A Civic-Minded Artist
As we all know, tomorrow is Election Day in America. That is when, if the Lord wills, many Americans will take part in democracy, some being elected to office, some losing races they tried hard to win, and many, many more voting to make those decisions. Ray and I are especially excited this year about the race for a seat in the Kansas state senate because a young homeschool graduate who once studied Uncle Sam and You is seeking that office. While developing that curriculum back in 2012, it was our heart’s desire that students would become citizens who worked to make things better in their communities, states, and country rather than citizens who complain about those who don’t. Running for office isn’t the only excellent way to do that, but it is certainly one excellent way, and we are very proud of her.
Today I’d like to tell you about one Kentucky citizen who has served his community through art and through elected office.
One day last week Ray and I made a rest stop in Burkesville, Kentucky, on our way home from a leaf peeping trip to Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. I had an ulterior motive when I asked Ray if he would like to take a short walk during our break. I was intrigued by this sign I had noticed a short distance away.
When we stepped inside, I was surprised to see the work of only one artist, Mr. Bill Guffey. Many of his paintings surrounded us. It takes me weeks or months to complete just one. Mr. Guffey told us that he had completed 1,800 in only a few years (I think he said seven years!).
The artist gladly let us wander around his whole gallery/studio. First, we saw his gallery. I am so sorry that I forgot to take a picture of his rows of paintings on display there. Then, we walked into his studio and finally, his sitting area in the back.
The majority of his paintings were scenes from the environs around his hometown of Burkesville. Several were abstracts; some were scenes of Colorado. Mr. Guffey lived in Colorado for several years before moving back home. He also painted in Colorado after being invited to spend a month in Breckenridge as artist-in-residence. Of all of his paintings, I was particularly drawn to this scene from Colorado.
Close inspection reveals practical lessons Mr. Guffey has learned as an artist. For example, he has both chairs and an anti-fatigue mat in his studio. Having two easels is nice for keeping two projects going. I am proud of our 11-year-old grandson who loves to paint and recently hammered together his own standing easel in his daddy’s woodshop.
Instead of buying or building an unlimited number of canvases, Mr. Gulley sometimes removes paintings from their stretcher bars and rolls the paintings up for storage.
Another good idea is having a place to take a break.
I just noticed in the photo above that he has found more storage up by the ceiling. And, in spite of having so much activity going on in this gallery/studio space, I am impressed by how neat and orderly it is — and on a day when we just wandered in from the sidewalk. I think he must keep things in order regularly.
I mentioned that Mr. Gulley gets inspiration from his surroundings. The painting on his easel last Thursday was an historic view of the Alpine Motel, Lodge, and Resort . . .
. . . visible from the sidewalk in front of the gallery atop Big Hill Mountain beyond the courthouse. Don’t you love that placename–Big Hill Mountain!
As we chatted, we learned that Mr. Guffey has served a four-year term as mayor of Burkesville. It was an eventful four years which included the COVID pandemic and the firebombing of Burkesville City Hall. We learned more of Mr. Guffey’s servant heart as we were leaving. He told us about the free Friday painting sessions he and his wife have offered to children. Regular attendance is 60 young artists. He showed us splatters of paint on the sidewalk. Sometimes the wind picks up the children’s little pallets, sending paint splatters onto the sidewalk.
Thank you, Mr. Guffey, and Mrs. Guffey, too, for the ways you serve. Thank you, Mr. Guffey, for taking time to chat with two weary travelers who were almost home.
People who are made in the image of God find many ways to use the gifts He gives them. Wise parents train their children to use those gifts to serve God and others.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily,
as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive
the reward of the inheritance.
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Colossians 3:23-24
My ten-year-old loves history and your textbooks! We are intrigued about the woman running for state senate that used your textbooks. What is her name so we can follow the race?
Thank you so much. Her name is Tabitha Burt. She lives in Kansas City.