TSU Library Art Gallery

TSU Library Art Gallery
Presents Art
by
Rosanne Awbrey

Although I am a Texan by birth, family connections, and education, my Tennessee roots are strong; many of my forebears arrived in the Lone Star State after sojourns in the Volunteer State. I was raised as an Air Force "brat" and came to Nashville after graduating from college. I had intended to stay only a year or two, but after raising two children here, the roots have grown deep.

I've been involved in art since my earliest memories; it was a way to keep myself entertained. As a senior in college, I regretted that I had only minored in art. However, I continued to study, and as my sons grew more independent, I became more deeply involved. I studied at Watkins Institute and owe much gratitude to Madeline Reed and Wattana Wattanapun, instructors, mentors, and fellow members of the Nashville Artist Guild.

The turning point in my life as an artist occurred when I acquired studio space through a competition sponsored by Metro Nashville Arts Commission and VAAN, courtesy of Barry Walker at Marathon Village. Having a "room of my own", instead of the dining room table, increased my productivity and ability to experiment with different techniques. My studio has now moved back home, to its own space, where I spend as much time as possible, ignoring housework with glee.

I enjoy working in a variety of media, including acrylics, oils, pastels, and various combinations. I am inspired by nature, dreams, music, and everyday experience, which lend themselves to an alchemy of interpretation. It's hard to narrow down style or subject matter to one or two phrases when there are so many different inspirations and ways of expressing them. My work can be seen at Blakemore United Methodist Church and Vanderbilt's Psychological & Counseling Center in Nashville, the James-Ben Gallery in Greenville, TN or by appointment at my home.

When I'm not painting, I am an academic counselor and testing coordinator at Vanderbilt University.