“Walk Where They Walked” at The Farm

Join us on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Mehearg/Fitzpatrick Farm located at 460 Mehearg Road in Wetumpka for the second in a series of events as we explore many of the locations frequented by Kelly Fitzpatrick and other Dixie Colonists.

On Thursday, November 17 the DAC Foundation in conjunction with the Elmore County Art Guild will host a luncheon, plein air painting session and an afternoon of relaxation at the Mehearg/Fitzpatrick Farm. The ECAG will hold there monthly business meeting prior to the luncheon at 11:00 am. The DAC Foundation will provide a light picnic lunch at 12:00 noon. All guests are asked to bring folding chair.

Kelly Fitzpatrick’s grandfather, Alabama’s 11th Governor Benjamin Fitzpatrick, once owned this farm. Upon Governor Fitzpatrick's death, artist John Kelly Fitzpatrick’s father Phillips Fitzpatrick, MD a prominent Wetumpka doctor, inherited the farm.  After doctor Fitzpatrick's death, Wetumpka artist Kelly Fitzpatrick inherited the farm.

The current owner, Tommy Mehearg, fondly remembers stories he was told as child about Kelly Fitzpatrick's numerous trips to the farm. According to Tommy, Kelly would often board the train at Perkin's Gin in Wetumpka and ride out to the farm with his art supplies in tow. At the time Kelly owned the property, Tommy’s grandparents where tenants living in the small country cottage. Once Kelly arrived at the farm, he spent most of the daylight hours painting outdoors and the evening hours visiting with the Mehearg family. After Kelly’s untimely death in 1953, Tommy’s father, Elcie Mehearg purchased the farm at an estate auction. Elcie Mehearg was a longtime Elmore County Commissioner. 

In case of rain, we will reschedule for Thursday, December 1, 2016.

Directions from Wetumpka: Take Highway 14 West, after 3.86 miles and turn right, just before reaching New Home Baptist Church, onto Mehearg Road. If you reach Fitzpatrick Road, you've gone too far.  After driving approximately one-quarter mile the Fitzpatrick/Mehearg Farm is located on the right.

Directions from Elmore: Take Highway 14 East, after 3.86 miles and turn left, just after reaching New Home Baptist Church, onto Mehearg Road. After driving approximately one-quarter mile the Mehearg/Fitzpatrick Farm is located on the right.

To make sure we prepare the proper amount of food, please RSVP.

I will attend the luncheon.