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Greeneville gallery celebrates Andrew Johnson

BY Allison Alfonso, Johnson City Press
Tempo/Arts section
Sunday, April 13, 2008

Jewelers James-Ben Stockton and Daniel Luther have made a mark since moving to Greeneville in 2002 and opening James-Ben: Studio & Gallery Art Center. They’ve not only sold work by regional artists, including themselves, they’ve also commissioned artists to make work that celebrates local and national history.

Stockton and Luther recently asked regional artists to make art that celebrates the life and times of America’s 17th president and former Greenevillian Andrew Johnson.

Twenty-five artists, artisans and organizations have created the Andrew Johnson Bicentennial Celebration Collection, which also has a theatrical component.

Luther portrays Johnson in “Tennessee Tailor,” based on Johnson’s speeches and letters. The one-man-show was conceived and directed by Stockton. Art in the collection is on display on the gallery Web site, www.james-ben.com, through Dec. 29.

Collection materials state Barbara Bible “Jake” Carter painted moments from Johnson’s life in watercolor. Her subject is the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Blue Springs in Mosheim. Lynne Olka created a Johnson story-portrait featuring Johnson’s likeness and scenes and objects from his life, including the gold watch presented to him by former slaves freed by his proclamation.

Drawings of Johnson’s tailor shop and monument atop the hill in the National Cemetery were made by Gary Sams. Chris MacAdoo rendered Johnson’s likeness in wood-block prints. Marilyn Heilman made the pen & ink drawings “Old Jail Gates” and “The Old Jail Restoration” for the Greene County Historic Trust’s Restoration Project.

Historian Robert Orr, local expert on Johnson’s life and career, has written “President Andrew Johnson of Greeneville, Tennessee.” The video “His Faith Never Wavered” was written by him and directed by Louise Orr in cooperation with the GCHT.

What else? Middle Tennessee art photographer Barry Stein preserved the Andrew Johnson Homestead in a styled giclee. Dell Hughes has added Johnson to his series of cold-cast Civil War busts in bronze and hand-painted finishes. Hughes’ spouse, Jane, has made playful Raggedy Eliza and Andy Johnson dolls.

From Main Street: Greeneville, and available exclusively from James-Ben, are ceramic replicas of the Andrew Johnson Homestead from the Greeneville historic structure series. A combination Christmas tree ornament and year-round table top sculpture depicts Johnson and family enjoying a colorful carriage ride.

Jane Wilson’s Blue Ridge Chocolates is a fixture of the gallery. Wilson created a gingerbread and dark chocolate house based on the Johnson tailor shop. Sounds delicious. Willadeen Fort has created a chess set of bisque-fired and hand-painted Civil War Confederate and Union soldiers for those who love to strategize.

Stained glass artist Sharon Collins created a window hanging based on a quilt attributed to and found on Eliza Johnson’s bed. Functional pottery inspired by pieces in the Johnson Homestead kitchen were made by Phil Holmes in his distinctive iron-red glaze. Tim Frain has created a limited number of contemporary environmentally friendly pieces that have the look of older salt-glazed pieces from the 19th century.

The collection also features art inspired by items in the Johnson Homestead collection and made by noted artist and retired Greeneville police detective C. Kenneth Hinkle. His limited-edition prints of his oil on canvas board originals include a picture of Johnson at work in his tailor shop. A 13-month daily look at Johnson’s life and times can be found in the Bicentennial Calendar, produced by the Nathanael Greene Museum.

Whether you’re a Johnson fan or not, it’s interesting to see the many ways artists tackled the theme. Stockton and Luther are producing limited-edition sterling silver collectible jewelry in Johnson’s honor.

James-Ben: Studio & Gallery Art Center is located at 129 N. Main St. For more information, call 787-0195.

Allison Alfonso is a Tempo writer for the Johnson City Press. Reach her at aalfonso@johnsoncitypress.com.

 

Published at Johnson City Press