TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Kitty Smothers, a Troy alumna and featured artist, is showcasing her collection, “Wild and Holy Things,” at the International Arts Center (IAC).
The exhibition features paintings inspired by the natural beauty of south Alabama and Smothers’ connection to the rural area where she grew up.
Smothers said the collection was created to capture the spiritual and healing qualities she sees in nature.
“My collection is a series of paintings that capture the beauty of nature all around me, particularly in south Alabama,” said Smothers. “It’s always been an escape for me, so I wanted to paint something I felt had spiritual qualities, healing qualities and I felt that way about nature.”
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The collection reflects more than Smothers’ artistic interests. Her connection to rural Alabama also extends to the place she calls home, making the subject matter personal.
Her return to Troy has also given university officials and students an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of a former student.
Janice Hawkins, Troy’s First Lady, said Smothers’ work represents the talent found within the Troy community and the pride that comes with seeing alumni succeed.
“It’s such a gift, it’s such a talent, how could we not be so extraordinarily proud to have her not only right here in this town, but a part of the university,” said Hawkins. “We just have really gifted people here and I’m always excited to find someone that I didn’t know about before.”
The appreciation for Smothers’ work extends beyond university staff. Students also have the opportunity to see an alumna return to the university and display work connected to her roots.
Toby Cooper, a senior graphic design major from Trussville, Alabama, said seeing successful alumni return to campus can give current students a sense of what is possible after graduation.
“I think it’s really important where you can go and you know what awaits you after you graduate,” said Cooper. “I think it’s very important to see someone so successful come from where you’ve come from.”
For Smothers, displaying her work at Troy brings her artistic journey back to a familiar place.
The paintings now hang in the same university environment where Smothers once walked as a student, allowing current students, faculty and visitors to experience her work.
The exhibition also highlights the lasting relationship between Troy and its alumni. Smothers’ collection connects the university to the landscapes and experiences that influenced her artistic work.
From her first strokes of a brush to the artwork now displayed in the IAC, Smothers’ work demonstrates how an individual’s beginnings can continue to influence what comes next.
