| "Two Lane Roads " An Illustration of Andalusia's Past Best described as an art exhibit, by native Andalusia Alabama artist , Warren Mullins , that depicts Andalusia during the artist's formative years. Thirty paintings, all set in Andalusia, and each serving to illustrate a part of our lives , growing up in the late Baby Boom years. "These are not landscapes of Andalusia's architecture, " according to Warren, " but the use of familiar landmarks in concert with the clothes, cars and attitudes of the Southern Alabama childhood ." Born in 1960 , Warren experienced a childhood that was not much different from millions of small town Americans . " I grew up in a place where traditional small town values were simply understood. We participated in scouts or little league sports . We attended Vacation Bible School at the Baptist church or the Methodist church or both. Our chores were rewarded with a trip to the Dairy Queen or admission price to the city pool. We lived through the Civil Rights struggles and watched the Vietnam War unfold on the nightly news. We were the first children to watch television in color and we were the first boys to grow hair down to the collar . Our banks and businesses closed at noon on Thursdays and Saturdays , and the whole town ,it seemed, would applaud the high school team to victory on Friday night. In an environment of safe boundaries we explored our world on banana seat bikes , learned to negotiate life's detours with the help of a Little League coach or a favorite teacher . We gained our understanding of culture , competition ,and achievement within the nurturing environment of a small town system. And that is where Andalusia was different . "Only in leaving Andalusia in 1979 , did I begin to become aware of the special nature of the system that we had all been raised . Our education came from more than the schools, our moral foundations came from more than the sermon, and our dreams for the future were encouraged by more than our parents . " "In looking back in on the city of Andalusia , and upon seeing the diversity and achievements of its' former students , community leaders and the wonderful young people that are now maturing into promising adults, I can say , more than ever , that Andalusia is a very special place to start ." "In that spirit , I wanted to bring back to Andalusia, and the people who raised us all , a look back into the world that we all knew . Andalusia was head and shoulders above the rest of South Alabama in its cultural programs, its championship teams ,its academics and its integrity. We are all better , because of it. " In the three years since this project was exhibited , the local arts council , the beneficiary of the proceeds and the ones who were to promote it to Andalusians and returning Alumni , failed in their efforts and agreements, and quite frankly killed the spirit of the project itself . Only now, after years of legal issues , am I able to offer the Limited Edition Prints These high quality Giclee prints are 16" x 20" and may be ordered by contacting me warren@warrenmullinsart.com Not all of the painting's prints have been issued, but please inquire about the ones you want to order . Price of each Print is $125 plus any shipping charges . |
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