Reception Honoring Artist John Lonergan to be Sunday
The Leeds Arts Council invites the public to attend the opening reception honoring Pell City artist, John Lonergan. The reception will be held Sunday, December 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center, 8140 Parkway Drive, downtown Leeds. Do not miss this opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy viewing his beautiful oil paintings. His work will be on exhibit through December 31, 2014
John Lonergan has “lived and breathed” art for over 40 years. He knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in the arts. He received a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1964 and, ten years later, he received a master’s degree in Education Administration from UAB. Combining his love for art and teaching, he taught art to high school students for 25 years at Pell City High School. During this time, he was also perfecting his own style of painting and working with pottery.
The artist has had many exhibits over the years. In 1968, he began to exhibit at Littlehouse Galleries in Homewood. They showcased his work in many solo exhibitions, including his most recent show there in 2011.
In the past fifteen years, Lonergan has won numerous awards for his paintings and pottery. This includes the Founders Favorite Award during Arts for the Parks in 1988 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and the Best of Show Energen Art Award in 2012.
Lonergan has published multiple times. His history as an artist is chronicled in a new book entitled John Longeran, Painter which features family photos alongside beautiful images of his paintings. Autographed copies of the book will be available during the reception.
For more information on the reception, exhibit and other arts council events, call the arts center at 205-699-1892 or go to the website at www.leedsartscouncil.org. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; however, due to the holidays, it is advisable to call ahead to verify the schedule.
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