Works By Harris Displayed At Bank

Gretchen Harris with two of the 16 pieces of her early works that are currently on display at Renasant Bank. She is holding “Vector Buttons,” a drawing done in Adobe Illustrator, and the other piece is “Beauty in a Breakdown” a watercolor.

“Rain Man,” a drawing in pencil

“Night at the park,” a calligraphic print

By Jack Gurner
Reporter

WATER VALLEY – Early works by Gretchen E. Harris are currently on display in the lobby of Renasant Bank on Central Street.

Harris’s art is the latest installment of the rotating show sponsored by the bank and the Water Valley Arts Council.

The 20-year-old student is working towards a Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Sculpture at the University of Mississippi in Oxford.

The 16 pieces being shown are from her previous art studies at Northwest Community College that included drawing, watercolor, ceramics, printmaking, and design.

Harris said that while growing up in Water Valley her family always encouraged her to do what she wanted. But, she hardly ever took the opportunity to explore her interest in fine art.

“However, since my first drawing class at Northwest Community College, and after constantly being surrounded by brilliant artists, my interest in art has bloomed into a passion.”

She added that although there is a sense of fulfillment in making a lovely piece of art, doing so is not the purpose of her life.

“While revealing His plan for me to pursue a degree in art, God finally got a hold of my heart and showed me who He is, and who I am in Him.”

For additional information about the Water Valley Arts Council, contact Ramona Bernard at 473-9851  (Ramona.bernard@gmail.com), Annette Trefzer 473-2484, Bill Warren and Patti D’Amico, 473-0972 (puppetcode2 @gmail.com), or stop by the Water Valley Main Street Association office.

Web site: Water Valley Arts Council