Franklin, TN — Nashville artist Mildred (Millie) Jarrett will share her journey toward the development of her abstract painting during the free educational program of the Arts Council of Williamson County (ACWC), "Art: Up Close & Personal," on Monday, May 14, 2012, from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at the Williamson County Public Library.

Jarrett shares her philosophy in painting, "The numerous experiences of world travel enabled me to recognize the diversity of peoples and their art, which is reflected greatly in my work. Usually, there is no subject matter except emotional feelings that surface from the many past experiences."

She continues, "The passion for people and the emotional expression of painting are truly God-given gifts. I suppose the most important aspect of my pursuit is the manner in which it is approached. An honest, sincere spirit will always dominate technique. It is my strongest desire to reach the viewer with a 'hold on to your heart' emotion! As an artist, I am willing to make self-revealing discoveries steered by intuition."

This free lecture series is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The main branch of the Williamson County Public Library is located at 1314 Columbia Avenue in Franklin. For more information, visit www.artscouncilwc.org or call 615-428-3845.

Jarrett began in art classes at age 15, and continued her education at The University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University and Volunteer State Community College, then graduated with an associate of fine arts from Watkins College of Art and Design.

To sustain her career and buy supplies as a young adult, Jarrett began by selling encyclopedias door to door. Soon, she entered sales management and became an international trainer and motivational speaker. She points out, "The communication similarities were astounding! The success of each is hinged on an ardent desire to reach others."

Her work has been seen in numerous exhibitions and is found in corporate and private collections. Her solo exhibitions include the State of Tennessee Bicentennial Celebration in Nashville (2012); Leu Gallery, Belmont University in Nashville (2011); the Parthenon Museum in Nashville (1994-2005); Tennessee State Museum, Performing Arts Center, Nashville; Gordon Jewish Community Center, Nashville; River Gallery, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and many more.

She has been selected for Juried Exhibitions including Red Clay Survey, Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville, Ala.; Tennessee All-State Exhibition (1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997); Annual National Exhibition, Tulsa, Okla.; Brooks Memorial Bicentennial Exhibition, Memphis, Tenn.; Corporate Art, Tennessee State Arts Commission; Central South Annual Exhibition (1980, 1983, 1984, 1990, 1994, 1995); Renaissance Annual Regional, Dickson, Tenn. (200-2001); and Huntsville Art League, Birmingham, Ala.

Her paintings are hanging in corporate collections including Thrillkill, Harris and Wood. and Bottorff, Kavin and Cook, in Brentwood, Tenn.; Capital Mark Bank in Knoxville, Tenn.; American Contractors Inc., Andrews Distributing Company, B. F. Frierson Brentwood Capital Advisors LLC, Deloitte & Touche Headquarters, John Nelly and Associates, Johnson & Johnson Crabtree, Southeast Venture Corporation and Third National Bank, all in Nashville; J. J. Morley Enterprises in Alpharetta, Ga.; Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman in Los Angeles, Calif.; and Pitne-Jones & Fantl in Richmond, Va. Scott B. Hodes, director of visual arts for the Arts Council of Williamson County, has asked the guest speakers to share the experiences that have culminated in that person becoming a working artist in the community, such as background, history, choices and decisions, education and technique, work experience, and artistic and life influences.