The Johnson Center for the Arts hosted a reception Thursday night in recognition of the Troy Bank & Trust Permanent Art Collection and Leeds, Alabama’ pottery artist Larry Alabama.

Bill Hopper, JCA director, welcomed a large gathering of patrons of the arts and expressed appreciation to TB&T, the cities of Troy and Brundidge and the Pike County Commission for their long and continuing support of the JCA and the arts throughout the county.

He introduced Jeff Kervin, TB&T president, who gave credit to the late Corley “Brother” Chapman who curated the TB&T Permanent Collection.

Kervin said Chapman selected each piece of artwork on display, many of which were chosen from artist participants in the Jean Lake Art Show, which is now TroyFest.

The TB&T Permanent Art Collect is housed throughout the bank’s Troy locations.

The artwork was taken down to hang the show at the JCA.

“It’s amazing how empty the walls look with the artwork is gone,” Kervin said.
Hopper introduced Larry Allen, whose pottery is exhibited in the lower gallery of the JCA.

Allen said he didn’t begin his career as a potter.

“I wanted to paint pictures to put on the wall,” he said. “But when I walked in and saw a pot being thrown on the wheel, it was like lightning struck. I was drawn to pottery like moth to a flame.”

Allen said working with clay is “a thrill a minute.”
“I’m a potter through and through. The wheel fascinates me.”

His vessels on exhibit at the JCA were inspired by 9/11.

“We were all affected by that day,” Allen said. “People came together in a show of unity and that’s what I want to demonstrate with the people holding hands all together. And, the corn motif…what’s more American than corn?’

The Troy Bank & Trust Permanent Art Collection and Larry Allen’s Pottery will be exhibited through February 23.

The JCA is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday and until p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free.