June 6–30, 2025 @ Johnson County Center for the Arts
The June featured artists show at the Johnson County Center for the Arts’ Gallery on Main displays the works of painter Temple Reece and photographer JP Jackson. Their works are easily recognized as both artists are long time representatives of Johnson County’s artists community.
Reece’s paintings are dynamic. She has developed her style to encompass the depth of color represented in the renaissance masters and the freedom of brush stroke heralded by the impressionists.
Jackson’s work is equally unique for adhering to photography development techniques first used in the beginning of the medium's existence, coupled with strong artistic layout and design.
When asked how they decided to do a joint show, both Reece and Jackson referenced the Center for the Arts 2024 Edge Effect show in which they were paired together. Temple said, “JP visited our farm and created some amazing work, and I created art from the same venue during the Edge Effect show. We shared our processes, inspiration and love of nature as we created. We realized our works complemented each other, and we were inspired to do several more pieces from that joint venture. My goal was to go to his farm and create new work. Helene happened and lots of busy farm and family time, but that's still on my list of adventures for the future."
JP agreed that it grew out of the Edge Effect show, “Temple’s work and her dedication to making and learning has inspired me for years now.”
This June show has new works, as well as pieces created in years past from both Reece and Jackson. When asked what inspired your new art, Reece said, “Our farm continues to inspire my new work since it is where I spend time everyday. Its beauty is forever changing and new scenes and inspiration present themselves each new day. The surrounding mountains, lake, rivers, creeks, and trails have provided more inspiration than I have time to paint.” Jackson’s reply shows his equal connection to place and time, “My artwork has always been inspired by a sense of attunement to the illumination of things around me.”
When asked about upcoming shows and events, Reece said, “I am honored to have been selected to paint a fiddle to benefit Johnson County Center for the Arts in this year's Long Journey Home event. My fiddle showcases a tune played by local musicians Fred Price, Clint Howardand Doc Watson called Cacklin' Hen and celebrates 100 years of fiddlin' in Mountain City, Tennessee. I will be a sponsor and participate in Plein Air in the Gardens in June with Johnson County Center for the Arts.”
Reece also has featured articles in the summer edition of the Charleston Style and Design magazine and in the June edition of the Voice Magazine for Women. “It is a blessing for me to be able to share my love for art and our mountain home. Alexandre Fleuren Interiors in Charleston, South Carolina, will be representing my art very soon, and I will continue to have work here at Johnson County Center for the Arts,” said Reece.
Jackson replied, “There are no other exhibits scheduled at this time but I continue to show work in a gallery in Banner Elk. Making work is a consistent activity in my life, and I am grateful to have the time and desire to make art.”
Meet Temple Reece and JP Jackson at their Show Opening Friday, June 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Johnson County Center for the Arts’ Gallery on Main at 129 W. Main St, Mountain City, Tennessee.
Category: Exhibits