They were married for over half-a-century. No one knew him like she did. Tonight, Nancy Kollock will offer a glimpse into her life with noted artist, author, and historian John Kollock during a special presentation in Demorest.
“Anybody who appreciates art or is an artist or is interested in becoming an artist or historic preservationist, it will be all those things,” says Habersham County Historical Society President Audrey Davenport.
The Historical Society is sponsoring the event as part of the county’s bicentennial celebration.
The evening promises to be as emotional as it is informational.
The man behind the canvas
John Kollock passed away in 2014 but his talent and love for North Georgia live on in his work. He captured local scenery and history in his watercolor prints and paintings. He wrote and illustrated a number of books. He used his vision and talent to help save the once dying town of Helen by transforming it into an Alpine-themed tourist destination.
His long-time friend Dr. Tom Hodges chokes up remembering him, but also lights up talking about John’s work and research.
“At times he’d even use postcards that were saved by the owner of the Hollow Log,” Hodges says referring to a well-known local frame shop in Cornelia. “He’d utilize these (postcards) for comparisons.”
Hodges also recounts a conversation he had with John about the Helen project.
“I said ‘What about those paintings in Helen, Georgia?’ He said, ‘Well I suggested they use some of the older people and paint them on the buildings and nobody would dare touch them.'”
It’s those kinds of stories that reveal the man behind the canvas. It’s those kinds of stories you can expect to hear more of on Thursday.
Painting the past: My Life with John Kollock begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Demorest Federated Church. There will be a question and answer session following Nancy Kollock’s presentation. Refreshments will be served.
The event is free and open to the public.
Demorest Federated Church is located at 611 Georgia Street, Demorest, Georgia 30535.
