Greene honored: Longtime yarn artist recognized at Art ‘N’ Bloom luncheon

Published 6:45 pm Thursday, April 26, 2018

Del’avant was full of bright colors and art lovers on Thursday as the LaGrange Art Museum celebrated the work of Annie Greene at the annual Art ‘N’ Bloom luncheon.

The annual event honors local women for their contributions to the arts, and the renowned yarn artist and retired school teacher received a warm reception at the event. Greene was recognized for her contributions as an artist, teacher and inspiration within the community. At the event, Greene related how she first began creating the yarn art that she is best known for based on a suggestion in a magazine that she thought her art students might enjoy.

“For a yarn painting, you need an idea, a pencil, a sheet of paper, a well-sharpened pair of scissors, assorted colors of yarn and Elmer’s glue,” Greene said. “In the junior high school, the students enjoyed the activity so well that they motivated me to try it, so I decided to make two pieces for our next sidewalk art show. It took me six months to finish the two pieces.”

A few years later, in 1986, 47 pieces of Greene’s work were featured in its own show at the Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum. Her art has been featured at numerous galleries since then. However, her impact on those she taught was also significant. She proudly spoke on the successes of former students.

“You never know how you influence students,” Greene said. “Some may later turn out to be great designers, animators, teachers or architects. Even if they just appreciate the arts or do art as a hobby, that is fantastic. I have always loved art and always wanted to share my passion for art with others.”

That passion that Greene has shared with the community is part of the reason why she was chosen for the recognition.

“This honor is well-deserved,” said Laura Jennings, the executive director of the LaGrange Art Museum in an announcement. “Annie is as much a storyteller as she is a visual artist. Every piece she creates is woven with a story from her heart. This artist and her husband Oliver are givers. They stay engaged and curious and have a tremendous legacy of educating students.”

Greene taught art in Troup County for 35 years, and in addition to her legacy of young artists, her impact on a memory of the recent past is also visible in her art that depicts scenes and stories that are in many cases inspired by her childhood or life in general.

“Most of her paintings capture events from her memory,” said Zinta Perkins, Greene’s daughter. “Images of growing up, places where she has traveled, sights from everyday life. Her humor comes across through her paintings, like the ladies with well-endowed rear ends or a piano player with his shoe off. I think my mom wants her art to reflect what is dear and meaningful to her so that you the viewer can reminisce and have the feeling of nostalgia, and also to provoke thought.”

According to preliminary estimates, the event raised $18,000 for the LaGrange Art Museum and its programs.  Last year the event raised $14,000. LAM is a not-for-profit art museum committed to the education, enjoyment and understanding of visual art. The museum is free to residents.