On Sunday, August 4, the Aurora Project will open an exhibit showcasing many of the original artworks of Parsons’ artist Alain Kieny. The opening reception will be from 4-7 at the Old Aurora General Store on US Route 50 in Aurora, Preston County. The exhibit will remain open weekends through October 6 or by appointment.
Alain was born in Lyon, France soon after the end of WWII. He worked as a technical draftsman before being drawn to capture the beauty of the natural world and the ordinary through soft pastels. This area and its history was a frequent subject of his work, including a large-format painting of historic photos of Tucker County which was exhibited in the Courthouse Annex during 2021.
Alain was co-owner of LaFontaine Bakery with his wife, Mimi Kibler. He died in February, 2023.
This exhibit is co-hosted by the Aurora Project and ArtSpring. The Aurora Project’s mission is “Keeping the Arts Alive in Appalachia”. ArtSpring’s very similar mission is to act as “A Steward of Tucker County Arts”.