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David Butler's Watercolors Capture Iconic Memphis Images in Gallery Ten Ninety One Exhibit

Artist David Butler is a native Memphian who rediscovered his hometown after attending college out of state.   He began to seek out the iconic places and things that make Memphis unique, and decided to use the medium of watercolor to create a loving homage to The Bluff City. 

He writes, "I find it only appropriate that the city founded on the river and built on cotton should be captured by water on cotton fibers, showing its rich textures through bold colors.  The goal of my work is for Memphians to be reminded of all the things good in "The Home of the Blues" when they see these pieces."

Jerry's Sno Cone, Sweden Kreme, Cafe Eclectic,  South Main, Bryant's, Elmwood Cemetery, Cooper-Young, and Huey's cheeseburgers are some of the architectural and cultural gems that David Butler has vibrantly rendered. 

His exhibit, "Memphis.  On the Water.  In Color." is on view through the end of August at The WKNO Digital Media Center, 7151 Cherry Farms Road in Cordova.  A reception for the artist is scheduled for Sunday, August 19 from 2 to 4pm.  Original watercolors and prints will be available for purchase.

David Butler came by The WKNO-FM studios to talk about his work, his relationship with his hometown, and his desire for Memphians to see the positive side of their city.

I owe my radio career to the Ford Motor Company. My daddy had a Ford dealership in our hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and he thought it would be cute if his 7-year old daughter did his radio commercials. The pay wasn't great, just a pack of Wrigley's gum, but I was hooked on radio from then on.