Linda Gourley, an Averett College alumna from the Class of 1977, now teaches with the same passion for art that her instructors once inspired her with. Gourley credits her instructors for attracting her to Averett.
Even from a young age, Gourley always had a passion for art. She used to sit on her father’s lap while he would draw. Gourley visited Averett and decided it was a good fit for her artistically and academically. Now she has the pleasure of teaching at her alma mater.
When asked why she chose Averett, Gourley recalled being drawn to the art department’s faculty.
“Robert Marsh, who is a great printmaker, taught me a lot,” Gourley said. She was also inspired by Diane Kendrick’s work in crafts and cloisonné jewelry, stating, “I enjoyed doing that.”
Gourley mentioned that not every teacher was easygoing. “Maud Gatewood was the hardcore one,” Gourley said. “She was pretty hard on us, but she was a very good person, very nice person.”
Gourley enjoyed her time at Averett. She took classes to become a teacher too, but she ultimately decided to focus on art; however, Gourley ended up teaching elementary art part-time for over 23 years. She said, “I love teaching, but my major thing is art.”
While Gourley is not teaching, she is busy participating in art shows. She said fall is her busy season. Gourley likes all the art shows she has participated in, especially “Art on the Lawn”. Gourley said, “I like “Art on the Lawn” because people know me, and you know if they like your work, they’ll come back for it.” Gourley won ‘Best in Show’ last year at Danville’s “Art on the Lawn”. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History hosts “Art on the Lawn” annually each fall.
Gourley dabbles in many different print making techniques. She is experienced in collagraphs, intaglio etchings, relief printmaking, and more.
Gourley is inspired by many things. “A lot of things that attract my attention—of course plants, birds, nature, but I’m also attracted by Hispanic art, skeletons and Day of the Dead.”
You can view more of Gourley’s art on her website (www.lindagourley.com).
