On the Verge Gallery: Joe Kilday opens on March 5th

“Between Here and There: Greene County Through His Eyes” March 5th

Paintings by Joe Kilday

On the Verge Gallery showcases the beautiful landscape paintings of Joe Kilday in an exhibit entitled “Between Here and There: Greene County through His Eyes”. Joe’s intention is to produce decorative art that serves the dual purpose of chronicling Greene County, Tennessee as he has known it during his lifetime. The history, unique culture, and scenery of this area offer a bounty of potential subject matter. And Joe has captured a lot of this bounty in his years as a painter. The exhibit will open on Saturday, March 5^th from 4pm-7pm and will run through April 9^th. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served. Please call 423-218-2052 or visit our website www.onthevergegallery.blogspot.com for more details.

The Kilday family came here in the late 1700’s from Ireland. Joe is a seventh or eighth generation resident of Greene County. He began painting over 40 years ago and specializes in oils. Joe holds a BFA from ETSU in Graphic Design and Painting.

Kilday depicts the landscape with realistic composition and gives reality a stunning glow. His work is very representative of regionalist art. Joe employs luminism to give his work its special lighting and emote a certain feel. He gives detailed attention to the overall lighting and drama of a scene. Kilday’s subjects range from historical to “inconsequential” rural scenes. One has to experience his work to be embraced by its aura. Kilday gives credence to the landscape and deems it sacred by allowing it to speak for itself. As part of the New American Realism movement, Joe captures the true reality of the land as seen “through his eyes”.

The New American Realism movement is a general trend in the arts to paint realistically. This new trend is about the rediscovery of craftsmanship, beauty, and connecting with the viewer. Joe is part of this growing art movement. As well, Joe espouses the philosophies of the Hudson River School Painters movement which began in the 1820s lasting into the 1870s. This movement was a turning point in American art. The School was revolutionary in that the artists showcased the landscape as a serious subject for fine-art painting rather than just a backdrop.

Mike Durham, friend and fellow artist says “Joe is a combination of artistic skill and very heartfelt love for this area and is endeared to what he sees around him as he watches it disappear”.

Joe has worked with the Nathanael Greene Museum and Dr. Robert Orr with historical presentations that attempt to capture the significant uniqueness of Greene County. Joe has shown at the Mason House Gallery and is a founding member of the Nolichuckey River Valley Painters which include members Judith Plucker, Rebeccah Scharding, and Mike Durham.

Joe is married to Barbie Kilday.

Please join us and allow Joe’s work to stir your emotions. He will re-introduce and draw your attention to the native beauty that is Greene County. One need go no further to experience the sublime.

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