Scenes from an opening at OCAF with Dr. Roy Ward and friends

Oconee County is full of some amazing artists and equally interesting individuals, and the artist celebrated this evening is all that and then some. We are equally blessed to have a venue to display the great locally nurtured creativity such as the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation and their intimate 34 School Street. Tonight was one of those wonderful gatherings of like-minded individuals investigating the development and prints of Dr. Roy Ward, a longtime local legend and artistic eccentric genius photographer extraordinaire.

It was great to see Dr. Roy Ward at his opening for his wonderful black and white photography at the 1902 OCAF Center Friday, surrounded by admirers and family. He talked of peacocks and autographed books. There was a lovely reception with many attendees.

Former Mayor Jim Luken attended and brought Oconee Enterprise Publisher and Editor Miss Vinnie Williams to sit next to him if only for a fleeting moment.

Oconee County Tourism Director Peggy Holcomb came back to her old OCAF area with husband Lee in tow.  Other attendees included Fay Edris Gaul and J.P. Crisan. Chatham Murray came from Athens as did several others. This was just in the first few minutes of a typically friendly art opening at OCAF on a chilly Friday.

The Andrew Ward family attended including wife Deniz and sons Tommy and John to see their great Uncle Roy's photography.  Andrew has been excited to uncover recent photos of a Ward journey across the country in Willys Jeep just after World War II.

Dr. Ward's photos capture landscapes and stark rural images of a time gone by although they could have been taken yesterday.

Some shots include felines which I would imagine Miss Vinnie would purchase in a heartbeat. This is the first time OCAF has ever displayed Dr. Ward's work, a credit to OCAF director Joe Ruiz.  His gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4:00 pm and this exhibit will be up through February 9, 2011.

Dr. Roy Ward surrounded by his brother's family at his art opening Friday in Watkinsville.

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