Experience a unique local art event at the Mom & Me: Painting Other Great Artists art show, an upcoming exhibit featuring the works of the local mother and son artist duo JOHN + KAYLA.
Kayla and John Mangrum have been working together for nearly 50 years collaborating on canvas to create homages to some of their favorite artists. The JOHN + KAYLA series showcases famous artists and their masterpieces in newly imagined settings. Downtown Murfreesboro shop M&J Home will host the artists and the exhibit, which runs June 14 and 15.
The Mom & Me series began when Kayla and John decided to draw animals during a Sunday church service. Over time, this tradition turned into a friendly competition, which ultimately led the duo to begin a series that has amassed to 37 works. Their collaborative process, sometimes undertaken while working simultaneously on the same canvas, results in a stunning showcase of their creativity.
John says the artistic process started easily for the pair.
“My mom and I always advised each other on art projects, and it wasn’t unusual to work on the same canvas at the same time. We painted everything side by side and then we would look in books and have a list of artists we wanted to cover,” he says.
Finding a consistent method in their work together took time, but the duo settled on a method that they felt happy with.
“We sketch the image with chalk and paint over it, and after everything dries, we take a soapy cloth and wipe the chalk, which gives the art a unique quality,” John says. “We try to find inspiration for our art that speaks to us.”
Kayla—a contemporary artist, illustrator, muralist and set designer—explores portraiture of children using mice and rabbits in her individual work. She utilizes mixed media and lost (and found) objects in her creations and has developed teaching methods for new and special-needs artists.
John Mangrum’s style involves capturing the scenery of the South. He blends modern and folk art in his work, sometimes venturing into abstract expressionism and minimalism.
“I’m working on pictures that in the South bring people joy, whether it be a preacher at a tent revival or a boy swinging into a river on a rope swing—the parts of the South that spark joy,” the artist says.
Both John and Kayla still reside in Middle Tennessee.
Despite their differing individual styles, they blend inspiration from well-known artists with their own unique artistic touch in their collaborations. Their mutual love for art is shown through their joyful expressions and captivating paintings.
“The show is a tribute to artists we selected and a nod to what they left to the world,” according to the duo.
The event will take place at M&J Home, located at 124 N. Spring St., Murfreesboro, on Friday, June 14, from 5–8 p.m. Live music and refreshments will be provided along with a chance to win a free JOHN + KAYLA painting. An additional showing will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
