Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The streets were filled with beautiful art and sunshine in downtown Wetumpka last Saturday where color and smiles lined the streets of historic downtown.
The Don Sawyer Downtown Artists Art Show not only celebrated the legacy of local artist Don Sawyer, but also the current and upcoming artists in the area.
Sawyer passed away in July of this year after his courageous battle with cancer. Now his paintings forever encapsulate his vibrant passion for art through every brushstroke on his canvases.
“Don had such a strong effect on the arts for Wetumpka. He knew that it could be an Art MECA and his passion for it was like no other. He loved people and learned about them. They were always the most important, not him,” The Don Sawyer Downtown Artists Art Show coordinator Debra Wilson said.
Wilson confirmed that there were over 50 local artists from all over the state that came out to participate in the show. Wilson stated that she thinks some of the best art within the U.S. was on display last Saturday.
All mediums were represented, Wilson stated. From acrylic paintings, oil paintings, watercolors, pencil, charcoal, pottery, stained glass, wood burning, jewelry, baked goods and so much more were on available.
Much of the work had bright and vibrant colors, as if to pay tribute to Sawyer’s traditional brightly painted works of art. Sawyer is known locally, nationwide and throughout the world for the vibrant way he could open up a canvas.
Sawyer’s most notable work is the Hollywood Fish. It almost always had a yellow background, with a fish wearing sunglasses and smiling. Many of his works also incorporated aspects of his life that he loved. For example, many of his paintings contained a cross or a church.
“His dedication was unparalleled. He was a strong force to be reckoned with and that’s one thing all knew but he was a very kind man who loved the Lord and wanted to please the Lord the most. We had many talks about the Lord and a strong relationship on many subjects. He was always happy to help anyone and make them feel special,” Wilson said.
Wilson now runs Sawyer’s gallery, The Art Town Makers Gallery, that is located in downtown Wetumpka at 105 E Bridge St.
The show last Saturday was dedicated to Sawyer where Wilson said it was in the perfect location to honor his memory.
“I miss him deeply, but he will always be here in Wetumpka and his memory, and his dreams will carry on. I am blessed to have the studio for my own and to carry on Don’s dream,” Wilson said.
