Smithsonian artist Lori K. Gordon  is returning to Rome, and bringing with her a collection of portraits of the original  cast of characters from “The Beverly Hillbillies.”  She will be exhibiting the work in conjunction with the presentation of the play by Icon Theatre Company, to be presented in the historic DeSoto Theatre July 25, 26, and 27.  In a marked departure from her recent work, Gordon has portrayed the cast of characters in a wild, colorful and psychedelic style, reminiscent of pop art from the era in which the Hillbillies captured a national audience on a weekly basis. This series of seven original paintings will be on display in the lobby of the theatre, as will prints and postcards of the series.  Cast members will be joining Gordon in the lobby after each production of the play to sign prints and visit with theatre goers. 

Twice in the past three years, Gordon has exhibited The Katrina Collection in Rome. This series of mixed media assemblages incorporates debris from the massive storm which devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005. Gordon’s work may be found in the private collections of Georgia’s own former President and First Lady Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter; ESPN announcer Jon Miller; and  country superstar Faith Hill.  Public collections which have acquired her work include the Smithsonian Institution; Mississippi Humanities Council; Thea Foundation and William J Clinton Foundation’s Art Across Arkansas, and the Safeco Corporate Collection. Her work has been featured on MSNBC; CBS; The Associated Press; Christian Science Monitor; National Public Radio and in newspapers and magazines across the country.

For more information on Gordon’s work, please visit: http://lorikgordon.blogspot.com.

Lori K Gordon