"Tranquility" by James Spearman

Murfreesboro City Hall will host an exhibit of works by artist James Spearman through July 27, with an artist’s reception Thursday, July 12 from 4:30-6 p.m.

Spearman, a native of Georgia, resided in Detroit for 50 years where his life experience included Air Force musician, journeyman carpenter, electronics technician, interior architectural designer and artist. While enrolled at Detroit’s Wayne State University in 1965, he took an art class his freshman year and promptly changed his major, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1973.

Among his proudest achievements is his painting of “The Sole of Rock” for the Cleveland, Ohio, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and its subsequent use as the signature cover piece for the traveling exhibit, “Rock My Sole.” Considering himself a realist, Spearman’s primary work includes oil on canvas supplemented by other efforts with pencil, charcoal and acrylic. His subjects range from landscapes, cityscapes and still life to his specialty in figurative works often specializing in portraits.

In 2007, Spearman and wife, Delphine, moved to Columbia, Tenn., where he currently serves as art director and board member for the Maury County Arts Guild, committee member for The Polk Theatre/MCAG project, and member of the Arts Council of Williamson County. With 25 published prints to his credit, Spearman is also involved with teaching art workshops for Health Healing Arts and the YMCA’s ArtEmbrace programs.

When speaking of his work he states, “My technique is structured. I believe good paintings are planned . . . and do not happen by accident. The artist uses his knowledge of the ‘Elements of Art and Design,’ and their psychological effect when visualized by people, to make his audience see . . . what he intends for them to see. The artist dictates the focal point of the work and the movement of how the viewer’s eye will travel within the painting itself. When my work is good, it is because I have put a lot of thought into the planning of the final piece.”

View more of Spearman’s work here

The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday thru Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. City Hall is located at 111 W. Vine St. For more information or directions, call (615) 893-5210.