Smart, beautiful, young, creative, confident: Landee Bryant brings an authentic spirit and sense of style wherever she goes. And we’re lucky that at least five days a week, she goes to the Yeiser Art Center (YAC). Landee was just named gallery specialist, and will continue leading the YAC through its 50th anniversary and beyond. She’s also a barista at Etcetera Coffeehouse on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday mornings.iList Paducah: Landee Bryant, you are just cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it. Are you from here?
LB: I’m originally from Cadiz, Ky., a small town an hour toward the lakes, with a population of 2,000. Now that I look back on it, I enjoyed growing up in that kind of atmosphere where everyone knows everyone. Paducah is a big city to me! But the more people I meet, the smaller it gets.
IL: Landee, you definitely have the look and style of a very cool artist chick. Are you a trained artist?
LB: Thank you! And yes, but only recently. Both my parents taught at my high school. My dad was the art teacher, so I never took art because I didn't want to have my dad as a teacher. He and my brother both are so talented that it was kind of intimidating. I took some life drawing classes at Murray State, though, and realized I had a talent for it. So I had something there that didn't come out until I got to college.
IL: And you earned your degree in art?LB: I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in photography. I also got my teaching certification. My first job out of college was teaching art at Morgan Elementary here in Paducah. I did that for two years. Then I worked in retail until my job opened up at the Yeiser.
IL: Tell us what you do now?
LB: Well, I have been the administrative specialist, but as of Aug. 1, I'll be the gallery specialist. Catie Bates had the job but is moving to Louisville to pursue a master’s degree. I'm moving into her spot, and we've hired Trish Boyd to take my old job.
Trish and I will work together to seek out and secure various exhibits that represent all kinds of art, apply for grants and solicit sponsorships for shows. Fundraising is key to what we do.
IL: How about volunteers?
LB: We always need volunteers — and that’s a great way for younger folks to get involved. In general, with MySpace pages, Web sites and so forth, my generation and those a bit older and younger are very interested in art and visual expression. YAC has a wonderful board of directors and each member heads a committee. So if anyone is interested in volunteering, we have opportunities for you.
IL: Speaking of visual expression, Landee, tell us about your tats! How many do you have?LB: I guess 10. There are a few that go together, but they were done separately.
IL: When did you get the first one?
LB: I was 22. I designed it. It’s my initials at the top of my mid back.
IL: What did your parents say?
LB: They were upset at first, but they got over it. Now they don't mind tattoos — they just think that money should be spent in other ways.
IL: And what’s this going on with your left shoulder?
LB: This is a tribute to my dad, and very personal to me, because it’s a replica of one of his abstract paintings. It’s not even close to finished. There’s a guy in Carbondale who’s doing it for me. It will take 12 hours all together.
IL: Does your dad know about it?LB: No, it’s a surprise. I think he'll be touched.
IL: It’s gotta hurt.
LB: To me it’s like a therapeutic kind of pain. You're going through it and you're uncomfortable. But in the end you have beautiful piece of art.
IL: I got henna'd a few weeks ago. We had a Gals' Night In Henna Party.
LB: I think henna is beautiful. I love the color.
IL: Yeah, and it didn't hurt. And it’s not permanent.
LB: That’s true. Tattoos are definitely permanent unless you pay to laser them off. I would encourage anybody to not get a tattoo for several years. I put a lot of thought into mine. And I can cover them if I need to.
 Opening Reception Jerry Watson Retrospective Yeiser Art Center 200 Broadway 5-7 p.m. theyeiser.org This show features a collection of Paducah native Jerry Watson’s paintings, gathered from local collectors and surrounding museums. Through September 15. 442.2453 |
LB: Sometimes you do kinda judge people when you first see them — but to me, it’s more about the person than the tattoos. I'm dating someone now who has lots of tattoos. He works at Max’s and wears long sleeves so you can't see them. I look forward to the day when that isn’t really necessary and people aren't judged by such things as tattoos. I think, though, that tattoos are getting more accepted each day.
IL: Right on! So, Landee, describe for us a perfect Paducah date.
LB: Well, this Saturday, for example, I'd recommend coming to our YAC opening reception for Jerry Watson. He’s a Paducah native, an original YAC member and we're doing a retrospective of his work. It’s from 5-7 p.m., and there’s free wine and cheese! Then I'd say dinner at Max’s or Doe’s and a movie at Maiden Alley. I always have fun ending up at Jeremiah’s for drinks and dancing on a Saturday night. So that way you get great food, entertainment and art all in one night!
IL: That sounds like a pretty awesome evening — especially for any fella who gets to hang with you. Landee, you are quite a work of art yourself!
Landee’s MySpace page
