Actor Freeman meets Artist Elmer!

You may recognize the painting to the right simply titled "31805" by Roy Elmer.  This original watercolor hung in the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art in Jackson, TN for a number of weeks before it was recently purchased by Oscar Winning actor Morgan Freeman.

Roy & Dee Elmer visited Clarksdale, Mississippi a few weeks ago for a mini getaway trip mainly to visit a little hideaway in the heart of the Mississippi Delta called the Shack Up Inn.  Dee had read a brief write-up about the Shack Up Inn in Southern Living Magazine and thought it sounded like a fun place to visit.  Morgan Freeman's restaurant Madidi's and blues nightclub Ground Zero are also close by.

Roy & Dee both enjoyed their stay at the Shack Up Inn and dinner at Madidi's so much that they returned with some friends a few weeks later.  Roy had left some of his artist materials with the restaurant manager since he'd noticed that only original artwork adorned the walls of Madidi's. Upon their return Morgan's manager recognized Roy from the materials he had left previously and excitedly told him that Morgan wanted to meet him and see his artwork first-hand.  Roy returned two weeks later with his artwork in tow, "31805" being one of them.  Roy said, "Morgan is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet."  Freeman purchased two of Roy's paintings on the spot and another site unseen.

I found out later after discussing the whole event with Roy that he has sold paintings to Jimmy Buffet, Bo Derrick and Nicholas Cage.  COOL!  But I knew I liked Roy's artwork long before I knew that celebrities also admired his work.  And to think we have access to Roy Elmer's original watercolor painting talent right here in Jackson, Tennessee at The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art!

Article written by Rachel Dickson
All images copyright ©Roy Elmer