Arts & Entertainment
Charleston Painter Joe Wrenn Headlines Musical Reception Sept. 25
Many of Wrenn’s primitive-style paintings feature down-home scenes of hard-working people.
Joe Wrenn is quickly making a name for himself — but the artistry of his compelling paintings speaks for itself.
HottyToddy.com is among the sponsors of a unique reception and show for self-taught artist from Charleston on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Powerhouse.
Wrenn has been painting for 50 years and only recently was discovered. His unique work is quickly gaining recognition.
Wrenn has been painting for 50 years, but his work is now catching fire.
Besides Wrenn’s compelling scenes that celebrate the region and its hard-working residents, the reception features delicious snacks, adult beverages and a free concert by Bill Abel.
Abel, a one-man band, performs authentic Delta Blues with acoustic, electric and cigar box guitars (which he makes himself from driftwood and cigar boxes), as well as foot drums. Abel has played for many national and international venues.
Bill Abel’s musical stylings have been heard around the world.
A resident of Charleston, Wrenn paints warm and wonderful scenes from his past. Many of his evocative paintings will be on display and for sale at the Thursday event.
Wren’s first art exhibit was showcased in the Charleston Arts Center, operated by the Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort (CARE), where he sold nearly two-thirds of his paintings. Joe has been featured in several articles on Hottytoddy.com since then, and has gained the interest of many. Recently, he was featured in Delta Magazine and sales grew even more.
Since the HottyToddy.com announcement, Wrenn has been included in exhibits and sales in Hernando, Tunica and Oxford. The Thursday event is his first one-man show in Oxford sponsored by HottyToddy.com.
Paintings range from $125 to $250 and are already increasing in value. Half of all sales go to Joe and the other half to support the work of CARE.
Enjoy a sample of Wrenn’s work that will be on display Thursday below:
Many scenes celebrate rural life in Mississippi.
Farmers are the kind of heroes Wren celebrates with his work.
The fertile Mississippi land evokes passion in Joe Wren.
Joe and his wife Barbara are proud of his success.
Another stunning piece by this talented artist.
Andy Knef is editor of HottyToddy.com. Contact Andy about this article at Andy.Knef@HottyToddy.com.
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