Laird Bagnall

After retiring from a 24 year military career, Laird Bagnall developed an interest in the visual late in life. The seeds of his early interest were germinated through travel and photography. His earliest attempts were oil painting, utilizing his photographs as a springboard. He was encouraged by the vivid results of the medium when craftsmanship, attention to detail, and good composition were combined. After retiring and moving to Columbus in 1995, he tinkered with copper and tile, fashioning three dimensional objects including small fountains. His wife, Dew liked what she saw and encouraged him to enroll at MUW where he majored in art in hopes of discovering other mediums. While there, he tried his hand at jewelry making, pottery, drawing, sculpture, design, oil painting and black & white photography including darkroom techniques. He enjoyed them all. After graduation, he took two watercolor classes utilizing the continuing education prrogram at the time.

Much of his work is nature themed and realistic in presentation, trying to simulate natural forms as closely as possible. His attention is split between 3D art, utilizing copper, wood and found objects, drawing and oil/watercolor painting. He finds himself switching between or combining these mediums. He likes movement in art and enjoys seeing animation in a piece. He also enjoys building fountains using copper leaf elements and hanging mobiles made of various natural materials. Another favorite for outdoor presentation are kinetic wind powered sculptures. Many of his paintings reflect landscapes of rural or water oriented settings.

With photography being his first inspiration, he is always searching for a good picture to stand alone or as a model for oil or watercolor painting.

Adele Elliott

      Adele is a transplanted New Orleanian. Blown to Mississippi by an evil wind named Katrina, she is still in love with her home citys eccentricities and quirky qualities. Her paintings are from the French Quarter, including some from her personal cache of associations.

      Adeles work is strongly influenced by Catholic iconography and by her travels to Central America and the Caribbean. Some inspirations are Joseph Cornell, Odilon Redon and the amazing cast of New Orleans characters. She is collected internationally.

Now, in love with her new home, Columbus, she finds much inspiration from the beauty and history of this small city.

    The artist is married to tourism executive Chris Hannon and is the mother of Gris Gris, a beautiful kitty found in Woldenburg Park; Loa, a very magical boy cat; and lady dog, Cordelia. In Columbus, the family has been joined by Charlotte, a wild child from the Columbus – Lowndes Humane Society.

     All in the Elliott Hannon home are so very delighted to have landed in this charming place!