Local artists play integral roles in Depot Days of Summer
Special to The Clinton Courier
Barbara and Jim Slater donated an award-winning photo taken on a trip to California for permanent display at the Depot.
Clinton’s Olde Towne Depot recently concluded its Depot Days of Summer by expressing special appreciation for the contributions of two Clinton artists to the program’s All Aboard Art Gallery, which brought train-related artwork to the Depot walls for all to enjoy.
Jim Slater, along with his wife Barbara, loaned a black and white photograph of train tracks stretching into the distance, which they captured spontaneously during a road trip in California. The roadside moment turned into an award-winning photo, earning first place in the Hattiesburg Arts Council’s landscape division.
At the close of the exhibit, the Slaters gifted the piece to the Depot, where it will have a permanent home for Depot visitors to enjoy for years to come.
Depot staff say they are “incredibly grateful to Jim for sharing not only his work, but the story behind it. His gift is a beautiful reminder that some of the best images – and moments – come when we pause and see the world through a different lens.”
Chris Shepherd also played a pivotal role in the Depot Days of Summer, both as an artist as well as a train enthusiast. In addition to setting up and overseeing the model train display that was a favorite among visitors of all ages, Shepherd loaned several original works to the Depot for the All Aboard Art Gallery.
A familiar face in Clinton, Shepherd is known not only for his love of trains but also for his oil paintings that celebrate historic homes and Southern charm. Clintonians have likely seen his work around town — from the vibrant butterfly mural at the Depot to his one-of-a-kind pieces at the Olde Towne Market.
Depot staff say Shepherd’s involvement made “this summer at the Depot truly unforgettable,” and that his “talent and generosity continue to inspire and delight.”
The Olde Towne Depot is located at 281 East Leake Street. For more information, visit OldeTowneDepot.com, or call 601-924-0113.
Clinton artist Chris Shepherd loaned multiple pieces of his original artwork to the Depot for the Depot Days of Summer.
