July 2010: Three Docs And A Flock Exhibit 

Banner Elk - The Three “Doctors of Art” of annual exhibiting fame are being joined this year by “A Flock”, Amy Cooke of Boone and Barbara Timberman. For the past several years, the Doctors of Art have exhibited and painted together in the Art Loft at Grandfather Golf and Country Club. This year an addition in the form of Amy’s bird photographs, Barbara’s paintings of Amy’s birds and Amy’s own interpretation of what she sees in her back yard will expand the exhibit.

The three retired physicians are now using their talents in the practice of art. Former Director of Radiology at Cannon Memorial Hospital, artist Mark H. Littlejohn, M.D., now displays imagery in galleries instead of in Radiology. Gerald N. Olsen, M.D. and J. Andrew Burnam, M.D., are also retirees. The three physicians spend the summer season in Avery County, enjoying painting together once each week under the mentoring of Barbara Timberman, local artist and retired Lees-McRae College adjunct professor of art.

The exhibit runs from Tuesday, July 13th until August 7th. On Thursday, July 15th, a reception will be held at 4:00 pm which will feature the music of Ottava Rima and the bird theme will continue. Ottava Rima, a recorder and harpsichord consort, features Karl Doege, Tricia Hall and Amy Cooke playing many different recorders including great bass, bass, tenor, alto, soprano, sopranino and garklein, with ASU Professor Emeritus and concert pianist Allen Kindt on the harpsichord.  Ottava Rima will play their usual baroque and folk music, plus some special bird pieces for this event including Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto in D Major, The Goldfinch, and William Williams’ Sonata in Imitation of Birds.

The Three Docs have varied painting styles. Dr. Burnam paints many scenes from travels in Europe to travels into his flower garden; Giverney to the back yard. His style is highly expressive with intense color, thick paint and expressive line and shape.  Dr. Olsen is a realist, taking his own photographs and then using his interpretive skills to change color or by omitting some objects which would detract from the overall image. Dr. Littlejohn loves to paint on location so his work has a fresh, spontaneous look with the understated look of watercolor, which is actually the essence of an image.

All are invited to view this unusual exhibit and enjoy the music of Ottava Rima, while munching on goodies. The reception will be in the Dickson Gallery at Cannon Hospital and will begin at 4:pm on Thursday, July, 15. We hope to see you there!

The Avery County Arts Council is a non-profit organization working to enrich the people of Avery County through meaningful arts and cultural experiences.  For more than 30 years the council has helped to support school arts programs and served as a resource for artists and the community.  Contact the Avery County Arts Council at 828-898-4292 or info@averycountyartscouncil.org