Monroe, North Carolina Drawing

My wife Marie and I enjoyed a visit to the beautiful town of Monroe, North Carolina. Everyone we met was so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed meeting people like Helen Thomas of the First Citizens Bank, who is also president of the Breakfast Rotary Club. Matthew Sganga, chef/owner of Stone Table Cafe and Catering in Nottingham Plaza fed us well.

The pencil drawing of Monroe was done by our daughter, Michelle, whose work has been published in national civic magazines. She has been called "one of the South’s most prolific artists in capturing small town Americana." Her interest in art was sparked while she was a small child looking over her father’s shoulder as he was drawing. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in graphic design; soon afterwards she began working with her father, Tommy Thompson, also known for his sketches of Southern towns. The artist's composite pencil drawings reveal a meticulous attention to detail, which gives a delicate quality to the overall print. Her prints have often been used for fundraisers, raising money around the country and receiving greater prominence through features in national magazines. She also produced drawings of the homes of the late record producer Sam Phillips and late author Alex Haley. To order a print of Monroe, please click here: 

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/north-carolina/monroe-nc.

Concord, NC Drawing

When the new county of Cabarrus, North Carolina, was formed, there was controversy over the selection of the county seat. Finally, a compromise was reached and a new city was formed in 1796. The city was to be located on a 26-acre site and was to be called Concord, which means harmony. The founders felt the name appropriate since there was a coming together of the two factions to create the city. Concord was incorporated in 1806.

The Village Prints drawing of Concord depicts several historical landmarks such as the old court house, the old mill, the post office, the old high school and other buildings. Concord is located in the Piedmont. Gold was discovered near Concord in 1799, sparking the North Carolina gold rush. The city was the filming location for the 2001 movie, "Shallow Hal." Well-known residents have included William "Billy" Goodman, baseball player. Attractions in Concord include the Concord Motorsport Park, the Lowe's Motor Speedway, and NASCAR Speedpark. To purchase a copy of the print pictured above, see this link: http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/north-carolina/concord-nc/.

Newly Redesigned Web Site at Village Prints. Com

Artist Tommy Thompson has now redesigned his web site for Village Prints.com. During the two decades, the artist has recorded for posterity the main streets of small-town America. Thompson has more than 30 years' experience in art, photography, printing and marketing. The native Mississippian studied graphic art at Mississippi State University, where he also supervised the art and photography division of the Mississippi Agricultural Experiment Station. Thompson began his unique business, Village Prints, in 1984, and since that time he and his daughters Michelle and Melanie produced drawings of more than 300 towns in 12 states across the southern United States. Struck by the pride of older Americans in the heritage of their towns, Thompson has transformed glimpses of the past found in old, faded photographs and memories into composite drawings, which are then printed as limited editions. Collectors of Thompson's prints sometimes find it difficult to locate someone who is willing to part with their prints once all the prints of a particular town are sold, which sometimes occurs in a week or two. Because these art prints are limited editions, they represent an investment that increases in value over time. 

Return to Basics--Find a Drawing of the Hometown of Your Roots

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/texas/marshall-tx

Whenever we experience an economic downturn, we usually want to return to the basics--to a simpler way of life.

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/arkansas/hope-ar

If you long to return to your roots, why not search for your hometown on http://www.villageprints.com/.

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/georgia/camilla-ga

Tommy Thompson or his two daughters may have captured the essence of your hometown in a composite drawing.

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/alabama/springville-alabama

These artists have preserved the memories of hundreds of towns in 12 states across the South.

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/north-carolina/concord-nc

These limited-edition prints are signed and numbered and printed on parchtone paper.

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/kentucky/bowling-green-ky

The prints make wonderful gifts for any occasion--Valentines, birthdays, retirements, etc.

http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/tennessee/henderson-tn

Log onto http://www.villageprints.com/ and try to find the town where you grew up or once lived.