An artist, a teacher, a lover of all things beautiful...
About
Nona Frances Bunn Hodge (B:1892 - D:1980), born in Bristol, Tennessee, received a Degree in Art from Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia. She completed a year of post graduate work at Sullins College as well as two years of post graduate work at Columbia University in New York. Further, she completed graduate art study at Parsons School of Fine & Applied Art, Franklin's Professional Art School in New York, McDowell's School of Design in New York, George Peabody School in Nashville, the Chicago Art Institute, the Ringling Brothers School of Fine Art, the Metropolitan Museum School in New York, and the Sir John Soan's School in London, England. Nona also studied abroad both independently and in affiliation with Parsons School of Fine & Applied Arts - Paris. She traved extensively in Italy, England, France, Switzerland and Germany doing freelance painting and study, and with permissions from the top museums in each country, conducted in depth studies of masterworks.
While in London, Nona took a course in Interior Decoration at the Victoria & Albert Museum noted for its collection of furniture. Additionally, she studied millinery in Florence, Italy; Paris, France; and New York City. Nona studied with the following artists of national recognition: Charles Woodbury (Art Demonstration Studies - Oqunquit), Eliot O'Hara (Art Demonstration Studies - Goose Rock Beach, ME and Flat Rock), Miss Maud Mason (China Painting), Miss Elanor Barry (Boston Museum of Fine Art), Milo Winter Jr. (Chicago Art Institute), Walter Carl Titze (China Painting), Annie Southern Tardy (China Painting), Albert Heckman (Art Demonstration Studies), David Payne (Art Demonstration Studies), and Wasyl Palijczuk (Art Demonstration Stuides.) Current research is underway to further document noted instructors and courses of study.
Nona mastered a wide variety of art disciplines including but not limited to; painting in oils, watercolors, pastels and charcoal; master of the art of china painting/ceramic arts; speciality in interior design and fashion design (including millinery); advanced discipline in photography; and theatrical stage sets for live productions. She was able to advance the eduction, awareness, and love of art thru her life long career of teaching. In 1917, she joined the staff of Sullins College as the Art Director where she taught for 30 years. In 1933, Nona also joined the staff of King College where she launched in cooperation with the school, the school's first art department. With the addition of the "new art department, under the direction of Mrs. Nona B. Hodge the total enrollment of the college surpassed any previous years school attendance."
​
"After retiring from Sullins College in November 1948, she went on to join the staff at Virginia Intermont College and later the staff of the University of Virginia. During this time, she also conducted many independent art demonstrations/courses in interior decoration, costume design, commercial art, china painting, painting, and craft & tooled leather." She would hold well attended art lectures and exhibitions of works she secured on loan including an exhibit in her studio of works by Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Durer, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Josheea Reynolds, Antoine Watteau, Van Gough, Rockwell Kent, and Jacques Louis David. She also served as judge in many competitions and exhibitions throughout her entire carreer.
Nona painted murals for the theatrical productions at the famous Barter Theatre in Abington, Virginia, which is still in operation today, as well as the Harding School of Ballet. She was commissioned to paint murals, windows, and paintings for various churches in her area. Nona was a charter member of the Southeastern Art Association, the Business & Professional Women's Club, Classic Review Club, Bristol Art Association, and the Movie League of New York. She exhibited her own work extensively holding a one man show in New York City at Parsons in 1941 as well as in her studio and at various art demonstrations she attended. She also curated and organized many student exhibits as well as exhibitions presented on loan. Nona's legacy as an artist and teacher continue on to this day...
