Smithsonian artist headlines the Paul R. Jones gallery.

By Cole Archer

TUSCALOOSA – Internationally known artist Kevin Cole arrived from Atlanta, Georgia to the Paul R. Jones Art Gallery Friday night to headline their weekly exhibit along with statewide photographers and musicians alike.

Cole was invited to showcase his “Blanket Series” art to start off the weekend’s exhibit after speaking on Campus Wednesday night and Friday afternoon for his segments “The Business of Art” and “Working as an Art Educator” respectively. The two-part event was used as a platform for Cole to offer advice to those in the University of Alabama’s art department and all those interested in a career in art education.

“Education is important in all fields. Art school not only teaches you how to craft art, but also to help you survive in a career in the art industry” said Cole, who has recently retired as an art educator of 32 years.

From 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, the Paul R. Jones Art Gallery held the Tuscaloosa Symphony, local theatre and local art groups in addition to Cole’s exhibit. The Tuscaloosa Fury Arts Council leases the local theatre and artwork while Cole’s work is leased by the University of Alabama.

There is good news for any fan of Cole’s work as “The Blanket Series” should stay in the gallery for two to four more weeks. Most of the art leased in the Paul R. Jones Art Gallery stays for approximately a month before it is rotated for new debuts according to Karen Kennedy, the director of the gallery.

The gallery began this format in 2012 where five alternating musician and theatre groups take up the majority of the center space, with the featured artist and other various Alabama based artist compiling the left and right exhibits. “The Gallery was started to connect the community with local art groups”, said Paul R. Jones publicist Kevin Ledgewood.