The ‘Artist of the month’ at City Hall helps kick off Georgia Cities Week for the month of April. There are seven artists being featured for the month of April. All the artwork being displayed this month celebrates the City of Newnan.

Cities across Georgia will be celebrating Georgia Cities Week, sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to showcase and celebrate cities and the many services they provide. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities.

“Downtown Beauty” by Ellie Farrington

Ellie traveled from Maine to Georgia to be introduced to painting in oils through Tom Powers and the Newnan-Coweta Recreation Department. Perhaps best known for her paintings of flowers and ocean scenes, this painting is a departure from those themes. “Downtown Beauty” depicts the Court Square during a show sponsored by the Newnan-Coweta Art Association when antique cars were also on display.

“Goldens on the Square” by Dana Johnson

A native Texan, Dana digs into her roots of ranchers, teachers, artists, churchgoers and misfits. She paints on-site when possible, capturing the feel of the moment. Her goal is to depict scenes which elicit an emotional response. “Paint outside, everyday!” is her motto. She takes advantage of every day of good weather. Painting on the Square in Newnan, she saw the light reflected on Goldens in a way that intrigued her.

“The Carnegie Library” by Jenny Jones

Jenny is a native of Newnan and a Newnan High School graduate. Working from her own travel photography, she paints landscapes with a lot of color. She also paints the ocean and buildings. She especially loves to paint lighthouses. She went to the library often as a child and has vivid memories of those times. She even remembers the details of the interior. Painting is very relaxing for her and when asked if she is attending art class, her response is “Try and stop me!”

“The Stately Ole Tree at the Newnan Senior Citizen Center” by Lee Long

A native of Carroll County, Lee has been painting almost thirty years. While winning awards, both cash and ribbons, she has continued to serve in leadership positions in several arts related associations. This stately old tree which stood in front of the Senior Citizen Center intrigued her because she imagined the history it had witnessed.

“New Faces and Familiar Places” by Linda “Rusty” Sharp Framed Print

Another Texan, Rusty, has a mostly Louisiana background. The whimsical nature of this painting also reflects her take on life. It is a mixed media of graphite, watercolor and pen and ink that tickles the memory of those familiar with downtown Newnan. Her prints are available framed and unframed.

“Water Tower from Old Coweta Fairground” by Rebecca Wayne

Rebecca closely observes the things around her and artistically presents them from her own viewpoint. She challenges herself with a variety of styles and mediums. She is originally from Ohio and has a degree in Earth Science Education. Her keen eye for detail is reflected in her artwork. The water tower was observed on the day that the tornado heavily damaged Atlanta. The view is from south to north.

“Remembered Sweet Spot” by Jean Westbrook

Growing up in Newnan, Jean left after graduating high school, but returned twenty-five years later. She started art classes at “the old art house” and found it a great place for friendship, good food and new ideas for painting. Most of the artists she met are still her friends and painting buddies. Precious memories of this place always make her smile.