Kathleen Britts
July 5–31, 2024 @ Johnson County Center for the Arts
Mountain City, TN — The Johnson County Center for the Arts features the works of nature photographer and author, Kathleen Blevins Britts beginning July 5. Britts grew up on a farm in Shady Valley, and she has always appreciated nature and enjoyed the outdoors.
In addition to capturing birds and wildlife on film, Britt has published two books. “Out on a Limb”includes photos of shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds and other personal favorites and illustrates the importance of the different habitats gradually being lost to human development and climate change. “An Eye on the Sparrow” showcases the natural beauty of her childhood home, Shady Valley. Her photographs of the flora and fauna of this Tennessee mountain valley is a testament to the diversity of life found there.
Q: When did you first become interested in photography?
“My interest in photography began many years ago in the early 1980s when I took a photography course at Northern Virginia Community College (Now NOVA) using an older Nikon film camera and learning to develop, print, enlarge and make corrections using the equipment in the college photo lab. From my home in Northern Virginia, I could easily access the monuments and buildings in D.C. and take pictures for the class and improve my photography skills. All prints were in black and white. I also have many prints from those early days of things around the farm in Shady Valley.”
Q: When did nature photography become your main focus?
“I began to study wildlife, mostly birds, after taking a short excursion to Chincoteague, Virginia. I was fascinated by bird life and the challenge in identifying a species. I then started to attend seminars, classes, and participate in group activities with the Species Local Audubon Society and the local bird club. My knowledge was further increased by attending a course taught by William Stott on ‘The Study of Birds,’ many years ago.”
Q: What was your first camera?
“My first camera was a Nikon that I probably bought myself. There have been many others since, some Nikons, some Cannon, and I am currently using a Sony XR10iv. My interest in nature photography increases steadily from my exposure to organizations and their emphasis on conservation of the species as I want to be a small voice in this effort as well. The photography in journals from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and The American Birding Association is very inspiring to anyone with an interest in nature photography.”
Q: Where does the title of your book “Eye on the Sparrow” and its inspiration come from?
“My book, ‘An Eye on the Sparrow’ describes nature in Shady Valley where I grew up. The inspiration for the book actually began when I was a senior in high school and made a collection of native plants that grew in the valley. The plants were very unusual for a Southern Appalachian farming community which began my interest in creating a book specifically featuring nature in Shady Valley. The book title is Biblical in nature which further encouraged my research for the book. Both books have been very rewarding experiences.”
Kathleen Britts’ nature photography “An Eye on the Sparrow” show opening is Friday, July 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Johnson County Center for the Arts. There will be musical entertainment and light refreshments.
The Johnson County Center for the Arts gallery represents over 100 local artists and offers classes in many different art forms. On the second and fourth Tuesdays of June, July and August, it hosts a mountain music jam. You can see a full list of classes and activities atwww.jocoartcenter.org.
Category: Exhibits