Art After Dark

The daughter of an artist, Suzanne Barrett Justis grew up painting. But it wasn’t until after she graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in animal science and pursued a career in cancer research at Vanderbilt University that she realized she could pursue painting professionally. Now based in Kingsport, Tennessee, Justis creates hyper-realistic renderings of river otters, ruby-throated hummingbirds, racing rabbits, and other critters. According to a statement from Twigs & Leaves Gallery in Waynesville, her art culls inspiration from wildlife artists like Robert Bateman and John Kuhn as well as portrait artist John Singer Sargent. Meanwhile, Justis’ background in animal science “enhances her ability to capture the essence of her animal subjects.” The first Friday of September, Twigs & Leaves will showcase her work during Art After Dark, the town’s gallery stroll. The evening will also feature art by Rives Deaton, a plein-air painter rooted in East Tennessee. On the first Friday of October, the gallery will celebrate its 26th anniversary with paintings by Asheville-area artist Sarah Sneeden. Both events will include live music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine.