GVA - Glynn VIsual Arts News Release

For Immediate Release

Press Inquiries, Contact: Kari Morris 912-638-8770 Kari@glynnvisualarts.org

From the Coast to the Mountains

Landscape Beauty and Introspection in Fine Oil Paintings and Photography

Opening Reception Thursday, January 8, 5:30 to 7:00 pm

106 Island Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

St. Simon’s Island, GA, December 12, 2025— Glynn Visual Arts (GVA) presents the fine art of Thomas L. (Tom) Cato and George Netherton in their representation of three distinct landscapes in "From the Coast to the Mountains" on display January 6 - February 6 in the GVA Portman Gallery.

The coastline, the marshlands, and the mountain farm each offer a unique perspective for introspection in the realistic oil paintings and photography of these artists.

An Opening Reception on Thursday, January 8, from 5:30 - 7 pm will allow the public to pause and reflect on the interplay between nature and emotions in the presented artworks and in the company of Netherton and Cato. All works will be offered for sale during the entire exhibition.

Cato is Professor Emeritus of Art and Art Education at Armstrong State University, which is now known as the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University. He holds a doctorate degree in art education from the University of Georgia. During his academic career, he received several awards and presented more than 70 professional workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and gallery talks. He primarily paints in oils but also applies his painting expertise to his photography.

Netherton is known to inspire many “budding artists” who explore art in their retirement years as he has done so successfully. Since moving to St. Simons Island in 2004, Netherton devoted himself to painting and art interests that go back to his childhood. He is an award-winning participant of many local and national plein air events and is very active in the local art community including with GV A and the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild. He also has been a lead participant and organizer of the Albert Fendig Howfly-Broadfield Plantation Plein Air Event since its inception 15 years ago. Netherton’s art is represented by Reinert Fine Art in Charleston, SC.

Above: The Lamps Are Lit, Oil Painting by George Netherton

Above: Forgotten Sanctuary, Photograph by Tom Cato

From the Coast to the Mountains

is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to the Opening Reception on Thursday, January 8, from 5:30 to 7 pm at Glynn Visual Arts, 106 Island Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522. The Portman Gallery at GVA is open every Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

For more information about GVA’s upcoming events, please visit our website at www.glynnvisualarts.org.

About Glynn Visual Arts, Inc (GVA)

Glynn Visual Arts, Inc (GVA) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, located on St. Simons Island, GA. GV A was founded in 1953 and serves the Glynn County community with a mission to “enrich our community by stimulating interest and participation in the visual arts.” The GVA vision and purpose is “to foster creativity to liberate, inspire, entertain, educate and nurture our community through the arts." As a cultural cornerstone of Glynn County, we serve our purpose and community with programming that provides fine art exhibitions, adult and youth classes, camps, festivals, an on-site Art Market, and a premier pottery studio.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday