The Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of its newest gallery show, featuring the acrylic paintings of Robert “RL” Thomas and the photography of Nancy Kent. The Gallery will celebrate the opening with a reception for Thomas and Kent from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 18.
Robert “RL” Thomas, a native of Pulaski, comes from a long line of craftspeople and continues that tradition with his own paintings and drawings. He says that as a child he began drawing people, animals, and doodles in the margins of his schoolbooks. Thomas pursued art and design at the Richmond Professional Institute and continued studying at Virginia Tech and New River Community College.
Thomas worked in advertising and design in Roanoke, and later worked at the Radford Arsenal as a technical illustrator. He went on to found Thomas &Thomas Advertising and Public Relations in 1984. After working in design and advertising, Thomas became a real estate agent, retiring from that profession in 2008. He now dedicates his time to painting. In his own words Thomas says, “The scenes I create are part reality, memory and vision.”
Nancy Kent describes herself both as a “dedicated student of Wildwood Park” and “that crazy lady who roams Wildwood Park with a camera.” Many residents of the region will recognize Nancy Kent as the individual whose photography is frequently showcased in local newspapers.
Nancy Kent is a long-time resident of Radford who taught school both in Radford and Pulaski County. Upon retiring from teaching, her husband and daughters gave her a digital camera, which according to Kent, opened a part of her mind and heart in an ongoing adventure of discovery and delight. In 2009, Kent participated in a nature walk of Wildwood Park, and from that point on she was “hooked” on the natural treasures of the park.
Everyone is welcome to attend the art opening. There is no admission charge. The works of RL Thomas and Nancy Kent will be on display through Aug. 31.
— Submitted by Scott Gardner