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Veteran's Day 2019-A Tribute for All Americans Who Served
Stone Mountain Artist Remembers Veteran's With An Original Painting
Stone Mountain's Olivia Thomason has garnered many awards over her career for creating paintings of such notable events as the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the Atlanta Braves 1995 World Series victory in her acclaimed "Angels Over Atlanta," but none has more personal connections with her than the breathtaking tribute remembering and honoring all those who served in all wars from 1776 on. "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"embraces everyone, but it is tied emotionally to Veteran's Day.
"My father was a World War II Marine," she revealed, "and my father-in-law was a foot soldier in Europe serving under General George Patton." She added that her family ancestry, like many Americans, includes soldiers in many wars. The painting honors them all including the two armies in the Civil War. "One family ancestor fought in the Battle of Atlanta. Another was wounded at Vicksburg and died shortly afterward. Only recently did we find his grave."
Naturally modest, Ms. Thomason is reluctant to disclose another close relationship to the creation of our country. She is a descendant of Patrick Henry, the spirited orator and revolutionary war hero, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
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All these men and women are heroes, then, now and forevermore, says the artist. "My intent in the painting was to show them marching together, united, in one common cause: protecting and defending all we hold dear as Americans."
To view the painting, contact Olivia Thomason by email: bigoart1@yahoo.com. You'll be welcomed with open arms and good coffee.
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The Atlanta History Center presents its annual Christmas gala on Friday, December 20 beginning at 5pm. Olivia Thomason is one of the featured Georgia artists and will be there for the festivities displaying her works, making new friends and enjoying the live entertainment and holiday offerings of food, music, dance and tours. It's the ultimate family-friendly holiday experience, all happening on the Buckhead landmark's glorious grounds.
