October FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

October FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

Renay Knight Compton

"The Knight Gallery"

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. Please take a few extra moments the next time you visit to pause and savor these artists' creations.

 

Each artist who displays their collection on the FOBL Gallery Wall contributes one piece to the our Art Lending Library. With over 230 pieces to choose from, patrons are able to check them out for ninety days. This artwork is a beautiful addition to the library that includes original artwork in acrylics, oils, pen and ink, pastels, photographs, and water colors. A full, detailed description of most items can be found in the Digital Collection on the library’s website.

 

Renay Knight Compton is our featured FOBL Gallery Wall Artist. "The Knight Gallery" is actually a family affair - a collection of work from the artist, her father, and her sister. It tells a story of their creative journey through life.

 

Her grandfather, Percy Dawson Knight, was a trombonist who toured with well-known bands of the 1920's. He died at an early age, leaving behind his four year old son. "The Laughing Trombonist" is a portrait tribute to him. 

 

Her father, Eugene W. Knight, a WWII Air Force First Lieutenant, later worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as an illustrator and took up painting as a hobby during retirement. He later became a painting teacher. Forty-two of his aircraft paintings were later donated to The United States Air Force Art Program. All of the aircraft paintings can be see online under "The United States Air Force Art Collection".

 

Renay Knight Compton carries on the Knight enthusiasm for the arts and believes art is therapeutic. A former foreign language teacher, she used her creative skills to design colorful and fun teaching materials. She says, "The act of creating brings a sense of joy."

 

Melanie Knight Dittmar, Renay's sister, is currently working on a historical novel about her parents. She's also a musician. Melanie's painting style is diverse, from realistic watercolors to impressionistic oils to modern design acrylics.

 

Please stop by, enjoy this artwork, and learn more about the Knight family's history in paint.