"Peaches and Prosperity" by Olivia Pinion Powell

 

Sulphur Springs Native's Art on
Exhibit at First Methodist Dallas

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Most people in Hopkins County remember her as "Peavine's daughter," or possibly as a classmate in Sulphur Springs High School's 1965 graduating class.  However, Sulphur Springs native, Olivia Pinion Powell, is a featured artist in April's Art Exhibit at First United Methodist Church in Dallas.

"Olivia Pinion Powell is an award winning artist whose oil paintings reflect the influence of the 17th Century Dutch school. Her use of dramatic, single source lighting sets the mood for her still life paintings, which are rich in color, form, and texture. The thoughtful arrangement of her chosen objects combines these elements into an artistic statement, expressing her response to the beauty and meaning of her subject," states the preview of the exhibit.

Her lifelong interest in Native American peoples has served as a catalyst in her choice of subject matter. She says, "The pottery and textiles are so beautiful that I cannot resist using them in my paintings whenever possible. I often use historic or pre-historic pottery in classical setting, with silk or lace because their beauty is timeless!"

Powell moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, from her native Texas, in the 1980's. She subsequently moved to Taos, where her studio is located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with a stunning view of the fabled Taos Mountain.

Olivia earned her B.A. in Art and Drama and has studied with a number of excellent teachers. Her portrait commissions have included Lee Iacocca, former head of the Chrysler Corporation. Her paintings have appeared in such publications as Art of the West, The Santa Fean, and Southwest Art. She has participated in numerous group and two-person shows and also teaches private classes from her studio.

Powell's work is on exhibit at First United Methodist Church Dallas, located at 1928 Ross Avenue, and is included in a showing with the work of Patricia Regan. Gallery hours are Sunday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. until noon.

Sunday, April 5th, First United Methodist Church Dallas will host a reception honoring both Powell and Regan, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., in the church art gallery.

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