J.K. and Erica Brister Purchase Autumn De Forest Painting to Benefit Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center's Education and Outreach Programs

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn., May 25, 2021 (Newswire.com) -  One of art phenom Autumn de Forest's colorful new paintings fetched $25,000 during a live auction fundraiser on May 8 at the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) in Hendersonville, Tenn. Mud and Pearls, de Forest's playful acrylic-on-canvas depiction of muddy pigs with glistening pearls, was purchased at auction by Sumner County Residents J.K. and Erica Brister. Funds from the auction will be used to support arts education and outreach at the MACC.

"Erica and I are dedicated to helping the MACC carry out its arts education mission," says J.K. Brister. "We are especially pleased to invest in and support the work of Autumn de Forest, who made a huge impression on our daughter Lovely during a master class at the MACC. Erica and I believe in the MACC and share the vision of art continuing to elevate, inspire and invigorate the community of Sumner County."

Autumn de Forest, who is now 19, has been an important professional artist for most of her life. Her works are collected around the world, and she has made appearances at both the White House and the Vatican, where at age 14 she met Pope Francis and received the International Vatican Award in Painting and Art. She staged her first exhibition at the MACC in 2017 and led a master class for area youth.

J.K. and Erica Brister are long-time supporters of the MACC. In 2017, they became the MACC's very first founding members, and their generosity has been vital to the MACC's success and growth. Funds from their purchase of Mud and Pearls will help support the MACC's Art After School and Homeschool Art programs. It will also provide funding for adult art classes and arts outreach programs to underserved youth, families and military veterans. "We are incredibly grateful to J.K. and Erica for everything they've done for the arts," says Cheryl Strichik, the MACC's Executive Director and CEO. "The MACC continues to benefit every day from their vision, leadership and generosity."

The most tangible sign of their support for the arts is Mud and Pearls, which the general public can see on display through June 13 at the MACC's current exhibit, The Artistic Evolution of Autumn De Forest. The Bristers have also agreed to make the painting available for future exhibitions, where it will likely hang alongside other de Forest works in the MACC's Permanent Memory Collection.

J.K. Brister is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations at U.S. Pest Protection, and Erica Brister is the organization's President and CEO. U.S. Pest Protection is the leading pest control company in Tennessee. With their headquarters located in Hendersonville, the Family-owned and operated business has numerous branch locations across the region that services thousands of residential and commercial customers in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center is conveniently located off Gallatin Pike just three miles east of Rivergate Mall. The place serves as a haven for the arts, hosting major art exhibitions throughout the year. It also offers classes and summer camps on art and film for children and adults. Monthaven Mansion is available to rent for weddings, receptions, showers, corporate team-building classes, and private parties. For more information, visit www.monthavenartsandculturalcenter.com or call (615) 822-0789.
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Source: Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center