Library Honors Local Grand Master Pencil Artist

The Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library has scheduled a special program Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 to 11:30 am to honor Grand Master Pencil Artist Norman L. Williams of Clayton and give the public a chance to see some of his best work.

"Passion Behind the Portraits" will feature Williams--whose work hangs on the walls of African-American greats such as Muhammad Ali, Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Coretta Scott King, Danny Glover and Dick Gregory--and son Eric, who will talk about his father's many great experiences, from graphic artist for the Defense Department to Grand Master. Everyone is invited.

"This is an extraordinary man," said Library Director Christie Starnes. "He does art for the joy of doing it. It's a really, really beautiful story."

The Williams family moved to Clayton about five years ago after falling in love with the town during a visit. Eric is an avid user of the library.

Some public exhibits of Williams' work includes the National Rights Museum and Institute, the Gen. Chappy James Museum and the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame.