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

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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