Cornelia artist Jan Walker’s art display, which includes the art from her new children’s book, “The Christmas Neep,” is on display at the Piedmont University’s Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art in Demorest. The show also includes the art of her students.
Walker and her “Neeps,” which she began drawing in 1984, hold a whimsical piece of Habersham County’s history and culture. Walker is an instrumental part of the Cornelia community as an artist, mentor and friend to many. She is the owner of Cornelia’s “The Children’s Gallery,” where she has taught art to Habersham’s youth for over 40 years.
“Teaching has been my greatest joy in life, more than my art and my books, for sure,” Walker says. “I love being a teacher, and I think that I have things to teach [my students]. I have a podium, I can teach children good things: to be kind and nice, and to be good to each other.”
Beyond mentoring area children, her art has added a magical perspective to Cornelia’s landmarks and natural beauty. Her art includes familiar scenes like Lake Russell and the Big Red Apple, populated with her fairy-like Neeps.
“I think Jan is a wonderful part of our community,” says Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art Director Rebecca Brantley. “And one thing we want to do is celebrate her contribution. It’s a lot of fun to see her new book, which is a brand new book.”
“The Christmas Neep,” is Walker’s fifth book, and a story she wrote many years ago to tell students when she visited local elementary schools. The story follows along a Neep who has been nominated to become the “Christmas Neep,” and discovers the true meaning of Christmas—giving to those in need—along the way.
Walker will hold a book signing at the MSMA from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8 where attendees can purchase a hardcover copy of “The Christmas Neep,” and get their book signed, just in time for Christmas.
Walker’s quirky Christmas exhibit at the museum will be on display until Dec. 15.
