Aug. 21, 2013

Library art show is Aug. 31; featured works from the late Fred Leath

By SCOTT WRIGHT


CENTRE — The Cherokee County Public Library and the Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to sponsor an art show featuring around two dozen pieces by county native Fred Leath, an accomplished artist who passed away in 2008.

His niece, Sheila Green, has several of the pieces in her private collection, and will lend them to the library for the event. Many have never been seen by the general public.

The artwork—including nature scenes and wildlife in several mediums, from pen and ink to watercolor and oils—will be on display in pavilion area at the Ethel Morrison Park across the street from the library on Saturday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the exhibit will be held in the library conference room.

Leath, who was 76 when he died, was a “self-taught, natural, talented artist who left numerous paintings for many to enjoy,” according to a library press release. “His parents were Bill and Pauline Burkhalter Leath. He lived in Cherokee County his entire life” it continued.

Leath, who resided in Cedar Bluff, was featured in a news story in the Gadsden Times in the mid-1950s. His story was considered unique and newsworthy because Leath had recently lost his right hand in an accident at the Goodyear plant in Gadsden, where he worked. During his convalescence, Leath, 19 at the time of the accident, taught himself to paint with his left hand.

According to the story in the Times, Leath began painting at a young age, after his aunt gave him a dime which he used to purchase a set of watercolors. Because the family was often strapped for cash, Leath painted on “cardboard, pieces of wood, or anything he deemed usable.”

Cloud Farrow, a local artist who said Leath was an influence to him as he learned to create artwork with pen and ink, is one of the organizers of the show.

He said Leath's art will not be for sale, but several young students of Farrow's will have their art on display and their pieces will be available for purchase. The library will also be accepting donations during the event to help continue Farrow's art classes at the library.

Farrow had high praise for the memory of Leath and his work.

“He belongs to Cherokee County,” Farrow said. “He's part of our legacy.”

To learn more about the Fred Leath exhibit show or Farrow's ongoing art classes at the library, call Librarian Elaine Henry at 256-927-5838. The library is located at 310 Mary Street, behind the old Centre Middle School building.