Lamar Arts Donates Legge's Work to Gordon State College

Alumnas Portrait of Oppression Gifted from Lamar Arts
For a long time, the Lamar Arts organization wanted to donate a work by the late Virginia Cherry Legge to Gordon State College as part of the institution’s continuing collection of wall art, according to Lamar Arts President Kay Pedrotti.
In a short unveiling ceremony at the Lamar Arts Depot Gallery Thursday, the donation was accomplished and revealed Legge’s "Portrait of Oppression." The piece is a three-dimensional art work that was completed before she died in 2011.

Legge was a member of the Gordon Military High School Class of 1954. Her husband, Ed Legge, a high school class of 1953 graduate, is a former faculty member at Gordon. She was a Graduate of Gordon Grammar School, Gordon High School, and Auburn University as well as an accomplished artist, and an avid supporter of Lamar Arts. In high school, she served as vice president of the junior class and as homecoming queen her senior year. She also played basketball, served as a majorette and in the yearbook, history, drama and glee clubs.
Gallery director Angela Preston said Legge was an intellectual who treasured Barnesville as well as Gordon and would be so proud her work was dedicated to the college.
Preston described the art work as mixed media piece forming a collage using primarily paper mache with the figures in a bas relief compelling the viewer to examine the suffering. Legge’s piece is slated to be on display Fine Arts Auditorium at the college soon.
"There is something about this piece that resonates with me," Gordon State College President Kirk A. Nooks said in regards to Legge’s work. "I appreciate Virginia’s talent and her lifelong dedication to Gordon State College. We are fortunate that the community, trustees, faculty and staff are committed to Gordon State College. We look forward to building on the relationships between the institution and the community. This gift is an example of our partnership. I envision our students actively contributing to the Lamar Arts Gallery Depot in the future."
Friends and admirers of Legge’s work were in attendance from both the Lamar Arts and Gordon State College, including Barnesville Mayor Peter Banks. Banks said both Gordon State College and Lamar Arts have been an asset to the community.
"Virginia Cherry Legge was the first family friend I had as a child," Banks said. "Our mothers were childhood best friends and neighbors. Anytime I can honor Virginia, I am happy to do it. She was a talented artist, a patriot and patron of the arts. The generous gift of her work from the Lamar Arts to Gordon State College is a precious tribute."
Jenny Dawn Castillo operated two business, Humble Pie Catering and The Rumble Seat Inn Bed and Breakfast from the historic home of Legge’s grandfather, Dr. Rumble. Castillo sold the Inn and resides in Griffin where she focuses on her catering business. She said she quickly became friends with Legge and grew to appreciate her talents and legacy.
"Virginia loved Gordon," Castillo said. "She told me stories about growing up and the house. A few years ago, some of her classmates stayed at the Inn and shared stories about her."
A tree is dedicated to Leggee on the Gordon property as well.