Feature Articles


July Issue 2001

Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk, NC, Offers Two New Exhibitions

The Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk, NC, presents Family Legacies, recent works by Deborah Jacobs Purves and Rodger Jacobs, and Appalachian Primitives by Arlee Mains, both on view through July 22.

The Art Cellar is pleased to present an exhibition by brother/sister team; Rodger Jacobs and Deborah Jacobs Purves alongside the naive, Western North Carolina artist, Arlee Mains.

The three exhibiting artists have many similarities, and just as many differences. All are enthralled with the land and lives of the Southern Appalachians, and feel deeply sentimental and nostalgic towards the region. Both Purves and Mains devote themselves to the land; particularly pristine vistas and familiar terrain.

Purves and Jacobs were born in the Piedmont region of NC and moved to Boone, NC, for the local wilderness present in the High Country. Purves focuses on the majestic scenes and backdrops of the region. Her work strays from the local idea of Appalachian heritage to the universal idea of the cycles of nature. Jacobs is a sculptor and turner who works with wood while maintaining a relationship with the natural form of the organic material. He allows the original shape and intrinsic qualities to resonate in the completed piece.

Arlee Mains

Mains grew up in the rural outskirts of Boone and was accustomed to the isolated lifestyle of early 20th century Appalachia. It is this lifestyle and tradition in which she paints. Mains' landscapes are narrative and descriptive of what she remembers of her childhood. She paints from memory and includes what was important to her community; the school, the sheds, horses, outhouses, and community gatherings, such as musical celebrations, weddings, spiritual occasions, and family visits, meals, and holidays.

For further information check our NC Commercial Gallery listings or call 828/898-5175, e-mail address is (artcellar@infoave.net).

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