Lee Harper to Stage Buckhead Fine Arts Gallery Show May 19-20

Photo of Lee Harper by Dinny Addison

When Lee Harper paints, she seeks to create an emotional connection between herself and those who view or purchase her paintings. However, the works in her new Gallery Show, “Out of the Ashes”, also represent a deep emotional connection she now has with the members of the Madison, Ga. Fire Department, without whom the art show and sale would not be possible. “Out of the Ashes” will be held Thursday-Friday, May 19 and 20 at Lee Harper Studios in Atlanta, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Madison Fire Department, whose members rescued the paintings from destruction in December, 2015.

“In addition to my Atlanta studio, I have a studio and gallery in the historic Vason Building in downtown Madison,” says Harper. “Just before Christmas, my husband and I received a late night phone call alerting us that the structure was on fire. We got there as fast as we could, and I feared the worst for my paintings, which had been created over a period of several years. When we arrived at the scene, I was overjoyed to discover that the members of the town’s volunteer fire department had first protected my paintings with plastic coverings to shield them from water, and then safely removed them from the building. I thought showing all of the pieces together would be the best way to convey the scope of the work they saved, and by selling the paintings, along with some of my more recent art, I could make a financial donation to the fire department to show my appreciation.”

More than 40 fine arts paintings and photographs were saved from the fire. Some were treated for smoke damage, but none of them were ruined. They include landscapes, figures, still lifes and abstracts, painted with bold, vivid colors in oils and acrylics. The art show will also feature a number of Harper’s newest works. “Out of the Ashes” will be held May 19-20, 5-8 p.m., at Lee Harper Studios, 3080 East Shadowlawn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30305. The works may also be viewed by appointment through Aug. 1 by calling (404) 368-4900. Harper is well-known as a dancer, choreographer and founder/director of the acclaimed Atlanta dance company and school, Lee Harper & Dancers. Adding “Fine Arts Painter” to her lengthy résumé is just the next act in the life of this multi-talented artist. www.LeeHarperFineArt.com.