Local woman honored with portrait, highlighting her contributions to local theatre arts

JACKSON, Tenn.– A local woman is honored in a special way with an event showcasing her contributions to the theatre arts in the Hub City.

A portrait was unveiled during a reception at ‘The Ned’ Wednesday afternoon honoring Pat Alford.

According to the city of Jackson’s Facebook page, Alford was employed by the City of Jackson as the first cultural arts director for the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department. In 2000, she became the director of ‘The Ned’ and is now retired.

We spoke with the artist behind the portrait as well as Pat Alford herself on her reaction to the painting.

“A lot of people contributed photographs to compile an image that I wanted to portray. It’s an oil painting and we wanted to really focus on the beauty of Pat and the light and her elegance and also her love for the arts,” said Wanda Stanfill, the portrait’s artist.

“It was the most exciting day I can remember in a long time. Seeing people from the past. It was an honor to have so many come out and some from a little further away,” said Pat Alford, the portrait honoree.

The portrait of Pat Alford will be on display in the gallery of ‘The Ned’.

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