
BIO
Kenneth Craig Pruitt (b. 1949, United States) is a contemporary painter working in acrylics and oils. His work often extends beyond the canvas as he explores the history of his subject. Observation includes a thorough examination by delving into inner workings and analyzing how form and concept relate. Presently pursuing an M.F.A. in Painting from The Savannah College of Art and Design, Pruitt earned an M.A. in studio art from Texas A & M University – Commerce, and a B.A. in art from The University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His first juried exhibition was in 1969 in the 12th Annual Arkansas Festival of Art. Currently residing in Allen, Texas, Pruitt has participated in multiple group exhibitions at Wathena Temple Gallery and University Gallery in Commerce, Texas as well as Patty Granville Arts Center, in Garland, Texas. Pruitt teaches critical thinking skills through art to secondary students, and serves as the visual arts department head, at Leonard High School, Leonard, Texas . Pruitt is currently working on a single focus, multifarious exhibition project, Resurrection of an Icon.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The most recent work is focused on resurrection. Not the restoration of the soul but the rebirth of an icon-- my 1956 Corvette.
This work combines three of the things about which I am passionate: drawing, painting, and motor vehicles. The paintings honor dismantled parts of a rare example of automotive history awaiting rebirth---a reminder of what it once was and a prediction of the future. The heavy texture and quick swipes in the paintings signify the disjointed roughness of the collection of parts and pieces that have been dormant waiting to become once again a whole. There is a certain beauty in the deteriorated parts. They are worthy of being remembered as they are now. I am the documenter of the resurrection with paint and canvas. Similar to painting and drawing, I am the facilitator of the Iconic restoration, holding, cleaning and assembling the parts and pieces, with wrenches and screwdrivers combining them to become, a renewed masterpiece of transportation design that combines round, straight, sporty lines, balanced proportions, with the elegant, dainty appeal, of a near perfect shape creating and uncommonly attractive automobile that does not rely on an overabundance of garish chrome trim to enhance its look
CV
Kenneth Craig Pruitt is an artist, educator, student, and lifelong learner. He is a contemporary painter working in acrylics and oils. His work often extends beyond the canvas as he explores the history of his subject. Observation includes a thorough examination by delving into inner workings and analyzing how form and concept relate.
Education
2021 Pursuing MFA, painting, Savanah College of Art and Design
2019 MA, Studio Art, Texas A&M University, Commerce
1973 BA, Art (major/minor), University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Exhibitions
2018 Side Effects, University Gallery, Texas A&M University Commerce, Texas
Process to Progress, Wathena Temple Gallery, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas
Work in Process, Wathena Temple Gallery, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas
Party of Nine, Online / Wathena Temple Gallery, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas
2017 Faculty Art Show, The Granville Art Center, Garland, Texas
Arbiters of Taste, University Gallery, Texas A&M University Commerce, Texas
2016 Faculty Art Show, The Granville Art Center, Garland, Texas
2015 Annual Faculty Art Show, The Granville Art Center, Garland, Texas
2014 Annual Faculty Art Show, The Granville Art Center, Garland, Texas
Curatorial
2013 International Festival of Arts, Curtis Culwell Center, Garland, Texas
Artist Talk
2018 Final Presentation of the Dossier, A Work in Progress
Topic: Out of the Darkness; Proof
Workshop Presenter
2015 Annual Texas Art Education Fall Conference
Topic: Mosaics Made Easy
Research
2019 Misguided Perception
Investigates the relationship between discouragement in cognitive development and lack of artistic creativity.
A Journey Through Time
Focus on art and artists derived from descendants of the African Diaspora.
Association Memberships
Texas Art Education Association
Additional Experience
Secondary School Art Educator 12 years
Major Automobile Manufacturer General Motors 31 years
Military Air National Guard 10 years