Published: June 17, 2008 07:39 am      

The Center hosts exhibit by husband/wife artists

Local News

The Center for Rural Development in Somerset is hosting an art exhibit of oil paintings by a south central Kentucky couple who discovered a hidden talent when they enrolled in an art class at their local church.

Ray and Patricia Howard picked up a paint bush for the first time seven years ago when they decided to take free art classes at St. George Catholic Church in Jenkins, Ky.

Father Edward Randall, an 81-year-old priest and art teacher, would take on eight to 10 students per session, teaching them the basics of painting with oils.

The couple quickly developed a talent for painting and deep respect for their teacher, Father Randall, who they have dedicated their art exhibit to his “many years of teaching the beauty of art to so many people.”

“Father Randall taught the basics of art first. We didn’t see a paint brush or canvas for 10 weeks. He made sure we learned the ‘perspective of art’ before we started to paint,” recalled Ray Howard, who later became an art teacher and took over Father Randall’s classes.

Once beginning students started to paint, Father Randall moved them in with a more advanced class.

“We continued to receive guidance from Father Randall and each other as we pursued our individual journeys,” said Howard. “Father Randall taught all students to paint in oils because the paint took longer to dry and allowed students more time to learn to blend the colors.”

Father Randall asked Howard to take over teaching his classes two years after Ray began painting oils. Ray taught art classes until he and his wife moved to Monticello in Wayne County four years ago.

The Howards enjoy painting and sharing their work with the public. Howard, 60, retired from Verizon Communications, admits he would rather teach than paint – a goal he plans to pursue when he has the time and opportunity. He works as a security guard at Wayne County Hospital.

Patricia, 58, works for McDonald’s, a fast food restaurant, as a lobby host.

At 87, Father Randall’s failing health keeps him from teaching art classes. He is not only recognized for his contribution to the art community, but Father Randall traveled for nearly two decades throughout southern United States working in poor missions. In 1982, Mother Teresa expressed an interest in establishing a rural ministry in America. She decided to locate her first rural ministry in Jenkins, Ky., and sent four nuns to work with Father Randall. They opened a shelter for abused women. Throughout the years, Father Randall developed a close friendship with Mother Teresa and accompanied her on several mission trips. He continues to minister with the Missionaries of Charity and celebrates a Mass for the Sisters every evening.

Ray and Patricia honor Father Randall for his years of teaching and service by dedicating this visual arts exhibit to the quiet priest who prefers the solitude of the southeastern Kentucky mountains.

The public may view the exhibit from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during special events at The Center for Rural Development, located at Traffic Light No. 15 on U.S. 27 in Somerset. The oil paintings are on display in the front lobby and second floor at The Center through July 29.

For more information about the art exhibit, contact The Center for Rural Development at 606-677-6000.