists. The works of the 10 men who represent this movement are being shown together for the first time at the Hickory Museum of Art in the Shuford Gallery.
The exhibit opened in December; an opening reception is planned for Jan. 25. All events are free. The exhibit runs through March 10.
The artists are Bob Timberlake, Ward Nichols, Cotton Ketchie, Jack Greenfield, Phillip Philbeck, John Furches, Gary Freeman, Richard Oversmith, Scott Boyle and Frederick Craig Franz.
The Blue Ridge Realists’ art is based on the innate appeal of rural life and was first inspired by 20th-century realist Andrew Wyeth. Later, such influences as American tonalism, impressionism and modern regionalist schools were important to the group. A co-mingling of these influences allowed the Blue Ridge
Article source: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/01/04/3756592/art-of-blue-ridge-realists-brought.html