Shown is Northwest Alabama Arts council president Tyna Pyburn and
2010 Reflections of the South scholarship winner Eric Robbins.

Eric Robbins, a 2010 senior at Hamilton High School, was selected by the Northwest Alabama Arts Council to receive a $500 scholarship to pursue his education in the field of media arts.  The 2009-2010 academic year marks the arts council’s creation and implementation of its “Reflections of the South” scholarship program.

Arts council president Tyna Pyburn presented the scholarship to Robbins at the Hamilton High School Awards Day on Tuesday, May 18.  She stated, “This was a logical next step for the arts council in promoting the arts and art education in Marion County.  The success of the Jerry Brown Arts Festival over the past two years and the increased corporate and community support has allowed us create this scholarship program.  We are excited about the opportunities it will present to the seniors to have an arts-related scholarship available in the county.  We have many students who receive academic and athletic scholarships, but there is a group of students who are interested in the arts and who will excel in the arts given the opportunity.”

Robbins has been a participating student artist at the 2009 and 2010 Jerry Brown Arts Festivals, winning recognition for his works in the arts council’s “Sketching the Future” program.  Robbins says by receiving the Reflections of the South scholarship, he hopes to be able to take his art to new levels, and “make something that resonates with people, something that makes them think and provokes a genuine emotional response.” 

In addition to sketching and drawing, Robbins also enjoys painting, poetry, and playing the piano.  Robbins will be attending Bevill State Community College – Hamilton Campus this fall.  He is the son of Angie and Danny Robbins.

“UNITED” FOR ART

Two artists.  Two communities.  Two-star quilt pattern.  To demonstrate diversity of art.  To promote cohesiveness between communities.  To rekindle patriotism in hearts and minds.

Shown with “United” are the collaborating artists, Rhys Greene and Missy Miles.

Quilts and mosaics are quite different in their history, use, and assemblage.  However, the similarities of pattern, color, and theme is evident in “United.”  Humankind is no different.  We share similarities and differences.  The artists’ hope is that this project will encourage the viewer to recognize, accept, and celebrate our differences as well as our similarities.

Bench created by Rhys Greene of Gordo, Alabama. 
The stained glass mosaic bench represents many ideas and uses.  Its concrete base suggests strength and a feeling of permanence.  It helps us feel grounded and secure.  The two-star quilt pattern is reminiscent of our forebearers and their desire to create beautiful quilts for their families.  The inherently beautiful stained glass material decorates the bench top and transforms it into a work of art.  In its new home, the bench will offer an inviting place to sit, relax, and savor the moment.

Quilt created by Missy Miles of Guin, Alabama.
The quilt represents tradition and unity.  The red, white, and blue fabrics are patriotic.  The colors of our flag, recognized for strength.  Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white, purity and innocence; and blue, vigilance and preserver of justice.  Quilting is a form of utilitarian art.  Commercial quilting is a time for sharing of one’s stories, while making a creation for warmth.  The traditional quilt patterns have stories of their origin.  Alongside those stories are the unrecorded ones of the hands that put the fabrics together.  When finished, those stories and traditions are ones to wrap up in and cherish.

 As presently displayed, the armature unites the bench and quilt as a sculpture.  The bench represents the very foundation of our American life.  It is grounded and stands firm, as we should in our beliefs and values.  Life firmly rooted in history and traditions that should be handed down through the generations.  The suspended quilt gives the illusion of life.  Life that permits freedom to form one’s own beliefs.  Life that gives birth to the emerging energy of pride in one’s country.  Life that allows freedom of movement, thought, and the right to pursue happiness.  The bench and quilt together illustrate the profound state of being “United.”

 “United” will be raffled off on November 11, 2010, in Gordo, Alabama at the Veteran’s Day celebration.  Chances are being sold by the artists, Missy Miles and Rhys Greene, for $2 each or six chances for $10.  The raffle winner will receive the bench and the quilt.  Proceeds will benefit the Northwest Alabama Arts Council and the Crossroads Arts Alliance.  To purchase tickets or to host “United” at an event, please contact Miles or Greene.  Miles may be contacted at (205) 921-1193 and Greene at (205) 364-9290.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 12, 2010

QUILT SHOW DEEMED A SUCCESS

Shown is Rhys Greene of Gordo, Ala., viewing a quilt made by Flora Harper Thompson, a native of Lamar County. 
The postage stamp-patterned quilt was made in 1916 or 1917 and is now owned by
Doug and Paula Reeves of Hamilton.  This quilt was one of 105 on exhibit this past weekend at the Second Annual CNC Quilt Show in Winfield.

Winfield, Ala. – Linda Addison, president of the CNC Quilt Guild, proclaimed at the close of the second annual quilt show on Sunday afternoon that the three-day event was a success.  Although final numbers were not available as of press time, Addison indicated this year’s show was larger than last year’s show, both in participants and attendees.

This year’s festival exhibited 105 quilts from area quilters, some antique, some new, in a variety of patterns, sizes, and shapes.  Throughout the weekend, attendees voted for their favorite quilts, and winners of the People’s Choice Awards were:  Faustina Gosa, first place, Sulligent; Debbie Nixon, second place, Hamilton; and Amy Sandlin, third place, Winfield.  A raffle was also conducted by the quilt guild for the past six weeks with proceeds going to the museum’s quilt and art-related programs.  The winner of the raffled quilt randomly drawn on Sunday afternoon was Bonita Cantrell of Vernon.

Visitors attended the show from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and California.  Addison also stated four new members joined the quilt guild during the festival weekend.  Addison further added plans are already in the works for next year’s quilt show, scheduled for the second weekend of April.  “As we host this show year after year, we learn how to make it even better.  The reputation of the show is growing and we are proud of the spotlight it shines on our quilt guild, our city, and the Marion County area.  We are thrilled to have something as unique as we do and look forward to bigger and better things.”

Anyone interested in joining the CNC Quilt Guild can contact Addison at (205) 495-8604.  The quilt guild meets on Thursday nights, 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the CNC Museum, located at 161 Bankhead Highway in Winfield.  Membership fees are $15 annually for individuals and families and include the quilt guild membership and museum membership.