By wherald

A solo exhibition by artist Emily Leonard will be held at SouthGate Studio & Fine Art in The Factory at Franklin on Friday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m.
 
Leonard is a Williamson County native who has painted since the early age of 2. She has never stopped and now paints from her studio in Seattle, Wash. Her art was nurtured by her mother, watercolorist Wendy Leonard, and grandfather, Thornton Utz, a renowned portraitist and illustrator. Returning home for a solo exhibition she has always been certain of her path as an artist.

In this new body of work, Leonard is continuing her love affair with the Middle Tennessee landscape. She is particularly drawn to the winter landscape at dawn and dusk, “a time in these parts that is so rich at once in both color and loneliness.” Her show is entitled “Together,” reflecting her experience with the land at this time of day. “It is in these moments where the very parts in me and around me that appear to be alone are now together.”

SouthGate Studio and Fine Art, who exclusively represent her in Middle Tennessee are excited about her upcoming show. Pat and Jody Thompson, the gallery owners are big supporters of her work and her career. “Her dedication and her passion for her paintings definitely set her apart from most painters. We are both artists ourselves and are very discerning about the quality of the art that we represent. Not only do we look for artists that have made that lifelong commitment to painting, but take their craft seriously. We also only carry art that evokes an emotion in the viewers and collectors”.

“It’s exciting to get to be a part of other artist’s careers too,” said Pat. In addition to exhibiting their own work at SouthGate, they also carry work by Dawn Whitelaw, Pam Padgett, Rebecca Ruegger, Wendy Leonard, Catherine McMurray, Angela Kuprion, Jason Jackson, Paula Frizbe, Brian Downey, Nat Epting, Kristin Clark, Mary Campbell and Jonathan Bowers. The opening on May 5 will also include new works by the other artists.

The artist’s reception on May 5 is open to the public. It will feature refreshments and live entertainment by Jazzville.
“We love for people to be comfortable here and to feel free to ask any questions that they may have,” said Pat Thompson. “We are not a gallery that expects everyone who comes here to buy a piece of art, but to feel free to just come and enjoy the art. It was painted for that purpose.”

Her show will remain at SouthGate Studio from May 5 to June 10. SouthGate Studio is located at the Factory at Franklin. 230 Franklin Road, Tuesday –Thursday 10-5. Friday, Saturday 10-6.
 

Posted on: 4/30/2006