Buffalo Creek Memorial Library displays new painting on historic disaster
Elizabeth Tackett, director of the Buffalo Creek Memorial Library in Man, West Virginia commemorated the 36th anniversary of the Buffalo Creek Disaster on February 26th with the unveiling of a painting by J.R. Shuck called “Buffalo Creek Survivors.” Two years ago the library presented Mimi Pickering, the director of two documentaries about the landmark flood, “Buffalo Creek- An Act of Man” and “Buffalo Creek Revisited,” showing the film to hundreds at the local high school.
Here is more about the artist -Johnnie R. Shuck
Born in the Mercer County coal camp of Weyanoke, West Virginia, near Matoaka, July 2, 1946.
Son of a coal miner who received the Purple Heart for combat injuries in World War II and worked in the mines for nearly forty years.
Graduated from Matoaka High School in 1964. B.A. degree from Bluefield State College in 1984. Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University in 1987.
Began serious painting in 1968 at age 22. I have been painting for forty years (16 years before attending any art school). In 1976, I won the Best of Show Award in the Appalachian Art and Craft Festival at Beckley WV which included hundreds of paintings in all media. I have won numerous First Place Awards at art shows all over southern WV over the years but quit participating in competitions several years ago.
I now have paintings all over the United States and several scattered around the world. I have a deep love for West Virginia and its rich history and coal heritage. I have painted literally hundreds of coal tipples and coal camps over the years.
I now specialize mainly in portraiture but I accept commissions for all types of subjects. I am a full time professional artist and am available for commissions at any time. I can be reached by phone at (304)487-3935 or (304)920-0246 or by e-mail at
http://pages.suddenlink.net/jrsartwork
