Milledgeville/Baldwin County Allied Arts hosted an artist reception and Creator’s Corner on Friday, despite the downpour of rain. The Marlor House was full of chatter as people from across the state came to speak with artist Chad Wilson and view his exhibit. Wilson is an Atlanta-based, traditional visual artist. According to his biography, he is self-taught and has a degree in graphic design.
“For decades he [Wilson] worked unrelated jobs and created print media and websites on the side as a necessity. However, a most inconvenient pandemic was the catalyst to a personal renaissance,” states his biography.
The pieces in the Chad Wilson exhibit show his work from high school through the pandemic. The pieces were created using a variety of methods from acrylic paint to watercolor. While this is his first exhibit in Milledgeville, Wilson has been exhibited numerous times and received awards for his artwork.
“My parents always encouraged me to pursue art. I began by trying to emulate artists I like by reading and drawing from comic books and such,” said Wilson. “I created my first painting in high school. I appreciate art and its history, the techniques, and learning from those who created it before me.”
Wilson visits art museums frequently and enjoys the study of art history. Though, he stated that not being able to interact with the art in some settings is difficult. With the permission of Allied Arts hosts, he offered for viewers to touch his art and interact with it directly.
“It allows people to get a feel of the art as well as the visual,” said Wilson.
Wilson participated in a Plein Air contest in March at Lockerly Arboretum and won the People’s Choice Award. He plans to participate in next month’s Haunted Milledgeville exhibit as well. His vision for that exhibit is already underway, though Wilson did not spare any specific details.
After leaving the reception, guests crossed the street to Allen’s Market where live music was played by Randy Newton and the Flamingo Road Live Show. Many tables were lined up inside the market, where artists were selling their products. From hand-knitted animals to woodwork and ceramics, there was a selection of personal creations to view and buy. Some of the vendors, like Harmony Handcrafts, were returning tables but other artists, such as local Porter’s Place, were new to the market.
“Our goal is to promote art to the community and bridge the gap between artists and potential customers and fans of their work. Creative Markets are a great way to build that bridge and let our community interact directly with the artists and become familiar with what they make, how it's made, and what might interest them as a consumer,” said Kristin Allen, program coordinator at Allied Arts.
While the space was tight, positivity shined in the room as artists interacted with each other, people passed by tables, and some guests sat and watched or danced to the band playing.
Allied Arts’s next community event is Pop-Up Plein Air Art Event on Friday, Sept. 20th, from 4-7 p.m. at the Milly Market Pavilion (222 E Hancock St.).