OC Arts celebrates local artist as part of Paint Livingston

This news story first appeared in Overton County News on October 22, 2024.

Overton County Arts rounded out Paint Livingston by celebrating local artist Budd Bishop with a reception dinner on Thursday, Oct. 3 at The Clark House and an art exhibition gallery during the events on Saturday, Oct. 5, held at Millard Oakley Public Library.

Bishop was an artist, art advocate, museum director, author, educator, and community activist who came to Livingston, TN, in 1997 after retiring and following his wife to her next job with the Livingston Chocolate Company. While he was here, he drew great inspiration from the area surrounding him, especially Livingston.

Bishop tirelessly advocated for the arts and the community while planting the seeds of what is now the OC Arts. The importance of his work, both artistic and as a community advocate, has had a lasting and far-reaching impact on Livingston.

Paint Livingston is now part of that legacy, inviting artists from across the south to experience Bishop’s hometown and show its beauty through art.

Local artist and teacher Mitchell White said, “From start to finish, Paint Livingston has been a bit of a dream come true for me. I’ve always known that we live in a truly beautiful area, and that Livingston is one of the most quaint and charming towns in the state. We really do have something special here. To see it come to life through the eyes of so many artists who shared their time and talent with us was affirming and inspiring.

“Art connects us all, and the familiar paintings and drawings of our town brought together a huge and diverse crowd to support Paint Livingston. It’s such a great event, and I look forward to being a part of its future and growth.”

Celebrating all of the history that Livingston holds included a proclamation ceremony to honor Margaret Covey Chisholm on Friday, Oct. 4.

OC Arts Council member Gene Gantt said, “It was a real pleasure to have the Chisholms visit Livingston during the Paint Livingston event.

“David Chisholm’s mother, Margret Covey Chisholm, was the renowned artist who created the beautiful mural in our post office in around 1940 as a part of FDR’s New Deal – the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. David told us that when his mother installed the mural here in Livingston, he was here but not yet born. He was born three months later, so this was the first time he had actually seen the mural.

“David’s daughter Claudia accompanied him to Livingston from Tucson, Arizona. During their week-long stay, they explored Livingston and were very impressed with our town.

“The proclamation from Mayor Lori Burnett was a moving experience that they took great pride in receiving this recognition.”

Paint Livingston spanned the decades and generations, bringing people together to celebrate Livingston’s rich history through art.

Susan Smith-May commented, “Tim Richardson, Mitchell White, and I met weekly for several months to plan our first-ever plein air art event. God granted us beautiful weather, and it turned out to be a raging success. I’d like to thank our juror, Connie Erickson, the First National Bank, and all the great people of Livingston. I am so proud of each one of over two dozen volunteers whose positive attitudes and dedication made everything work smoothly.”