Artwork on display in commissioner's office

COURTESY PHOTO Artist Emily Kilgore sculpts with a chainsaw. Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall is supporting local artists by giving them an opportunity to display their artwork in her Fort Myers office.

This month, Commissioner Hall introduces Emily Kilgore to Lee County. This is Ms. Kilgore's first public display of her artwork. The exhibit includes original oil paintings and sculptures made of welded steel and wood. A special piece featured is the "Freedom" statue that has been donated by the artist to the City of Fort Myers to be displayed at a city facility. Ms. Kilgore used a chain saw to carve the "Freedom" sculpture from a mahogany tree that was hit by lightning at the Fort Myers Country Club.

"As an artist, the intention of any piece of art, whether it be a sculpture or a painting, is to send a message," says the 23-year-old artist. "Just like the sculpture, we will rise out of the ash of tragedy and prosper."

Her work will be on display until June 30. The public is welcome to view the

artwork and learn more about the artist.

"The arts are an important part of the cultural development of our community," says Commissioner Hall. "I believe that government can play an important role in providing assistance in public awareness, developing the use of public spaces for display and interaction of art, and for the encouragement and commitment of continued financial support both public and private of all the arts."

Other local artists will be featured at four- to six-week intervals. Commissioner Hall's office is on the first floor of the Old County Courthouse,

2120 Main Street in downtown Fort Myers. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Commissioner Hall is the recent recipient of the Angel of the Arts Award - Business Sponsor 2009.