Art works by local artist Tom J. Whitaker, professor of art at Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC), will be on display at the Mountain Arts Center through September 30. All works on display are originals. Whitaker, who teaches at the Prestonsburg campus of BSCTC, commented, “Art has done more for me than I will ever do for Art.”

Tom Whitaker is an educated man...there's no doubt about that. And, he's an artist...about that there is also no doubt. When you gaze into the face of a subject in one of his drawings you can feel that in a way he has somehow captured the very soul of that person...you almost expect them to speak.

The same thing goes for his drawings of such simple things as old abandoned houses and outhouses... for those of us who grew up around here - there's just, you know, a familiarity about them that those drawings capture. Whitaker's work has been exhibited in numerous shows and galleries. His work is collected by people from all walks of life and by people from all around the world. People appreciate the work not because it is pretty but because it has a sensitivity and realness.

Whitaker has been a major influence on Eastern Kentucky's perception of art. In his classes at Prestonsburg Community College and in the workshops he presents around the state, he stresses the importance of being one's self, rather than relying on public opinion. “Listen to the innerself,” proclaims Whitaker, and he follows his own advice by producing highly individual works of art.

We're thrilled to have Tom Whitaker's art grace the walls of our Gallery here at the Mountain Arts Center. Thanks so much for planning a visit to our Gallery to see these wonderful works of art.

A Reception will be held in the Gallery just prior to the Bluegrass for Education Performance featuring Charlie Sizemore on Saturday, September 29