Featured Artist in the Gallery for July & August 2010

JULY AND AUGUST ARTIST IN THE
MAC GALLERY


 



KENNY MITCHELL!

“I

was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, and worked fifteen years as a mining
electrician repairman until I was injured on the job.  I began photography as a hobby because I enjoyed the outdoors,
nature, and it was a form of mental therapy for me.”

Kenny Mitchell

No one captures images of

Appalachia like Kenny Mitchell. 
His photographs bring up close and personal the wildlife and beauty that
belong to Eastern Kentucky.  Whether
its elk, bobcat or raccoon, one feels as if they have stepped out into the
rugged hills and is watching nature as it has been since the beginning of
time.  A sense of peaceful solitude
and awe accompanies his images of misty hilltops, streams and forest trails
beckoning one to come and explore the mysterious mountains that are Appalachia.

Mr. Kenny Mitchell is a local

Floyd County artisan specializing in outdoor photography and natural wood
framing.  Mitchell’s photos feature
a warmer side to nature, playing host to raccoons, elk, hummingbirds, spiders
and many beautiful views of our mountains and lakes.

As a young boy, Kenny and his

brother spent many hours with their father rummaging through the hills hunting,
fishing and camping.  Like many
Eastern Kentucky men, hunting is more than a sport it’s a part of their
heritage and lifestyle.

Kenny picked up his first camera

at a local pawn shop and began carrying it with him to document the beautiful
things he saw, and he enjoyed sharing these visions with others.  He proudly remarks that he takes more
shots with his camera than with his hunting gear.

Kenny likes to use woods native

to the area such as oak, walnut, and cherry to individually hand-frame his
photographs.  He also recycles aged
wood from old buildings.  “Through much trail and error, I taught myself about 

photography and realized the pictures needed natural wood frames to further 

enhance the outdoor beauty of the photo.  

Each frame is unique because of the different types of the wood.  

The frames are essential to seeing the true beauty of nature

and it accentuates the outdoor feel of the pictures,” states Kenny.

Kenny has been taking photographs for twelve years.  His works of art

are on display around the area at such locations as the Mountains Arts Center,
Prestonsburg Convention & Visitors Bureau and local businesses.  Kenny is willing to accommodate special
requests for outdoor photography and/or wood framing.

If you are interested in one of
Kenny’s photographs or in having a picture framed, you can contact the artist
at 606-377-2687 or 606-886-3741.