Art teacher shares talent with community

Jennifer Taylor says it’s important to practice what you teach. And that she does – with new art ever-evolving and two upcoming community shows scheduled between now and December.

“It’s necessary for artists to show their work on a regular basis because it pushes you out of your comfort zone,” said Taylor, who has taught art at the Lower School for the past three years. “It is difficult to put yourself out there for people to critique something as personal as your artwork, but you have to do it in order to grow as an artist.”

This summer, Taylor hosted a private showing which included 23 of her own acrylic paintings, a few of which were mixed media. “I had just completed several new pieces and wanted to share them with friends and others in the community that have an interest in the arts and supporting local artists,” she explained. “I think that you never stop learning about yourself and life, and that in itself inspires me to create and experiment with new things.”

Next month, Taylor will lend her talents to “Sunset on the Hill,” an event that will focus on the historic beauty of Myrtle Hill Cemetery in celebration of its 150-year anniversary. Sponsored by the Greater Rome Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, “Sunset” will feature the works of nine artists, including Taylor and Darlington alumnus Kelly Moore (’95), a local photographer.

“I really like the idea that everything in the show will relate to Myrtle Hill; I’ve never done a series like this before,” said Taylor.

“Sunset on the Hill” will take place Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. In addition to the art show, the event will feature entertainment by the Dogwood Ensemble, guided walking tours, as well as hors d’oeuvres and spirits. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at the Visitor’s Center. All proceeds will benefit the Myrtle Hill/Oak Hill Memorial Association to assist in the preservation and restoration of Rome’s oldest public cemeteries.

After the event, the Myrtle Hill-inspired works will be on display in Sara Hightower Regional Library’s second floor gallery through Oct. 20. Admission is free to the public for this exhibition.

Taylor will also be one of several artists participating in “The Clocktower Holiday Tour of Art Spaces” Nov. 30 through Dec. 2. This popular annual event, sponsored by Rome Area Council for the Arts, will feature a variety of local artists exhibiting their work at different venues in downtown Rome. Although Taylor is unable to disclose the location of her venue just yet, she did mention that she will be working alongside alumni Moore and Eva Marie Burns (’79), Middle School art teacher.

“We are all really excited because each of us will be doing something different. Kelly is doing photography, Eva Marie is doing ceramic sculpture, and I am doing painting,” said Taylor. “When I am participating in art shows, it keeps me motivated. I am constantly learning, and it is exciting to see what other artists are doing. As a teacher, I want my students to see that art is a profession. I love what I teach and I am passionate about it. I think it makes me more credible in their eyes if they see me actually making art and not just talking about it.”