In planning for local show, noted artist makes RHS visit

Rector native Paul Frets discusses some of his artwork with art students at RHS. [Click to enlarge]

Rector native Paul Frets is a success story known to several in town. Frets, an established artist who not only achieved the dream held by many with the creation of his artwork, also is helping others in Rector have the opportunity to reach their own dreams through his work with the Rector Helping Hands Foundation.

Frets recently announced he will display some of his work in a special art show at the Crockett Oil Company building during the always-busy Labor Day weekend.

Not only will the show attract the attention of residents and visitors alike, it also will help raise funds for the Helping Hands Foundation. In fact, Frets will create a special work which will be auctioned off with the funds going directly to Helping Hands.

While planning the art show and visiting with members of the Helping Hands Foundation, Frets also took time out to visit the young artists at Rector High School. He brought a retrospective collection which featured reproductions of some of his acclaimed work as well as a slide show.

"We're very excited to have Mr. Frets visit us and show us some of the work he has done," Rector art teacher Carolyn Caldwell said. "It's not only an opportunity for the students to see the work of a professional artist, but it also lets them know it is possible to make art a career."

Frets not only put his work on display, but also examined some of the students' creations. He talked with the students as a group and also took the time to meet with them individually and offer encouragement and insight.

"First of all, I think it's very important for our young people to have an interest in the arts," Frets said. "It's a culture that has basically been going on since cave painting. If you think about it, art is like a language in itself. It offers a way to communicate, which I think is important for all of us. Art gives us the opportunity to express ourselves when we might not be able to through any other method."

Frets has experience instructing students in the virtues of art. He has spent 37 years teaching at different levels from Rector Elementary to Radford University in Virginia.

"For me, teaching art seemed like a natural progression," Frets said. "It's something that I enjoy and want to share with others. When you're passionate about something, discussing it with others and working with them just comes naturally."