The Art of The Railroad

The Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, will soon host a reception for a new exhibition, The Tracks of My Years. It's an apt title, as the show (which runs for three weeks) features watercolors and photographs from local artist and railroad enthusiast Ron Flanary. 

He began sketching trains at just three years of age, and told News Wire he was later inspired by railway artist Howard Fogg, with whom he kept in touch. Another important figure was Grif Teller, as Ron even copied his style for one of his own creations. 

The opening is to be held on the 17th of January, from 2-3:30 p.m. at the MECC's Wampler Library. Ron will be there to discuss his work, which will be on display at the school's Slemp Gallery.  

The 76-year-old is also a railroad historian who has written or co-authored ten books and contributed to hundreds of magazine articles. He even worked for a few years at the Southern-Interstate Railway division offices in Andover, Virginia--first as a janitor, and then as a management trainee in the engineering department. 

Ron's commissioned painting clients include the L&N Railroad Company and Cone Mills.  

In addition, Flanary is an accomplished jazz trumpeter. Last year, he performed at the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Historical Society Annual Convention.