Adam Sanford
The public is invited to a Gallery Opening and Artist Reception and the Annual Festival Kick-Off Party at the Creative Arts Guild, 520 W Waugh St. in Dalton, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2. The gallery opening, reception, and festival kick-off event are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available and adult beverages for purchase. Gallery openings and artist receptions are great opportunities not only to view unique and enchanting art but to chat informally with the artists and learn about their inspirations, mediums, and techniques.
Adam Sanford, the featured artist in Gallery FIVE20, shares a captivating showcase of his unique illustrations. This enchanting exhibit, entitled “Samuel Shooting Star: A Whimsical Space Adventure”, brings to life his original ink drawings that grace the pages of his heartwarming children’s book by the same name from Jumpmaster Press. The book weaves a story of friendship, loss, and resilience between two alien friends as they engage in an exciting space odyssey. These original illustrations will take the viewer on a delightful journey across the gallery walls and the universe.
Mr. Sanford is an accomplished illustrator, author, and art educator from North Georgia who brings a touch of whimsey and unmistakable flair to his creations. With a BFA in Drawing and Painting from Kennesaw State University, his enchanting artistry is complemented by his legendary affinity for orange hats. (Come to the Reception and see if he’s wearing one!) As an illustrator, he has worked with performers, conventions, photographers, and media companies across the country and internationally, including Warner Media and Hulu, Fresh, and HotHands. His work has been shown and sold in Atlanta including at the Swan Coach Gallery and the Georgia Lawyers for the Arts Annual Gala. His work has been featured on Disney’s Boardwalk and has been published in The Sketchbook Project World Tour, Strawberry Moon Magazine, and children’s books.
Rick Watts, featured artist in Gallery ONE1I, discussed his debut exhibit, “The Pointillism of Life” and his artistic style, saying, “I was born and raised in Chattanooga, spending my whole life in the area and enjoying a career in auto sales. Ironically, a lot of desk pads, over the years, have been an experimental lab for developing my skill. Art has always played an important role in my life and while it has evolved over time, I have always considered myself an abstract artist. I was not raised in an artistic family; however, my parents, wife, daughter, and siblings were always supportive of my interest. I started drawing when I was quite young and especially loved drawing with pencils, pens, and markers. Many of my earliest memories about creating art were of drawing cars in elementary school. Unfortunately, I really wasn’t very good at drawing cars… they always looked pretty generic and not like the particular makes and models I was striving for.”
He said, “Looking back on it, I think it was probably around 5th grade when abstract art came into play for me. I remember drawing shapes between the rings in my notebook because I could easily get away with doodling in class. I would draw shapes and fill them with lines, circles, different colors, etc. Eventually, the love of the automobile and love of drawing led me to my first encounter with pointillism. Someone was selling a pointillism print of a Ferrari in a magazine. I played with the method for years on and off, eventually becoming obsessed with the style until it has evolved into what it is today.”
Rick Watts