CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY IS DISPLAYING
ART WORK BY BILLIE SUE KIBBONS

By Rachel Crenshaw, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Campbellsville University is displaying an art exhibit featuring many paintings and prints by Billie Sue Kibbons, a resident of Campbellsville, through Oct. 10.

The exhibit is at CU's Art Gallery at 205 University Drive, Campbellsville, where a reception will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, during Homecoming, from 10 a.m. to noon. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Kibbons said she has been in a love affair with art since her first lesson in 1965.

“I feel God, the creator, is a wonderful artist,” Kibbons said. “He made our universe and world so colorful, beautiful and astounding. Art is God's gift to everyone. I feel so blessed to be able to share with people my inspiration and joy of painting landscapes, still life, flowers and people.”

Kibbons said she enjoys painting what excites her; therefore, she hopes her art will help others to have a greater awareness of the beauty that surrounds them in every day life.

Artist Billie Sue Kibbons, left, of Campbellsville shows Emmeline Womble of Benton, Ky., art gallery assistant at Campbellsville, some of her paintings on display at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Bayarmagnai “Max” Nergui)

Kibbons is the creator of the CU Centennial painting “From Dreams to Reality,” a watercolor depiction of the 100-year history of Campbellsville University.

Ceasing to learn and grow as an artist is not an option, Kibbons said. She received a bachelor in science in elementary education in 1976 and an area of art in 1977 from Campbellsville University. In addition, she has also taken lessons from Maria Simmons, an artist in Elizabethtown, Ky.

Kibbons has also participated in various watercolor and oil pastel workshops as she continues to study art through videos, books and magazines.

Kibbons' work is realistic. Her artwork combines loose and tight strokes in which she strives to relay a sense of harmony and softness through her choice of color and composition.

Her art work has been accepted in juried art shows with the Kentucky Watercolor Society and the Central Kentucky Arts Series. She has also received various awards in several juried and non-juried art shows.

In addition, Kibbons has won awards at the Kentucky State Fair with her diverse oil portraits. Kibbons' paintings and oil portraits can be found throughout the United States in various private and business institutions.

“I hope you will enjoy this present and retrospective exhibit of art work,” she said.

Kibbons is a Missouri native who has resided in Campbellsville since 1964. She is married to Dr. Jerry Kibbons, a professor emeritus in Christian studies at Campbellsville University. They have three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2010 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in the south. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.

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