Works by Children’s Book Author and Illustrator Rhea Wells showcased in Jonesborough, Tennessee

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. – Children’s book author/illustrator Rhea Wells ventured far and wide throughout his life, but he always held his hometown of Jonesborough near and dear to his heart.

Wells’ work will be showcased in the exhibit “Far Away and Close to Home: The Art and Words of Author/Illustrator Rhea Wells” on display 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 26-Feb. 23 at the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School. There is also a companion exhibit on Wells’ life in the Jonesborough/Washington County History Museum at the Jonesborough Visitor’s Center.

“Far Away and Close to Home” will feature artwork from Wells’ art school portfolio, as well as illustrations from some of his books. Wells was writing in the 1920s and 1930s, when the field of children’s literature was just developing.

A series of programs are planned around the exhibit, beginning with an opening night reception and art history talk at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the McKinney Center. Children will be able to make and illustrate their own books at the Jonesborough Library on Saturday, Feb. 3. To carry on Wells’ tradition of advocacy for libraries and literacy, the Heritage Alliance will host a panel discussion with local librarians and educators 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the McKinney Center. 

“Far Away and Close to Home” is presented by the Heritage Alliance and is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Tennessee, an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to the preservation of the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of our region and to providing educational experiences related to history and heritage for a wide range of audiences.

For more information, call the office at 423-753-9580, email info@heritageall.org, or visit www.heritageall.org.

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