"Highfire

Gallery is proud to showcase Richard's exceptional talent and skills in

sculpting," said Amy Owens, owner of Highfire Gallery. "It is

only a matter of time until Richard's abilities become widely recognized

and are highly sought-after by major art collectors. Then we will be able

to say, 'We knew him when...'"

Powell, a native

of Georgia, grew up in Warner Robins and attended Gordon College in Barnesville.

He began sculpting in 1994. Apparent in this exhibit are some of his early

influences such as Honore Daumier, Heinrich Klay, comic books, cartoons

and his meticulous study of human and animal anatomy.

Powell currently

works at Universal Studios in Orlando, where he studies the faces of thousands

of people through caricature.

Awards include:

Anne Frank

Sculpture for the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust (1997).

Award of Excellence

at the Festival in the Park, Montgomery, Alabama (1997).

Purchase Award

at the Georgia Book and Art Fair in Griffin (2000).

Powell is also

represented by Pennebaker Studio Gallery in Jackson, Miss.

Highfire Gallery,

which opened its doors at 24 Main Street in eastern Coweta County last

August, features original art by up-and-coming artists from all over the

United States. The diminutive, eclectic gallery is a short stroll from

the still-standing cotton gin in this picturesque town established in

1864.

Highfire also

offers archival custom picture framing.

Highfire Gallery

is also a participant in the Atlanta Celebrates Photography event this

October. Smyrna photographer Anne Ledbetter will be showcasing a collection

of new works entitled, "Gertrude: From Poverty to Prosperity; A Stray

Dog Finds A Home."

The opening

reception is Oct. 14 from 2-5 p.m. Ledbetter's exhibit will continue through

Nov. 12.