On Exhibit in the Deborah O. Horne Gallery

Now Featuring Vivian Bland, Fred Motley, and Donald Smith

Mrs. Vivian Puryear Bland lives in Danville, Virginia. A native of South Hill, Virginia, she attended Virginia Union University. Presently, Mrs. Bland is a retired educator in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, where she taught science at Southside High School and Blairs Middle School. Mrs. Bland says in her acrylic paintings of still life and landscapes, she tries to capture as much of the beauty of God’s wonderful world as she can. Mrs. Bland’s personal life theme is “Praise the Lord” and “Share the gift”.

Fred Motley is a storyteller based in Danville, Virginia, specializing in narrative quilt tops, wall hangings, and story bags hand-stitched from old clothing and repurposed fabric. Inspired by a deep appreciation for baskets and bowls. He also creates sculptural fabric vessels designed to hold cherished keepsake memories.  His work offers viewers an emotional connection to the history of the fabric and invites them to engage their imagination to contribute to the new story.

Donald Smith lives in Danville, Virginia. He has been involved with the arts all his life, drawing events and topics from wherever his life has taken him. He wears many hats: a husband, a father, a pastor, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, and an artist. Donald was also a professional football player, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1990. In 1991, he spent one season with the Dallas Cowboys and then 8 seasons (from 1992-2000) in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Implementing different styles, from realism to cubism to abstraction, has been his ground to play in. Through shapes and form, highlighted by bright colors and deep contrast, and framed within contour lines, this has been his joy. His artwork is filled with emotions. He draws and paints to evoke a mood and/or feeling within his viewer.

If you are an artist and would like to have your work featured in our art gallery, please email kmadarasz@colonialcenterva.org.