Judy DeHart Davis

Judy DeHart Davis was not only among the first to recognize the rich heritage and architecture of our community through art, but was also a pioneer in making an array of these historic depictions available to a much wider audience.

Davis has developed an intense interest in the history of the Allegany County area and in the heritage exemplified by scenes she depicts. Judy feels her art is her best means of preserving and paying homage to the many architectural treasures of our past and present. Judy says, "I am most proud of my participation in the first Heritage Days (George Washington's Birthday Celebration) at Riverside Park, Cumberland, Maryland held in February 1968. We drank a lot of hot chocolate because the weather was so damp and cold. Thank Goodness the county changed the dates to June and then re-named the celebration Heritage Days. I participated outside on Washington Street until 1994 and then moved downtown to an inside location."

In 1970, Judy started drawing historic prints of Allegany County and environs. The series has expanded to include 61 prints, 2 posters, set of note cards and is still growing. A complete set of prints is included in the historical collection of the Appalachian Room at Allegany College of Maryland and prints are on permanent display in the Continuing Education offices. Judy's photographs of the FSU Prospect VII sculpture are in the permanent collection of Frostburg State College Library's Special Collections Room and were on permanent display in the president's board room. Judy's photo of the fountain on the Downtown Cumberland Mall was selected for the permanent collection of the Artworks Bank: FRRIC Foundation Canada, "Artworks Bank: FRRIC International Competition 1989". A number of historical prints are in the collections of such noted figures as Warner Von Braun, Justice William O. Douglas, United States Senator Charles Mathias, Maryland State Senator John Cade and displayed in the White House staff offices during the administration of President Jimmy Carter. Local business representatives to diplomats and foreign countries have also selected the prints for presentations. Judy has been accepted into the Archives on Women Artists in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.

Even though Judy is known for her series of historic prints, she has expanded her art work to include two-dimensional collages created through weaving, stitching, layering, fabric glazing and flower pounding hung in old house windows. This new direction also includes three-dimensional floor pieces and wall reliefs constructed of collected objects. The viewer will find in these works an extension of the historic theme woven into these new presentations. Inspirations for these pieces can be traced to Judy's traditional photographs and prints. The three-dimensional floor pieces and wall reliefs are unexpected combinations of objects put together with unusual textures and colors. All of these objects were found in Allegany County and possess a presence that invites the viewer to touch and experience their tactual uniqueness. Although both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces appear to be a part of a series, Judy assures us they were individually inspired. Judy explained, "These art works are the crafted combinations and the juxtaposition of ideas translated into individual pieces. I used a variety of art methods I had always wanted to include in my work and combinations that I felt would surprise the viewer. My objective is to have the observer achieve the same level of excitement in viewing the pieces as I had in creating them. For me the conceptualization and subsequent creation is the best part of the process."

Judy has served as Continuing Education Coordinator of Community Education at Allegany College of Maryland since 1988. She taught advanced photography classes at the college from 1989 to 1998 and contributed a column on photography for the Times News from 1991 to 1996. Her photographs have been published in national magazines and are included in several permanent collections. Judy's work is on display and for sale at area art galleries and retail businesses.

Judy's formal academic training includes three years at the University of South Florida in the fine art curriculum. She has an AA degree in Communication Arts Technology from Allegany College of Maryland, and a BS degree from Frostburg State University in fine art with a concentration in graphic design.