Lillie Morris: Heggie’s Rock Revisited
On view in the Creel-Harison Gallery at GHIA from January 10 - February 24, 2017. An opening reception was held January 20, 2017
This exhibition of work by Augusta-based artist Lillie Morris focuses on the landscape of Heggie’s Rock in Appling, Georgia.
The works featured in the show transports the viewer to the barren, lunar-like landscape of this unique geological place.
The artist hopes to inspire you to visit the location she has interpreted through her art and invites you to enjoy this exhibition.
Read more about the exhibition in this feature by the Augusta Chronicle
Image: Fault Line by Lillie Morris, Oil/Cold Wax on Canvas, 36” x30”
Heggie’s Rock: Unique ecosystem, historical landmark
Heggie’s Rock is a spectacular granite outcrop spreading over 60 acres and rising 100 feet high. Heggie’s Rock first appears on the records in March 1769 when Georgia Roseborough petitioned the English government for "100 acres on Little Kiokee Creek, near Big Rock”. The sheer rock expanse is also thought to have been the location of the only two Revolutionary battles fought in Columbia county.
Currently owned, preserved, and protected by the Nature Conservancy, Heggie’s Rock is quite the wondrous ecosystem. It is inhabited by extreme plants that have innumerable adaptations to survive without any soil and withstand extreme temperatures. Stunted trees, endangered species and plants only found in two locations in the entire world scatter the landscape of Heggies’s Rock.
Eco-lovers, environmental novices and historians alike will find a visit to Heggie’s Rock fascinating.
About the Artist: Lillie Morris
Originally from Augusta, GA, Lillie Morris moved to Columbia County in the mid 1980’s. Interested in art since she was a young girl, Morris studied art at Augusta College in the early 70’s and has continued to explore a variety of painting mediums as well as collage throughout her adult life. She is known for her diversity, her love of texture and her impressionistic style.
Learn more about the artist online at LillieMorrisFineArt.com
SPECIAL EVENT: An expert guided tour to the site of Heggie’s Rock was arranged in conjunction with this exhibit and the Morris Museum of Art on January 21, 2027. Attendees were able to view Lillie’s work on display in the Creel-Harison Gallery at GHIA, then learn about this special place first-hand alongside the artist.