Six Canoes

Title: Six Canoes Medium :Oil on Gessoboard Size: 11"x14"

There is a place in north Georgia called Athens Y Camp. I know six brothers who have quite the history at this place. They started attending when they were young boys, became camp counselors, sent their children there, continue to take on supportive roles and have dreams of grandchildren someday attending. Because I know these brothers well, I’ve seen the camp a handful of times and have not only appreciated seeing it’s beauty (near the legendary Tallulah Falls Gorge.. and the subject of brotherly conquests to its depths). Their stories of the “ice cream” hike, dancing with the locals at Mountain City Playhouse, writing letters home for meal tickets (I still have one from the youngest brother) and other comical tales have generated an explosion of laugher at many a family reunion. I think I’ve heard those stories countless times. They endure through the years binding six brothers and their families with this place that was and continues to be a pinpoint of their spirit. The mountain lake at Athens Y Camp was and is a place of swim lessons, “apple knocker” and boating. I wanted to paint about all the canoes one sees tethered to the dock ready for the next camper, the next brother, to dip his paddle in the water to set his course for the next adventure. Happy Birthday Joe.