Lovely artist recognized

BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

LOVELY — Local artist Hefner will present her latest work at Haus of Hefner, a solo exhibit at the Mountain Arts Center, with an opening reception Aug. 5. Her work will remain on display for the entire month of August and will be available for purchase.

Hefner, based out of Lovely, is an active member of the eastern Kentucky art community. So far, her work has been featured in six group art shows in the area this year.

“Networking is a huge part of this,” Hefner said, emphasizing the importance of going to as many shows as possible.

Hefner has been actively producing art since she was a child but is excited to be committing more time to it. In the past, art sales and commissions have helped Hefner fund other ventures in her life, including becoming a beautician.

While Hefner has no shortage of recent artistic accomplishments, when asked what she was most proud of artistically, she cited her Appalachian LGBTQ Doodle series, a series of illustrations inspired by Hefner’s experience growing up gay in Appalachia.

The series has been quite popular among Hefner’s fans and allows her to express ideas, memories and trauma more freely. Prints of the series can currently be purchased by messaging Hefner on social media.

Hefner is thankful for the increase in local events supporting the arts in recent years but worries about the community response to the artistic community.

“This stuff didn’t use to be here. There weren’t these opportunities. But the people who are providing these opportunities are going to battle with a sword and shield all the time for this stuff; it’s crazy.”

Hefner recently attended the Grayson Gallery’s annual Pride show, where her work was featured. Last year, around the time of the Pride show, community members attempted to petition the city of Grayson to shut down the gallery due to its support of the LBTQIA+ community and other socially progressive groups.

If it weren’t for folks like Grayson Gallery owner Dan Click “going to battle” for the community, the arts in eastern Kentucky would be forever suppressed and non-inclusive.

Along with her solo show at the MAC, Hefner’s work will also be appearing on exhibit at the Mountain Grrl Experience festival July 22 and 23 in Pikeville. Follow Hefner on social media to see her work and stay up-to-date on upcoming shows and ways to support the local art community.