The morning air was balmy and cool. As I walked down Mayberry the birdsong seemed silenced by the clanking of a tractor and its’ scoop consolidating the debris of hog wire, split screens and tin into a burn pile. Surveying crews and workmen hastened to make progress. Along the road, I smiled and nodded as I crossed the path of locals whom I feel have become my neighbors. Over the.. Read More
I slept with the windows open at the foot of Papaw Jim’s mountain. The babbling brook lulled me to sleep; and to the crisp Appalachian air of late November I gently awoke. The light streamed in across the quilt, hand-stitched by my great aunt Joyce. It was Thanksgiving morning in the holler known as Dry Fork. That day I explored, sketched, took pictures researched my Virginia family heritage, wrote down.. Read More
The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts recognize the outstanding achievements in creative development by sixth grade students across Lee County Alabama. Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts continued collaboration with the Lee County Board of Education in making fine art education accessible to elementary schools via the ART IN SCHOOLS program. ART IN.. Read More
Nearly twenty years ago, I began a journey to create something unique. I designed, measured and cut my first pattern from scratch, and stitched the rendering together on my very first sewing machine. I circle back in memory when something in present evokes a sentiment I’ve felt before. Only it’s like the T.S Eliot quote, ” …to arrive back where we started and know the place for the first time.”.. Read More
THE ART BOX, for a safer studio experience. Sarah West, founder of The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, introduces a custom curated fine art supply kit designed with you in mind. Designed to support and encourage continued creative development through a safer studio experience with the finest art supplies whether at home, in studio or anywhere you choose to explore creativity safely. *designed, developed.. Read More
The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts temporarily closed on May 13th, 2020 due to the rising health risks related to the global health crisis COVID-19. Since official statements were released by state and national government and health agencies encouraging the reopening of the economy, we have been steadily and mindfully preparing for the reopening of our studios and art center. The health of.. Read More
During the days of COVID-19, I’ve written and sketched notations. Scenes of life in rural Alabama, the resilience of our people, and the determination to hold on, to reconfigure ways to make an honest living in the midst of uncertainty, as we as a country strive to end a world-wide epidemic through distance. A set of signs placed on the curb along Smiths Station, Alabama’s main street, Lee County Road.. Read More
Before everything changed, I took a drive over to Tybee Island, Georgia. I devoted the day to research for my next painting. Along the marshlands between Savannah and Tybee, I watched as swampy waterways flashed by. This image of a flag raised from the remnants of a tree stump stayed with me. Currently America distances ten feet from one another in a desperate attempt to end this world-wide pandemic which.. Read More
Today is Day 10, my tenth day of voluntary confinement. It has been ten days since I last taught an art class. On Monday March 16th, I released an official statement regarding the postponement of all classes hosted by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts until further notice. For additional information on related matters, I invite you to click and read my blog posted.. Read More
Official Statement from Sarah West Monday March 16th, 2020 As we enter another stage in the world-wide fight against the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 here in the U.S, on behalf of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, I have chosen to issue this statement. Since February founders of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art have taken additional steps to practice extreme caution for.. Read More