The Evelyn Burrow Museum welcomes artwork by Mississippi’s Bewey Bowden

The Evelyn Burrow Museum at Wallace State Community College is pleased to announce the opening of its exhibit “Color Explosion” featuring the artwork of Mississippi artist Bewey Bowden.

Known as the “Poppy Lady,” Bowden’s oil paintings are filled with colorful flora and fauna. She is considered one of Mississippi’s leading artists, with pieces on display in numerous public and private collections throughout at least 18 states in the nation.

Known as the “Poppy Lady,” several of the pieces from the collection of Mississippi artist Bewey Bowden include floral themes.

“Mrs. Bowden’s paintings are amazing,” said Evelyn Burrow Museum Director Donny Wilson. “We feel honored to be able to share her talent with our visitors and hope many people will come out to see her work. They will not be disappointed.”

Bowden, who chaired the Department of Speech and Drama at Belhaven College, found that she could apply the principles used to create a mood with color on stage to creating moods on canvas. She studied under artists Alice Reilly, Alan Flattman and Carol Epperson to learn techniques and basics to find her own way of painting.

“If I have a style, I am not aware of it,” she’s said. “I guess I express my impressions.”

She said her mother’s flower gardens had a profound impact on her. “Her poppies, tulips and larkspur were gorgeous, and her yard was part of the yearly tours in McComb, Miss.,” she said. “I have a killer instinct when it comes to growing flowers, but I can ‘grow’ them on canvas. I feel color. I believe I smell it.

“Since I began painting, I see God’s world in a different light,” she added. “In my own feeble way, I try to create what He has already created.”

A collection of Bowden’s work will be on display at The Evelyn Burrow Museum through March 31. The exhibition, “Sweet Home: Alabama’s History on Maps,” celebrating the Alabama 200 Bicentennial, on loan from the Birmingham Public Library, is also on display currently.