Exhibit showcases beauty within beasts
By DeAllous Smith

If Old McDonald had a farm, it would include many of the animals displayed in Hartsfield-Jackson’s new art exhibit, “All Creatures Great and Small,” in Gallery T North.  

This special exhibition from the Georgia Museum of Art’s permanent collection and from the collection of Carl and Marian Mullis examines works of art that depict animals. Most of the self-taught artists featured in the exhibition have spent their lives in the South; some were born or raised in the region, then moved to other areas of the country.

“We’re very proud to present this eclectic collection to our passengers,” Aviation General Manager Louis Miller said. “It is just one of the many art offerings found throughout the Airport.”

The exhibit also reflects the special connection that people of all ages have with the creatures who share this planet. Our ancestors used animals in art to symbolize religious, social and political beliefs, and artists have found ongoing creative inspiration in the natural world.

“Observers will enjoy the wide array of animals, artistic styles, sizes and materials in the exhibit, which is a visual menagerie,” said Katherine Dirga, Airport Art Program manager.

“All Creatures Great and Small” will be displayed through summer 2012.

“Night Bandit” by Albert Hodge is a stoneware piece on display on Concourse T.

“All Creatures Great and Small” includes various types of art by self-taught artists, including the painting “Purple Chicken” by R.A. Miller.

Not all of the artwork depicts animals in the artists’ immediate environment. “Dinosaur” is a stoneware piece by Reggie Meaders.