Local artist's story of struggle and success
By EMILY HRABOVSKY Sentinel Writer

If you have ever followed a dream down a dark uncertain path or fought against the odds to obtain the impossible, then you probably understand the plight of the artist and their need to follow the instinctive creative force that comes from within. Unfortunately, success usually comes with a rather hefty price tag: struggle. And no one knows this better than the artist trying to live off his or her art. After all, the term "starving artist" was not created in a vacuum, but rather describes the life of many who are brave enough to pursue their convictions and forge their own path through life. This is a story for anyone who has been willing to risk everything to be who they are. This is a story of hope.

Al Garnto, Blairsville born and raised, is definitely one of those people. Born on July 6, 1968, he discovered his love of art at a very early age. It was his mother that first taught him to draw, as he was "mimicking her drawing techniques" at the young age of four. Not surprisingly, his talent also became apparent early, as he gained some notice for his drawing abilities in his preteen years.

Al went on to further develop his abilities, as an art major, at Young Harris College, where he received quite a bit of recognition for both his sculptures and his paintings. In fact, during his time at the local college, Al was awarded the Presidential Scholarship to attend the Atlanta College of Art. As such, Al moved on to the art school in 1993, where he continued to make his impression on the art world, contributing several pieces to private art collections.

Then it was time to follow his heart back to Blairsville to do the only thing his ambition would allow; open his own art studio. For 13 long years, Al has poured himself into his business, 'Al Garnto Fine Art Studio,' making his living as a full time artist. And, as Al will tell you, life as an artist means you live under the law of "feast or famine." Fortunately, Al's diverse skills and multi-medium talents have helped him to stay afloat, having built a strong client base throughout the years, Al's hard work is finally bringing him the recognition and success, so long deserved.

From his photo-like portraits and beautiful murals to his large-scale abstract and impressionistic paintings, Al's work is prominently displayed in many public and private art collections throughout the south. In addition, Al is prized for his still life pieces, collages, sculptures and use of symbolic realism, undoubtedly making him one of the most creative and versatile artists in the area.

Though his commissioned portraits provide him with much of the finances to pursue his creative endeavors, Al is preparing his more abstract work for public showing. In fact, as Al sat down to talk with the Sentinel, he was placing finishing touches on his "Nottely River Collection" for his March 28, 2006 showing at David's Fine Art Gallery in Murphy, N.C. As many of you know, or may even have seen at the showing, the collection features impressionistic landscapes inspired by the beautiful local Nottely River scenery. Not surprisingly, these locally inspired pieces are very popular within the community. As a matter of fact, one of the larger pieces actually sold before the March 28 showing, a hopeful sign of times to come.

Pieces from Al's "Byron Herbert Reece Collection" are on permanent display at Young Harris College. In addition, 'David's Fine Art Gallery' hosts a variety of his work, from several different collections. In the future, Al plans to organize an independent showing with his good friend and fellow artist, Pat Aub Gray, coowner of the Carriage House Framing & Gallery in Blairsville. Though the exact date has not been finalized, Al believes the exhibition will take place "sometime mid-summer or in the fall" of this year. In addition, a "retrospective" mixture of Al's work will be featured at Brass Town Valley Resort at an event date yet to be announced.

With so much interest in his artwork, Al's struggle reads like that of an American success story, as his hard work and sacrifice is certainly paying off. And though the journey may have been dark and long, he stuck with it and believed in his dream. As such, it appears as if the famine is over, with hopes that the world, especially Union County, continue to recognize his great passion and talent.