By Joan C. McKinney, director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Charles Lemons, from Columbia, is exhibiting wildlife and
Indian paintings and sculptures at Campbellsville University’s Art Gallery through Nov. 2.
His show is open to the public. For exhibit times, contact Judy Clark, office assistant in the Office of Student Records, at (270) 789-5233.
Clark said, “Charles is a very talented artist, and his show is the largest we have had in the gallery for quite some time.”
Lemons’ love is painting. He works with acrylics and watercolor and loves to paint wildlife, southwest/Indian art and scenery.
Lemons’ biggest accomplishment as an artist came in 2004 when he was commissioned by the City of Columbia to paint a picture of the original courthouse, which was printed and sold.
Lemons has had no formal training, but, over the years, he has participated in many different art classes and shows. In Louisville, he worked out of the Metro Arts organization and did many area shows such as the St. James Art Festival and Waterfront Art Exhibits.
In recent years, he has worked out of the Highland Raku Art Studio and participated in local art shows and exhibits such as the Janice Holt Giles Day and Cow Days.
Lemons discovered at an early age that he had artistic abilities unlike anyone he knew. He began drawing at the age of seven and soon after began painting.
He said, with encouragement of teachers and family, he continued to hone his talent by hours of practicing. By the time he reached high school, he was encouraged to pursue his art as a career, but it seemed like too great of a chance to him.
He went to work at a factory where he could support his family, but he continued to paint and draw, and he also enjoyed pottery, ceramics, woodworking and restoring and painting classic cars.
Lemons is a 1968 graduate of Western High School. He worked and retired from Ford Motor Company. He and his wife, Deborah Sue Lowery Lemons, have been married 38 years and have two children, Christi and Richard, and five grandchildren.
He loves sharing his talent and knowledge with others and hopes to continue his art for years to come.
Everyone is invited to the free exhibit. The new Art Gallery is located on University Drive across from the Gosser Fine Arts Center.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.