news A tribute to A.C. Gentry by Tom Callens East Texas art lovers converged on the Tyler Rose Garden May 4 at 6:30pm to honor distinguished Tyler artist A.C. Gentry. The evening included several pieces of Gentry’s work and was organized by the group, Tyler’s Own Fine Artists. Many pieces were privately held, brought in by their owners for the tribute. The Garden’s Blue Bonnet room also featured art from other prominent area artists. Art by David Ackerson, Gaylon Dingler, Cassie Edmonds and Robert Morris surrounded Gentry’s scene-scapes of East Texas’ past and present. Tyler councilman, Martin Hines, stated that Gentry’s art adds to the understanding of the beauty of East Texas and has long contributed to the preservation of its history. Hines was proud to pronounce May 4, 2011 as A.C. Gentry Day, on behalf of Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. The room was full of representations of historic East Texas, set in both past and present form. Gentry’s art centers on timeless concepts and places that played a pivotal role in the area. In fact, Gentry’s work is considered so important that an art scholarship bearing his name was created for art students at Tyler Junior College. The scholarship is managed by the Art Scholarship Fund in Tyler. The event served as a perfect opportunity for Tyler’s art community to meet some outstanding artists and get in touch with the tone of the city’s artistic side. Tyler’s art community is a group of people who not only recognize Gentry for his talent, but his reputation in the community. His son, Bob Gentry, professed pride in his father’s reputation among members of the community. “My father is known for his honesty and dedication to values,” Bob Gentry said. He went on to describe his father as a self-made artist who pursued his love of art beyond a hobby and, against the odds, made it a profitable venture. A. C. Gentry is an artist, a historian and a prominent member of the Tyler community. Gentry’s dedication to art has been recognized by his peers. The scholarship inspired by his achievements will undoubtedly aid future local artists in developing into prominent members of the art community.
Main Street Theatre to present Children’s Workshop The Main Street Theatre in Sulphur Springs will present a children’s workshop featuring a production of Aladdin July 28th through August 6th. All acting, directing, lights, sound, stage management and sets will be done by children with adult guidance. Registration for children aged 7 – 17 will be at 7:00 PM May 31st, June 1st and June 2nd at the Main Street Theatre, 227 Main Street, Sulphur Springs. Please call 903-885-0107 for more information.
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