Art by Larry Akers on display at Paine Gallery

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) – Historic scenes from Downtown Bluefield are included in an art collection that will be displayed in the Paine Gallery at the Bluefield Arts Canter starting Wednesday.

The artwork is by Larry Akers, an artist who painted a portrait of the late former Pres. Richard Nixon and presented him to the President at a White House ceremony in 1969.

Akers, a native of Bluefield, Virginia, once occupied the entire third floor as artist-in-residence of what is now the Bluefield Arts Center. Since then, he has seen his artwork displayed in many cities as far away as Los Angeles.

Akers eventually returned to the area and began collecting photographs and memorabilia from the area, which led to a large drawing that became the mural in Chicory Square – the first large outdoor mural in Bluefields. Since then, Akers has painted other public and private murals in Pocahontas, Tazewell, and Marion, Virginia.

“The rich history of this area inspired me to record and portray it on canvas, to capture memories of times gone by,” said Akers in announcing his exhibition at the Paine Gallery. “In recent years I have painted probably well over 200 paintings depicting the past of the area as well as the history of the Norfolk and Western Railway. I hope to continue so that younger generations can see its history and perhaps be inspired to learn about it.”

Mimi Merritt, president of Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corp. (BARC), called Akers a local treasure and said Bluefield resident Larry Douglas offered this extensive collection of Akers’ works for the public to view.

A meet-the-artist reception will be held for Akers on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Paine Gallery in the Bluefield Arts Center. The exhibition will remain open until December 5th, with the Gallery open from 11am to 2pm, on weekdays and by appointment.

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