Days before the opening of the 2013 Georgia General Assembly, McDonough Arts worked with the staff of Governor Nathan Deal’s Floor Leaders to decorate the walls of the reception office with art from five artists associated with McDonough Arts. Assistant Senate Floor Leader Senator Rick Jeffares, who represents Henry and portions of Rockdale and Newton Counties, was pleased that McDonough Arts offered to place rotating art in the office.

Sharon Wilder, Special Assistant for the Governor's Senate Floor Leaders and Senator Rick Jeffares, Governor Deal's Assistant Senate Floor Leader, stand beside paintings by McDonough Arts Council artists that now hang in the Floor Leader's reception office in the State Capital.                                 Special photo

  One of the boldest paintings, Liberty Burst, was painted by

 juried and recognized artist Jeff Hunter who paints in both oils and acrylics. Hunter is known locally for his many art donations to a number of charities. He is also recognized and appreciated for his interest in encouraging creative children with artistic talent.

  One piece shows both the artistic talent of McDonough medical doctor, Derrell Anglyn, as well as his love affair with the Georgia coast. Dr. Anglyn enjoys painting the movement of water using rich vibrant colors on canvas for the viewer’s enjoyment.

  Juried and award-winning artist Brandi Hickman sent two paintings. One shows the stillness and reflections of the beautiful serene rivers that flow through Georgia and another is reflective of beautiful old barns with character that dot countrysides across the nation. Hickman used a palette knife on the barn painting to assure lots of texture.

  Gaye Burton furnished two abstract paintings which are open for interpretation. Burton’s creative skills are used daily assisting clients with an extensive list of creative services from contract paintings to any type decorating services including complete renovation projects.

  McDonough Arts Board Member and artist Elaine Ford helped coordinate the project and also furnished paintings for the rotating collection. Ford, who lived in Dalton for 25 years before moving to McDonough, was delighted to learn that one of the Governor’s Floor Leaders, Senator Charlie Bethel represents Dalton. A pallet knife in oil led to Ford capturing the texture of a beautiful birch tree in one of her paintings. Ford also furnished an oil on canvas that was painted “plein air” which means it was painted completely on site.

  Ford spoke on behalf of the five contributing artists saying, “We appreciated the opportunity and are honored to have our paintings on display in the Georgia State Capitol building.”