By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The Union City High School Art Club recently took in a little bit of everything during a visit to Paducah.
Students in Hilary Webb’s classes admired several works and displays during the trip to the UNESCO Creative City (UNESCO Creative City | Paducah), including the riverfront flood murals, Yeiser Art Center, PAPA Art Gallery, and the Art Guild of Paducah.
There were also stops made at Bricolage Art Collective and several smaller art galleries and shops in the downtown area and Lowertown Arts District.
A particular highlight of the trip for students was a visit with Toney Little, a 2008 UCHS graduate who has become a well-known artist in the Paducah area for his many murals and acclaimed work.
Little has participated in several art shows and had many commissions, but most recently has worked with murals.
As the co-owner of Etcetera Coffeehouse, he reached out to his alma mater to give back to the Art Club. He invited students to meet him at his 3rd and Broadway mural that was commissioned by the city of Paducah and local donors.
Little explained the process and meaning of panels and then led the group down the block to see his origami-themed mural created during the COVID-19 shutdown. He and the students then headed to the Etcetera Coffee Shop to view more of his work and that of other artists and students.
Toney changes the murals at Etcetera frequently, so the art club had the opportunity to learn some professional spray-painting techniques and helped him fill in a Union City Tornado-inspired mural.
“I was excited and honored to be given a chance to lead a mural-painting exercise for the Union City High School Art Club,” Little said. “The art program at Union City, the UCHS Art Club, and Mrs. Webb each profoundly affected my confidence and ability in all things art.
“The encouragement and opportunities given to me in high school helped shape the direction I took in my adult life, giving me the foundation required to complete the big projects that I do today. It’s a wonderful feeling to introduce further generations of students to a new medium and help them find their own outlets.”
Webb, who was accompanied on the trip by bus driver Nelson Youngblood and volunteer chaperon Jonathan Hurtado, was thrilled with the day’s experience for her students.
“The students really enjoyed the trip and new art experiences,” she said. “Throughout the day, they were exposed to many working artists and were able to see how a creative career can be sustainable in our community and surrounding regions.
“Additionally, most of them had never been to those areas of Paducah and were excited about the cultural opportunities beyond the typical visits to the mall and modern shopping areas.”
Little’s art can be viewed on Instagram (@noney_paints) and in various locations around Paducah.
More than 300 pieces of artwork by Union City High School students are featured online https://sway.office.com/I8IhBaZ4dmLr53wC?ref=Link in the annual 2021-22 UCHS Virtual Art Show. The works include self-submitted work by students in Art 1 and Art 2.
The link can be opened by anyone with a cell phone, tablet, or computer.