The work of four Troy University Art and Design faculty is currently on display in an exhibit featuring work inspired by the state of Alabama created by Alabama artists at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art until September 24.

The exhibit, titled Alabama A to Z, is the 45th biennial museum exhibition. Since 1960, the Museum has partnered with the Montgomery Art Guild to present a biennial exhibition of contemporary regional art in its galleries. The biennial exhibition contains an exciting variety of media, subjects, and themes by some of the most talented contemporary artists of Alabama.

Alabama A to Z features Alabama artists with realistic or abstract works inspired by characteristics of the state, including but not limited to its people, history, culture, geography, environment and personal experiences.

Associate Professor Sara Dismukes, Adjunct Instructor Karvarus Moore, Adjunct Instructor Duane Paxson and Assistant Professor of Art & Design Will Jacks were all featured in the exhibit. 

Jacks received the Richard Mills Award and displayed two photographs, titled House in Kudzu and House in Kudzu II, and a non-traditional print titled Iterations of a Willow Branch that bridges traditional printmaking and lens-based photography. 

“I’m entering my third year as an Alabama resident. It has been a wonderful move for me, and it’s an honor to be included in this exhibit along with so many amazing Alabama artists,” he said. “I was thrilled to have work included in this exhibit and even more humbled to receive the Richard Mills Award for my work. I look forward to continuing to make work related to this state as I learn more about the communities and people here.”

Paxson received the Stonehenge Gallery Award for his sculpture titled Kudzuvaceous.

“My sculpture evokes memories from my childhood when my siblings and I cut tunnels through the thick kudzu vines behind our home on the historical North Three Notch Road in Troy. We wanted to reach the cemetery where we played with our friends,” he said. “At night I frequently dreamed of a terrifying kudzu monster hiding deep within this thicket. The sculpture Kudzuvaceous makes tangible my nighttime struggles with this oneiric monster.

“Having lived most of my life in Alabama and having been a longstanding member of the Montgomery Art Guild, I am especially honored to be included in this particular exhibition, which focuses on the rich cultural traditions of Alabama.”

This exhibit was organized by the Montgomery Art Guild and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and is on view in the Atrium, Blackmon, Goldman, Richard and Weil galleries.