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Decades in the making, artist experiences 'most beautiful thing I could imagine'

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Centerpiece Top Story

Decades in the making, artist experiences 'most beautiful thing I could imagine'

SPorter
Jan 29, 2024
Jan 29, 2024
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1 of 8

Dina Deaton is regularly creating. While listening to the Henderson Jammers perform at The Art Place, she worked on a crochet project.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger

Kaloni created this sculpture when she was a student at Chilhowie High School, and it was exhibited at The Art Place, where it continues to have a home.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger

Two pieces of Kaloni Clark’s artwork.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger

A few examples of Kaloni Clark’s artwork.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger

Kaloni Clark recently got to meet Jack Taylor, aka Ja Ta, a longtime Sugar Grove artist. Clark told the older artist that she was honored to have some of her work hang in the same gallery as some of his artwork. She’s enjoying learning from other artists.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols photos, Smyth County News & Messenger

Dina Deaton shows off an apron that the late Edna Love, founder of The Art Place, wore as she was teaching. Now the apron is being put to use again.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger

Dina Deaton and Kaloni Clark are both teaching art classes at The Art Place in Chilhowie.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols photos, Smyth County News & Messenger

Kaloni Davidson Clark checks out one of her visual vibration paintings, which appears to be 3D when viewed with 3D glasses.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger

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For two decades, Kaloni Davidson Clark waited for this moment. Struggle and despair often filled those years, but now she feels blessed and ready to give.

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