Olive Branch, Quaker Hill, New Pitsburg, these are but three of the out-of-the-way places in the Randolph County area that artist Selena Burk takes visitors to in the new “Down the Road” exhibit of her paintings. Her artwork will be on display at the Arts Depot located at 115 N. Howard St. in Union City, IN until Sept. 28.
Born in Greenville, Burk grew up in both Winchester and Union City. She lived in a home on Short St. near the water tower in Winchester and remembers riding her bike down the street to the grocery store to buy some treats with a quarter given to her by her mother.
“Randolph County is very dear to me,” says Burk. “My grandparents lived near Stone Station. I have many fond memories of some of these places. Especially the one I’ve called ‘Old School’ this school was near my grandparents home, and I’ve placed my name and my brother’s name in the graffiti on the side of the school. That one is very special to me, and that is why that painting is not for sale.”
Each of Burks paintings are displayed next to a photo on which she based the artwork, as well as some interesting information she gathered while researching and visiting the locations. Burk’s paintings proved popular as several were purchased during the exhibit’s opening reception on Friday.
Burk has been an artist for over 38 years, as a young girl she had a passion for drawing. She later took classes at Nancy Fourman’s studio where she learned the fine art of pastel. She also received instruction from Sandy Cable Barringer, Phil Wood, and Bob Farlow. She tried her hand at oil painting, but watercolor became her favorite way of painting. She has also explored creating small sculptures and mixed media art.
Burk got the idea for the new exhibit while driving through the countryside one day. She realized that there were several little places that were once small towns. She then did some research and compiled a list of towns that were once in the area, some are still there, others have begun to fade into memory. All have interesting landscapes, and remnants of what was once there.
“I’ve learned so much on this project,” said Burk. “You can learn a lot from stopping people and talking to them. Many of us take these places for granted as we drive by them all of the time, failing to see the beauty. I want people to see what I see when I look at these places when they see these paintings.”
Locations in Saratoga, Farmland, Winchester, Parker City, Union City, Harrisville, Ridgeville, Carlos, and Salamonia are featured in the exhibit. Randolph County residents are sure to see some locations they’re familiar with when visiting the exhibit.